Scientists share the fascinating journey that transformed horses from multi-toed ancestors to the sleek, single-toed creatures we admire today.
To unravel this evolutionary mystery, the international researchers carefully examined hoof prints and foot bones from living horses and fossil records. Their findings strongly support the notion that the lost toes have vanished completely rather than being somehow retained within the hooves, as proposed by a recent paper.from the University of Bristol’s School of Earth Sciences explains, “In later fossil horses, there were only three toes at the front and back.
Lead author Professor Alan Vincelette of St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, further clarifies, “Although the previous 2018 paper suggested that remnants of the side digits were retained within the hoof, our research demonstrates that the lower portions, or toes, have been lost over time.”The study also discredits the idea that the side toes contribute to the frog, a triangular structure on the sole of the hoof that acts as a shock absorber.
Professor Christine Janis comments, “While the notion that modern horses have retained all of their original toes as within-hoof remnants are appealing, it can be shown to be incorrect.” Professor Vincelette adds, “The frog of the horse's hoof evolved independently of the side toes as a unique structure providing shock absorption and traction during locomotion.”In addition to settling the toe debate, the researchers discovered another intriguing difference between one-toed and three-toed horses. The feet of modern one-toed horses have a rounder shape compared to the oval shape of the main toe in their three-toed ancestors.
This brings us one step closer to understanding the remarkable journey of horse evolution. The disappearance of their additional toes has transformed these majestic creatures into the graceful, powerful beings we know today. As we delve deeper into the mysteries of the natural world, we uncover the captivating stories hidden within the traces left by our ancient ancestors.
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Why scientists want to banish barnacles from ship hullsBarnacles can really slow a ship down. But the coatings used to keep hulls clean aren't clean for the environment. (via hakaimagazine)
Leer más »
Scientists learn about fatigue resistance of materials from bivalve hingeRecently, flexible and foldable devices have developed at a dramatic rate. More and more foldable devices appear in people's lives. Long-term service requires the folded parts to endure repeated deformation which might cause fatigue damage to the devices. Consequently, the damage will affect the normal function of the devices.
Leer más »
Scientists found evidence of a whole new way for stars to dieA recently-observed gamma-ray burst points to a long-hypothesized but never-before-observed way for large stars to die.
Leer más »
Scientists devised a new way to test Euler's and Einstein's theories togetherMeaning we could gain a better understanding of how these key theories apply to dark matter and the expansion of the universe.
Leer más »
Killer whales are attacking, sinking boats and scientists are unsure whyAggressive orcas are attacking boats in Western Europe and the increase in sightings of this behavior is confusing scientists. The latest in a series of reported incidents happened off the coast of Spain in the Strait of Gibraltar on Thursday.
Leer más »
Why scientists say earthquakes feel powerful after cosmic rays strikeResearchers say they now believe they know more about why cosmic radiation hitting Earth can make our planet shake even more.
Leer más »