Grandicornis

Grandicornis is a genus of extinct mammals that lived during the Miocene epoch. These animals were part of the order Perissodactyla, which also includes modern horses, rhinoceroses, and tapirs. Fossil evidence suggests that Grandicornis was a rhinoceros-like creature, likely possessing a horn or horns on its snout, though the exact number and size are debated among paleontologists. Its diet is believed to have consisted of vegetation, with its teeth showing adaptations for grinding tough plant matter.

The remains of Grandicornis have been found in various locations, primarily in North America. These fossils provide insights into the paleoenvironment of the Miocene, indicating a landscape that supported large herbivores. The evolutionary relationships of Grandicornis are still being studied, but it is generally considered to be within the rhinocerotoid superfamily. Its extinction is likely attributed to environmental changes that occurred at the end of the Miocene, possibly including shifts in climate and vegetation that made its specialized diet unsustainable. The discovery of Grandicornis fossils contributes to our understanding of the diversity and evolution of rhinoceros ancestors.