Notochoerus
| Notochoerus Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
| |
| The extant warthog (left) in comparison with the extinct Metridiochoerus andrewsi (centre) and Notochoerus eulius (right) | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Family: | Suidae |
| Subfamily: | †Tetraconodontinae |
| Genus: | †Notochoerus |
| Species | |
| |
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.
Palaeoecology
Notochoerus is believed to have been specialised for arid environments and fed on abrasive vegetation, and some researchers attribute this supposed overspecialisation to have caused the Notochoerus to be maladapted for more variable environments.[4]
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ Evolving Eden By Alan Turner and Mauricio Anton
- ^ Cranium: Tijdschrift Van de Werkgroep Pleistocene Zoogdieren. Volumes 22-23. Het Werkgroep. 2005. p. 28. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ Rannikko, Janina; Žliobaitė, Indrė; Fortelius, Mikael (1 December 2017). "Relative abundances and palaeoecology of four suid genera in the Turkana Basin, Kenya, during the late Miocene to Pleistocene". Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology. 487: 187–193. doi:10.1016/j.palaeo.2017.08.033. hdl:10852/65200. Retrieved 1 February 2025 – via Elsevier Science Direct.