Description
- Hesperocyon gregarius Canid Tooth
- Oligocene (25 Million Years Old)
- Orella Member, Brule Formation
- Dawes County, Nebraska
- Specimen measures approx. 3/16″ wide and will come in a 1.25″ Gem Jar
In overall form and proportions Hesperocyon wasn’t much like a dog as we know them today,†‬but it has still been confirmed to be one of the first canids to appear on the landscape.†‬The key identifying feature is the ear structure within the skull which is enclosed by bone rather than cartiladge.â€Â ‬Hesperocyon also has a total of forty-two teeth,†‬two less than the forty-four standard that are seen more primitive mammalian forms.†‬Tooth reduction is an on-going character trait within the Carnivora with†‬continuing advancements and specialisations resulting in much lower tooth counts like those seen in carnivoran mammals today.â€Â ‬Hesperocyon also has the characteristic carnassial teeth†(‬specialised meat shearing teethâ€) ‬that are common features in the mouths of the members of the Carnivora.†‬Like with most modern dogs,â€Â ‬Hesperocyon was probably primarily a carnivore,†‬but may have also included occasionally plants,†‬especially seasonal fruits and vegetables that had fallen to the ground into its diet.
