Prehistoric rhinoceros6/19/2023 ![]() Extensive comparisons with all other Coelodonta species, and with extant rhinoceroses, indicate that the new specimens are much more similar to the true woolly rhino Coelodonta antiquitatis than to any other taxon. The newly discovered juvenile skull of Coelodonta nihowanensis from Shanshenmiaozui represents the only known complete juvenile skull of an early member of Coelodonta, and therefore has great significance for understanding the development and evolution of the genus. They also fall within the range of variation seen in late Pleistocene Coelodonta antiquitatis, but are distinct from this species in having developed cingula, relatively low-crowned teeth either with or without very thin cement on the surface, vestigial lower incisors, less backward-curved protolophs, and more slender limb bones. A new study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Harvard reveals details about a newly discovered species of giant rhinos (Paraceratherium linxiaense) that lived in the Tibetan plateau region during the Oligocene Epoch, approximately 26.5 million years ago. On the basis of both qualitative morphological characters and osteometric measurements, the new specimens can be provisionally referred to the species Coelodonta nihowanensis. If a prehistoric rhino roamed the world today, it would be heavier than an elephant and taller than a giraffe. ![]() All of the cranial and mandibular specimens belong to individuals around 1.5 years old. Shanshenmiaozui in the Nihewan Basin of China is the locality that has produced the richest sample of Coelodonta nihowanensis material, including a nearly complete juvenile skull and mandible as well as various other cranial, mandibular, and postcranial bones. Find Prehistoric Rhinoceros stock images in HD and millions of other royalty-free stock photos, illustrations and vectors in the Shutterstock collection.
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