Equids evolved from small mammals which inhabited America and Eurasia, 55 millions years ago. Climate changes of the Miocene 30 millions years ago created vast grassy plains. These small mammals, looking like a Tapir with the size of a fox, adapted to this new environment and sired the Equid family (whose only genus is Equus) 3,5 millions years ago. They hence developed the characteristics below that we can observe today:
© C. Feh
1 - Eyes
Located at the back of the skull, they allow equids to have a wild field of vision.
2 - Ears
They are raised and can be oriented to locate a noise source.
3 - Mane
It covers the whole top of the neck and is always raised in the wild species
4 - Tail
It is made of long hair.
5 - Legs
They are long and thin and adapted to running. Weight of the body is supported by the third finger of each limb.
6 - Hoof
Horned element that protects the last phalange from the bumps of the ground. Equids are ungulates.
7 - Teeth
Incisors cut the vegetation and molars grind it. Equids are herbivores. Wear generated by mastication is compensated by their sliding motion.