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Multiple Choice
Horses evolved from a foot-tall, swamp-dwelling, four-toed, dawn horse called the __________.
A
Eohippus
B
Equus
C
Mesohippus
D
Pliohippus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the question. It is asking about the evolutionary history of horses, specifically the earliest ancestor mentioned in the options provided.
Step 2: Recall that the evolution of horses is a well-documented process, starting with a small, swamp-dwelling ancestor. The earliest known ancestor is often referred to as the 'dawn horse.'
Step 3: Review the options provided: Eohippus, Equus, Mesohippus, and Pliohippus. Note that Equus is the genus of modern horses, while Mesohippus and Pliohippus are later evolutionary stages.
Step 4: Focus on the term 'dawn horse,' which is commonly associated with Eohippus. Eohippus is the scientific name for the earliest ancestor of horses, fitting the description in the question.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is Eohippus, as it matches the description of a foot-tall, swamp-dwelling, four-toed ancestor of modern horses.