Aceratheriidae

Aceratheriidae is an extinct family of rhinoceroses that lived from the Oligocene to the Miocene epochs. These mammals were distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are characterized by the absence of horns on their skulls, a feature that distinguishes them from many other rhinoceros lineages. The family includes several genera, such as Aceratherium, Alicemys, and Aphelops, each with its own distinct morphological traits and geographical range.

Fossil evidence suggests that aceratheriids were herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant material. Their teeth were adapted for grinding vegetation, and their robust build indicates they were capable of consuming coarse browse. The size of aceratheriids varied, with some species being relatively small, comparable to modern deer, while others were much larger, approaching the size of a modern white rhinoceros. The evolutionary history of Aceratheriidae shows a diversification and subsequent decline, with the family eventually going extinct. The exact causes of their extinction are not fully understood but likely involve environmental changes and competition with other herbivore groups. Their fossil record provides valuable insights into the mammalian faunas of the Cenozoic era and the evolutionary pathways within the Rhinocerotidae family.