Mesohippus teeth, Nebraska

[BFLADY]

Hi Fruitbat:

Hopefully, these are two Mesohippus teeth which I would like you to ID.

Is A a molar of the Maxilla?

Is B a premolar & is so is it from maxilla or mandible?

Or am I all wrong? I have used your photos but just want to check.

Thanks,

Ann

[JohnJ]

@Fruitbat

[Fruitbat]

The roughly rectangular outline of the specimen in the first picture (I'm assuming that's Picture A) suggests a lower cheek tooth.  The specimen in the second picture is a bit more difficult.  It reminds me more of an oreodont tooth than it does a Mesohippus tooth.  In Mesohippus (and virtually all later horses) all of the premolars are 'molariform', which means that they resemble molars.  

 

-Joe