The infographic depicts the evolution of the horse over a period of 40 million years.
Overall, the linear modification process encapsulates several stages of development, from the tiny eohippus with distinct physical characteristics, to the modern horse we see today. This linear progression involved gradual change in size, limbs and other particular traits.
In terms of the size transformation, 40 million years ago, the Eohippus exhibited an exceedingly primitive characteristic, encompassing the minuscule body, which resembled a dog and the head was also miniature. Subsequently, the Eohippus transferred into Mesohippus, at which point they became bigger and heavier, followed by some development as they commenced to form a mane, coupled with the enlarged head. 15 million years later, Merychippus grew into Merychippus, which had some substantial shifts in the mane but not obviously, not to mention the greater rump. Once Merychippus had emerged, it evolved continuously and the final version, as well as the modern version as we know today, was the Horse. This evolutionary stage represents a significant advancement in equine development, which include sufficient parts such as: tail, mane with an ideal size and head.
Regarding changes from the toes structure, the Eohippus possessed a four-toed foot, which looked small and thin. These toes had been shortened and reduced to three in the middle evolution stages, called Mesohippus and Merychippus. Particularly, the biggest digits in the middle became bigger and robust, in order to make it easier to run. The ultimate form of a horse’s foot is transformed over time ,and then, its toes were completely superseded by a single hoof.