Exploring height estimations of past and present Equus from metapodial dimensions

Abstract

Abstract

Methods to estimate withers height, croup height and other body dimensions from skeletal dimensions of Equus should be developed because these dimensions, generally taken from living domestic Equus, are needed in combination with body mass to determine locomotor ability and thermoregulation. In this study, I applied the so-called hybrid approach to height estimation of past and present Equus because there are only few Equus for which heights and skeletal dimensions are available for extant and extinct specimens. First, I performed anatomical reconstructions of shoulder joint, hip joint, croup height, and withers heights of extant Equus representing all extant species. Second, I generated single-predictor regression equations by regressing these four heights against metapodial lengths and two-predictor equations by regressing them against metapodial lengths and distal-breadth–length ratios. Because two-predictor equations outperformed single-predictor ones in samples of extant Equus, I used only two-predictor equations to estimate heights of extinct Equus.