# data[].attributes.body
Horses have undergone significant
evolutionary changes over millions of years,
transitioning from small, multi-toed forest
dwellers to large, single-hoofed grazers. Their
evolution is well-documented through fossil
evidence, showing adaptations to changing
environments.

# data[].attributes.body
How it has changed - Over time the animal got bigger in height & the feet have been losing their toes

Why the changes helped - They got taller so they could spot predators in the grass while grazing with their heads in the ground & they got rid of the toes because it added weight

Environmental Changes - Due to the climate forests changed into grasslands so the horses needed to adapt to the new food, environment, ect.

# data[].attributes.body
Eohippus (Hyracotherium) (55-50
million years ago): A small, dog-sized
herbivore with four toes on the front
feet and three on the back, adapted
for forested environments.
● Mesohippus (37-30 million years
ago): Larger in size, with three toes on
each foot, better adapted for running
in open spaces.
● Merychippus (17 million years ago):
Developed a larger body, longer legs,
and a more prominent middle toe,
indicating a shift to grassland habitats.
● Pliohippus (5 million years ago): The
first true single-toed horse, resembling

# data[].attributes.headline
Hyracotherium (1st Evolution/50 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.subject
Hyracotherium (1st Evolution/50 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.body
Looks - Primitive short face, a short tooth gap, 4 toes, back legs longer than front

Function - The back legs were longer than the front legs to run away from predators, teeth to eat leaves, ect.

How it has changed - Over time the animal got bigger in height & the feet have been losing their toes

# data[].attributes.headline
Mesohippus (2nd evolution/35 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.subject
Mesohippus (2nd evolution/35 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.body
Looks - As big as a sheep, had 3 toes, teeth evolved, longer legs

Function - Legs were able to move faster, teeth were able to sheer leaves,

How it changed - Over time it got a bigger brain & legs

# data[].attributes.headline
Merychippus (3rd evolution/15 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.subject
Merychippus (3rd evolution/15 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.body
Looks - Long face & legs, high-crowned cheek

Function - High-crowned cheek to graze, longs legs helped to escape predators

How it has changed - Got rid of the three toes for one which is the modern day horse's hoove

# data[].attributes.body
American Museum of Natural History

Britannica

Google

# data[].attributes.headline
Pliohippus (4th evolution/8 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.subject
Pliohippus (4th evolution/8 million years ago)

# data[].attributes.body
Looks - Two extra long toes, deep facial hollow, curved teeth

Function - Teeth for grazing, toes for running

How it changed - Two toes to a hove

# data[].attributes.body
Looks - Large and long heads with eyes facing sideways

Function - Eyes constantly adjusts the amount of light it lets in and focuses on objects near and far,

How it chnaged - Increase in size, reduction in the number of hooves, loss of the footpads, lengthening of the legs, fusion of the independent bones of the lower legs, elongation of the muzzle, increase in the size and complexity of the brain