Notochoerus

Notochoerus
Temporal range: Miocene–Pliocene
The extant warthog (left) in comparison with the extinct Metridiochoerus andrewsi (centre) and Notochoerus eulius (right)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Suidae
Subfamily: †Tetraconodontinae
Genus: †Notochoerus
Species
  • N. capensis
  • N. clarki
  • N. euilus
  • N. scotti

Notochoerus is an extinct genus of very large pigs from the subfamily Tetraconodontinae. Fossils have been found in Africa, notably Uganda and Ethiopia.[1]

Description

Notochoerus were among the largest pigs ever, with adults weighing up to 450 kg (990 lb).[2][3] These pigs were likely derived from the genus Nyanzachoerus. Like other tetraconodontine pigs, the males had ornamental growths on their skulls, formed from enamel.

References

  1. ^ White, Tim D.; Suwa, Gen (2004). "A new species of Notochoerus (Artiodactyla, Suidae) from the Pliocene of Ethiopia". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 24 (2): 474–480. Bibcode:2004JVPal..24..474W. doi:10.1671/2499.
  2. ^ Evolving Eden By Alan Turner and Mauricio Anton
  3. ^ Cranium: Tijdschrift Van de Werkgroep Pleistocene Zoogdieren. Volumes 22-23. Het Werkgroep. 2005. p. 28. Retrieved 31 August 2022.