Merve Cura - 15

The diagrams below show the development of the horse over a period of 40 million years.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The given diagrams illustrate the evolution of the horse, starting from the structure that it had 40 million years ago to its today's modern appearance. Overall, it can be seen that horse's body shape became more muscular and larger, and at the same time its foot structure became stronger.

The first illustration provides a drawing of Eohippus, the modern horse's ancestor belonging to 40 million years ago. This animal had a small body with a tiny tail and paw-shaped hooves. Each hoof consisted 4 finger-like structure. After 10 million years, Eohippus evolved to Mesohippus. Mesohippus' body was larger than Eohippus' and its hoof had some particular changes. The two front finger-like structures were united to form a stronger hoof.

Merychippus's appearance was similar to the modern horse's look. It had a large, muscular body, long tail, and strong hoof. Over 15 million years, a new feature, the existance of mane, evolved in this animal that was not seen in its ancestors. After the second 15 million years, the horse had its modern, gorgeous appearance with longer legs, longer mane, tail, and stronger hooves. During this 40 million-year period, this organ lost its multi-finger-like shape and turned into a single unit.