Equus is a genus of odd-toed ungulates in the family Equidae, comprising horses, asses and zebras, and is the only extant genus in that family, with seven living species. Members have slender legs, long heads and necks, manes and long tails, and all are herbivorous grazers with simpler digestive systems than ruminants. The genus originated in North America and dispersed into the Old World and South America during the Pleistocene; wild populations today survive only in Africa and Asia, while the domestic horse and donkey have spread worldwide.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic DistributionWild populations limited to Africa and Asia 1 Defining CharacteristicsAll species herbivorous, mostly grazers 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceOdd-toed ungulates with slender legs, long heads, relatively long necks and manes 1 Sources
1. Wikipedia: Equus (genus)
Lead, first sentence, genus clause
is a genus of mammals in the perissodactyl family Equidae
Lead, second sentence, subject
Equus is the only recognized extant genus
Lead, second sentence, species count
Equus is the only recognized extant genus, comprising seven living species
Lead, sentence on range
wild equine populations are limited to Africa and Asia
Lead, sentence on diet
All species are herbivorous, and mostly grazers
Lead, sentence on body form
Equines are odd-toed ungulates with slender legs, long heads, relatively long necks, manes
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