Marina Centaur (Pacific Marina) by Dylan613, literature
Literature
Marina Centaur (Pacific Marina)
Marina Centaur (Moropus accidentalis)
Order: Perissodactyla
Family: Gravel beasts (Chalicotheriidae)
Habitat: Tropical, subtropical, and temperate forests throughout southeastern, southern, southwestern, and western Pacific Marina.
The Marina centaur (Moropus accidentalis) is a species of unique perissodactyl mammal native to Pacific Marina, having descended from the long-extinct species of Moropus that made it to the island, possibly by swimming or by rafting on large logs or other vegetation.
Like other chalicotheres, they differ from their non-chalicothere relatives in having large claws, rather than hooves, on the front feet; these claws are used for both defense and for digging and pulling for food. The Marina centaur stands about 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall at the shoulder. The three highly compressed claw-like hooves on each foot are split down the middle. The genus name Moropus translates to "slow (or sloth) foot", as it is a clumsy mover. However the articulation of the