The humerus of a merycoidodontid oreodont
The humerus of a merycoidodontid oreodont. The distal end is toward the left and the proximal end is toward the right. The humeral head has been damaged, however the distal end, which forms a joint like our elbow, remains intact. (Photo © Rachel Narducci)

This Fossil Friday I’m presenting an oreodont humerus that was prepared by PCP PIRE preparator Rachel Narducci.

This specimen was found by former PCP PIRE field intern Zach Leisure on October 9th, 2013 at the Hodges Hill site of the Cucaracha Formation. Oreodonts, which comprises the families Merycoidodontidae and Agriochoeridae, are a group of artiodactyls that have gone extinct. This particular specimen belongs to the family Merycoidodontidae.

If you would like to find out how this specimen went from field jacket to the museum collection, be sure to check out the fossil preparation photo essay written by Rachel Narducci for the May 2015 eNewsletter!