Evolution of the Horse Quick Check

Answer 1

1. Why are the earliest known ancestors of modern horses small in size?

The earliest known ancestors of modern horses were small in size because they lived in dense forests that required agility and smaller body size for navigating through trees and undergrowth.

2. How did the climate change during the evolution of the horse impact their evolution?

The climate change during the evolution of the horse led to changes in vegetation, with forests being replaced by grasslands. This change in habitat favored the evolution of larger, faster horses that were better adapted to running on open plains.

3. What are some key physical adaptations that allowed horses to become effective runners and survive in their environment?

Some key physical adaptations that allowed horses to become effective runners and survive in their environment include their long limbs, elongated heads, teeth adapted for grazing on grass, and a single hoof that evolved for fast running on open grasslands.

4. How did the domestication of horses by humans impact their evolution and role in society?

The domestication of horses by humans led to selective breeding for specific traits, resulting in the development of different breeds for various purposes such as riding, racing, and agriculture. Horses played a crucial role in transportation, communication, and warfare, greatly influencing human societies and civilizations.