
Rhinoceros, Extant Cenozoic Mammal

by Science Source
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Rhinoceros, Extant Cenozoic Mammal
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Science Source
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Rhinoceros is a group of five extant species of knee-less, odd-toed ungulates in the family Rhinocerotidae. Two of these species are native to Africa and three to southern Asia. The rhinoceros family is characterized by its large size (one of the largest remaining megafauna), with all of the species able to reach one ton or more in weight; an herbivorous diet; a thick protective skin, formed from layers of collagen positioned in a lattice structure; relatively small brains for mammals this size and a large horn. This animal first appeared during Cenozoic era, the most recent era of geologic time, from about 65 million years ago to the present. The Cenozoic Era is characterized by the formation of modern continents and the diversification of mammals and plants. Grasses also evolved during the Cenozoic. The climate was warm and tropical toward the beginning of the era and cooled significantly in the second half, leading to several ice ages. Humans first appeared near the end of this era.
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March 7th, 2013
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