Cynarctoides is an extinct genus of the Borophaginae subfamily of canids endemic to North America. It lived from the Early Oligocene to the Middle Miocene, 33.3âÂÂ13.6 Mya, existing for approximately . Seven species are currently recognised, all of which are estimated to have weighed no more than .
Description
The genus had an unusual dentition that implies an omnivorous, or possibly even herbivorous, diet. Its Hunter-Schreger bands were undulating, indicating it was not adapted for durophagy.
Species
- Cynarctoides acridens Barbour & Cook 1914 (syn. Cynarctus mustelinus) - Wyoming, California, New Mexico, Texas, ~20.6âÂÂ16.3 Ma
- Cynarctoides emryi Wang et al. 1999 - Nebraska ~20.6âÂÂ16.3 Ma
- Cynarctoides gawnae Wang et al. 1999 - New Mexico ~20.3âÂÂ5.3 Ma
- Cynarctoides harlowi Loomis 1932 - Wyoming ~24.8âÂÂ20.6 Ma
- Cynarctoides lemur Cope 1879 - Oregon, South Dakota, Florida ~24.8âÂÂ20.6 Ma
- Cynarctoides luskensis Wang et al. 1999 - Wyoming ~24.8âÂÂ20.6 M
- Cynarctoides roii Macdonald 1963 - South Dakota, Nebraska ~30.8âÂÂ26.3 Ma
Fossil evidence suggests that C. lemur migrated to the east and southeast over time becoming extinct in the northwest followed by the upper Great Plains and then the southeast.
References
- Martin, L.D. 1989. Fossil history of the terrestrial carnivora. Pages 536 - 568 in J.L. Gittleman, editor. Carnivore Behavior, Ecology, and Evolution, Vol. 1. Comstock Publishing Associates: Ithaca.
- Tedford, R.H. 1978. History of dogs and cats: A view from the fossil record. Pages 1 â 10 in Nutrition and Management of Dogs and Cats. Ralston Purina Co.: St. Louis.
- Fossilworks - Cynarctoides