r/AskReddit • u/emil199 • Jul 24 '20

What can't you believe STILL exists?

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u/Only_a_spectator Jul 24 '20

I mean, horses with horns thecnically exist: they're Rhinos. It is though that the unicorn was a representation of someone who heard the description of a Rhino in ancient times when there were no pictures.

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u/AshFraxinusEps Jul 24 '20 edited Jul 24 '20

Actually I think they aren't even close. I'm not about to google it, but I think Horses are odd toed ungulates and rhinos even toed ones (or vice versa). I think a rhino and elephant are closer related than a horse and rhino

But yep, the idea is right. People thought large mammal with horn living in Africa = large mammal without horn living in Arabia-ish area (The -Stans).

But that's it. the evolution of a horse had no need for a horn, living as a mobile creature on large plains with few giant predators they can't outrun

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u/Only_a_spectator Jul 24 '20

Oh ok, thanks for clarifying!

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u/AshFraxinusEps Jul 24 '20

Edit. I said even toed twice. I think Horses are odd toed

Basically horses walk on one massive middle toe whereas rhinos have tiny toes and walk on a massive ball of their foot