Extinct Dwarf Pronghorn (Capromeryx minor) Fact Sheet: Behavior & Ecology

Because direct observation of a fossil animal's behavior isn't possible, paleontologists use comparison and contrast with living animals for guidance. Tracks can sometimes reveal further clues to behavior. At a fossil site, the mix of plant and animal species gives clues to the ecosystem of that time and place.

• Highly adapted for running
  • The living Pronghorn who share a common ancestor with C. minor are the fastest animals in North America.

Social groups

• Some authors argue for a gregarious herding lifestyle, similar to that of modern gazelle and Pronghorn, for members of the Capromeryx genus (Janis and Manning 1998)
  • But the extrememly small size of C. minor may imply small groups living a discrete lifestyle (Davis 2007)
• Many members of the family are part-time territorial (Jarman 1974; Janis and Manning 1998)
  • Males defend resource-based territories.

• Dwarf pronghorn informally known as "everybody's lunch" (Davis 2007), meaning it was prey for many other animals

Davis (2007)
Janis and Manning (1998)
Jarman (1974)