Megalocerines

Megalocerines were a diverse group of large, herbivorous mammals that lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago. They are known for their large size and robust build, with some species reaching up to 3 meters in height at the shoulder. Megalocerines are part of the order Perissodactyla, which also includes modern horses and rhinos.

The term "megalocerine" comes from the Greek words "megalos" meaning large and "keras" meaning horn. This reflects their distinctive feature of having a single, large horn on their snout. This horn was likely used for defense and for competing with other males for access to mates.

Megalocerines had a wide distribution, inhabiting various environments from forests to grasslands. They were adapted to different diets, with some species being browsers and others being grazers. Their teeth were well-suited to their respective diets, with some having large, flat molars for grinding plant material.

The fossil record of megalocerines is extensive, with numerous species described from various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Some of the most well-known megalocerines include Indricotherium, a giant browser from Asia, and Megaloceros, a large grazer from Europe and Asia.

Despite their large size and diverse adaptations, megalocerines went extinct at the end of the Pleistocene epoch, around 11,700 years ago. The exact cause of their extinction is not known, but it is likely related to a combination of factors including climate change and human activity. Today, megalocerines are known primarily from their fossil remains, providing valuable insights into the evolution of large herbivores.