Question

Which one of the following equid genera was a one-toed grazer?

• A. Merychippus 
• B. Parahippus 
• C. Pliohippus 
• D. Mesohippus 

Hint:

Pliohippus is one of the key evolutionary steps towards the modern single-toed horses we know today.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The equids (members of the horse family) evolved from multi-toed ancestors to modern one-toed species. Among the options:
- Merychippus (A) was an early equid that had three toes and is considered an ancestor of modern horses. - Parahippus (B) also had three toes, although it is an important genus in understanding the evolution towards single-toed grazers. - Pliohippus (C) is the correct answer, as it is considered the first true one-toed grazer in the evolutionary lineage of horses. - Mesohippus (D) was another multi-toed equid, which lived before Merychippus.
Thus, Pliohippus (C) is the correct genus known for being a one-toed grazer.