Synthetoceras

Synthetoceras is an extinct genus of large protoceratid that was endemic to North America during the Late Miocene (12.5-4.7 million years ago), existing for approximately 7.8 million years. Fossils have been recovered from Nebraska and Texas.^[1] Two species have been described: S. tricornatus (the type species) and S. davisorum.

Synthetoceras Temporal range: Late Miocene (Hemphillian) 12.5–4.7 Ma PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Skull of S. tricornatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Artiodactyla
Family:	†Protoceratidae
Genus:	†Synthetoceras Stirton, 1932
Type species
†Synthetoceras tricornatus Stirton, 1932
Species
†S. tricornatus Stirton, 1932 †S. davisorum Hulbert & Whitmore 2006

Description

Life restoration of S. tricornatus

With a length of 2 m (6.6 ft) and a mass of 150–200 kg (330–440 lb), Synthetoceras was the largest member of its family.^[2][3] It was also the last, and had what is considered to be the protoceratids' strangest set of horns.^[4] The two horns above its eyes looked fairly normal and similar to those of many modern horned mammals, but on its snout it had a bizarre, long horn with a forked tip that gave it a Y-shape. Only males had this strange horn, and they probably used it in territorial fights.^[2]