Indian fossils shed light on the origin of horses, rhinos, tapirs
Context: The researchers believe the group likely evolved in isolation in or near India 66-56 million years ago, before dispersing to other continents when the land connection with Asia formed.
- Scientists have assessed over 350 fossils of hoofed mammals — a group that includes horses, rhinos, and tapirs — and suggest that they may have originated in or near present day India.
- In the research, the scientists, unearthed a sheep-sized animal with moderate running ability belonging to the now-extinct genus of mammals called Cambaytherium.
- They said the animal possessed features that were intermediate between specialised hoofed mammals and their more generalised forerunners.
- Comparing its bones with many other living and extinct mammals, revealed that this group of animals represents an evolutionary stage more primitive than any known hoofed mammal.
- The findings support origin for the group in or near India, which they believe was an island continent during this time period, drifting northwards and later colliding with the continent of Asia to form a continuous landmass.
- They believe the group likely evolved in isolation in or near India 66-56 million years ago, before dispersing to other continents when the land connection with Asia formed.
- The researchers explored India for rare fossil-bearing rocks of the correct age that might provide critical evidence for the origin of these groups of mammals.
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