Parahippus

Parahippus was a genus of extinct horses that lived during the early Miocene epoch. It is considered an intermediate form between the genera Miohippus and Merychippus.1

Parahippus had three digits on each foot. This genus marked a significant evolutionary step as its teeth became adapted for grazing on grasses, a departure from the browsing diet of earlier horse ancestors. The widespread availability of grasses on the North American plains provided a new food source that drove this adaptation. The evolution of Parahippus and its descendants led to the development of high-crowned teeth capable of grinding tough grass, a crucial adaptation for survival.12