7.6" Partial Oreodont (Merycoidodon) Upper Skull - South Dakota

Partial Oreodont (Merycoidodon) Upper Skull - South Dakota #342182

This is a 7.6" long, partial upper skull of an oreodont (Merycoidodon culbertsoni). It was collected from the White River Formation in South Dakota and would be approximately 30-35 million years old. All of the teeth are natural and most appear to be complete.

There is a repaired crack running through the middle of the skull. This specimen could make for a fun preparation project as there is a significant amount of rock still attached. Comes with a display stand to assist with presentation.

Artist's reconstruction of Merycoidodon. By Nobu Tamura (http://spinops.blogspot.com) Creative Commons License

Oreodonts are an extinct mammal most closely related to camels and pigs. They have no close relatives living today. They were herbivorous, with short faces and fang-like canine teeth. About the size of a sheep, they roamed the plains of North America in huge numbers during the Oligocene period.

SPECIES

Merycoidodon culbertsoni

AGE

Oligocene (30 - 35 Million Years)