aurochs

Also known as aurochsen

The aurochs (Bos primigenius; or ; pl.: aurochs or aurochsen; also ure or urus) is an extinct species of bovine, considered to be the wild ancestor of modern domestic cattle. With a shoulder height of up to in bulls and in cows, it was one of the largest herbivores in the Holocene; it had massive elongated and broad horns that reached in length.

AI overview

The aurochs was a massive extinct wild cattle species that is believed to be the ancestor of modern domestic cattle, characterized by its enormous size and distinctively large, broad horns. It matters because understanding this species helps us understand the origins of one of humanity's most important domesticated animals and the biodiversity that existed in recent human history.

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Wikidata facts

Mass: 1500
Image: Copenhagen Aurochse.jpg
Height: 1.9

Show 8 more facts

taxon name: Bos primigenius
Commons category: Bos primigenius
Commons gallery: Bos primigenius
taxon common name: tur
extinction date: 1627-00-00
start time: 2000000-00
end time: 1627-00-00
short name: B. primigenius

Sources (8)

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~32 min read

Article

22 sections

Contents

Etymology
Taxonomy and evolution
Subspecies
Evolution
Description
Coat colour{{anchor|Coat colour}}
Body shape
Size
Horns
Genetics
Distribution and habitat
Behaviour and ecology
Relationship with humans
In Asia
In Africa
In Europe
Domestication
Extinction
Breeding of aurochs-like cattle
See also
References
External links

The aurochs was part of the Pleistocene megafauna. It probably evolved in Asia and migrated west and north during warm interglacial periods. The oldest-known aurochs fossils date to the Middle Pleistocene. The species had an expansive range spanning from Western Europe and North Africa to the Indian subcontinent and East Asia. The distribution of the aurochs progressively contracted during the Holocene due to habitat loss and hunting. The last known fossil remains were found in Bulgaria that date to the late 17th or early 18th century.