Question:
In the context of phylogeny of horses, the CORRECT chronological order from old to young is
In the context of phylogeny of horses, the CORRECT chronological order from old to young is
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Mnemonic: “Happy Men Make Excitement” — Hyracotherium → Mesohippus → Merychippus → Equus.
Updated On: Dec 6, 2025
- Hyracotherium, Mesohippus, Merychippus, Equus
- Hyracotherium, Merychippus, Mesohippus, Equus
- Equus, Merychippus, Mesohippus, Hyracotherium
- Merychippus, Equus, Mesohippus, Hyracotherium
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding horse evolution.
The evolution of horses shows a gradual increase in body size, reduction in toes, and development of high-crowned teeth suited for grazing.
Step 2: Sequence.
- Hyracotherium (Eohippus): Earliest horse (Eocene).
- Mesohippus: Oligocene — three-toed form.
- Merychippus: Miocene — development of grazing teeth.
- Equus: Pleistocene to Recent — modern single-toed horse.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct chronological order is Hyracotherium → Mesohippus → Merychippus → Equus.
The evolution of horses shows a gradual increase in body size, reduction in toes, and development of high-crowned teeth suited for grazing.
Step 2: Sequence.
- Hyracotherium (Eohippus): Earliest horse (Eocene).
- Mesohippus: Oligocene — three-toed form.
- Merychippus: Miocene — development of grazing teeth.
- Equus: Pleistocene to Recent — modern single-toed horse.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct chronological order is Hyracotherium → Mesohippus → Merychippus → Equus.
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