Wayside: Horse

Mesohippus is an ancestor of the modern-day horse.

NPS Photo / Serena Rosales

Quick Facts

Location:

Interior, SD

Significance:

Mesohippus is one of the ancestors of the modern-day horse. They are an example of creatures who adapted to a changing climate.

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Tactile Exhibit

Off to the Races
 

Horses have adapted in North America over millions of years. As woodlands changed to grasslands, the dog-sized primitive horses gradually evolved into the lineage that led to modern-day horse. 

Mesohippus was the first three-toed horse; ancestors to earlier horses had five toes. This is one of the adaptations allowing Mesohippus to have a greater chance of survival on open shrublands.