Extinct genus of mammals
Merycodus is an extinct genus of the artiodactyl family Antilocapridae. Fossils of this genus have been found in the Santa Fe Group of New Mexico.
Taxonomy.
"Merycodus" has had a confusing taxonomic history. The closely related "Meryceros" and "Submeryceros" are generally regarded as synonymous with "Merycodus". One described species known as "Merycodus grandis" has now been reclassified as a species of "Prosynthetoceras". Another former species, "M. furcatus" is now placed in "Cosoryx".
Description.
"Merycodus" had relatively short horn shafts with tines of nearly equal size that were about as long as the shaft. Species traditionally included in "Meryceros" had horns that were generally larger and more laterally compressed.