Notochoerus Temporal range:
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The extant warthog (left) in comparison with the extinct Metridiochoerus andrewsi (centre) and Notochoerus eulius (right) | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Artiodactyla |
Family: | Suidae |
Subfamily: | †Tetraconodontinae |
Genus: | †Notochoerus |
Species | |
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Notochoerus is an extinct genus of very large pigs from the subfamily Tetraconodontinae. Fossils have been found in Africa, notably Uganda and Ethiopia.[1]
Notochoerus were among the largest pigs ever, with adults weighing up to 450 kg (990 lb).[2][3] These pigs were likely derived from the genus Nyanzachoerus. Like other tetraconodontine pigs, the males had ornamental growths on their skulls, formed from enamel.