There is growing interest in Nannippus, either because of its impact on society or because of its relevance in the scientific field. For decades, Nannippus has captured the attention of academics, professionals and the general public due to its importance in various aspects of daily life. In this article we will explore different facets of Nannippus, from its origin and evolution to its influence today. We will analyze how Nannippus has shaped the world we live in and what perspectives open up around this topic. In addition, we will examine the ethical and moral implications that Nannippus can raise, without neglecting the advances that have been achieved in this field.
Nannippus is an extinct genus of three-toed horse endemic to North America during the Miocene through Pleistocene, about 13.3—1.8 million years ago (Mya), living around 11.5 million years. This ancient species of three-toed horse grew up to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) and weighed between 165 pounds to 199 pounds, which was around the same size as a domestic sheep.
Nannippus lived as far south as central Mexico (N. peninsulatus) to as far north as Canada (N. lenticularis), to California in the west, and North Carolina (N. lenticularis) and Florida (N. peninsulatus) in the east. Unlike its relatives, Nannippus, as well as all other three-toed horses endemic to North America, were browsers and mixed feeders that had diets consisting of C3 plants.
Species
N. aztecus Mooser, 1968. Widespread in Florida and also found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Chihuahua, became extinct 11.2—5.7 Mya.
N. beckensis Dalquest and Donovan, 1973 found in Texas only and became extinct about 3.4 Mya.
^E. H. Sellards. 1916. Fossil vertebrates from Florida: A new Miocene fauna; new Pliocene species; the Pleistocene fauna. Florida State Geological Survey Annual Report 8:79-119
^W. W. Dalquest and T. J. Donovan (1973). "A new three-toed horse (Nannippus) from the late Pliocene of Scurry County, Texas". Journal of Paleontology. 47 (1): 34–45.