The Science of Horses Flashcards
zoological classification of horses
perissodactyla
what are a Perissodactyla characteristics
odd toed
non ruminating
hoofed
why are the horses teeth unique
they are constantly erupting(growing)
what degree of vision do horses have
350
where are the horses blindspots
right in front of their nose and right behind their back
genus for the true horse
equus Caballus
species of Equus
-Equus Asinus: wild ass(donkey)
-Equus Burchelli: common zebra
-Equus Grevyi: imperial zebra
-Equus hemionus: asiatic wild ass
-Equus Zebra: mountain zebra
-Equus prezewalski: Mongolian Wildhorse
evolution of the horse
eohippus–>mesohippus–>merychippus–>phiohippus–>Equus
major trends of equine evolution
-reduced # of toes
-increased cheek teeth size
-lengthened face
-increased body size
prezewalski horse characteristics
-sun coloration
-draft characteristics but shorter
where is the first form of domesticated horses from
steppes region
what is the theory of how did horses get back into North America
Bering land bridge
when did the North American extinction of horses occur
13,000-11,000 years ago
the US is ranked #(?) in the world in terms of number of horses
2
who is ranked number 1 in the world for horse population
South America
what years saw a great decline in the horse population? why?
-the great depression and 2008 recession
-people couldn’t afford to own horses
5 basic coat colors
black
brown
bay
red(sorrel and chestnut)
white
roan gene characteristics
white hair through base coat
-red: red roan
-black: Blue roan
-bay: bay roan
topiano paint horse
white over the back
overo paint horse
color over the back
which paint breed has higher incidents of quarterhorse genestics
overo
palamino characteristics
red base with dilution gene, gold with a light mane
buckskin characteristics
bay with dilution gene, dark points with light body
what is required to be considered Dun
dorsal stripe
dun markings
-cobwebbing
-leg barring
-shoulder shadow
-lower face masks
-ear baring
-ear tips
cremello characteristics
-chestnut + 2 cream genes
-white body and points
perlino characteristics
-bay + 2 cream genes
-light body with “dirty” points
