Discovery of ancient animal with 6 horns shocks the scientific community

Protoceras – a mysterious ungulate with characteristics of a cross between antelope, deer and buffalo – once “ruled” North America during the Oligocene period.

Living about 30 million years ago, Protoceras appeared in the late Oligocene period, before becoming extinct along with many ancient herbivores. Photo: bigcommerce.com.

Not closely related to deer or cows. Despite having horns, Protoceras belongs to the separate group Artiodactyla, not related to deer or cows. Photo: picryl.com.

There are six strange horns. The male has three pairs of small horns growing on the forehead, nose and back of the head, which can be used in fighting. Photo: wikimedia.org.

Similar in size to antelopes. They are about 1 meter tall and weigh 80–100 kg, adapted to dry, low-grass plains. Photo: wikimedia.org.

Feeding on grass and young leaves. Protoceras' teeth suggest they were herbivores, living near water sources. Photo: nexusmods.com.

An intermediate step in the evolution of even-toed ungulates. This species helps scientists better understand the evolution of ruminants. Photo: invaluable.com.

The name means “primitive horn”. The name Protoceras comes from Greek, reflecting the primitive horn characteristic of the species. Photo: picryl.com.

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