Tomarctus

Tomarctus is a genus of borophagine canid which inhabited most of North America during the late Early Miocene to the Early Barstovian age of the Middle Miocene (23—16 million years ago). == Description ==

=== Crania === Similar to other borophagines, Tomarctus had a short, robust skull. The muzzle especially was short and broad, though not as broad as the related Borophagus. The saggital and lambdoidal crests of Tomarctus are enlarged, indicating strong jaw muscles. The teeth are highly specialized for crushing and shearing, with the teeth and dentary portion of the mandible being robust. A widened forehead and more complex sinus morphology can distinguish Tomarctus from Protomarctus. The premolars are enlarged. Endocranial casts of Tomarctus have been found, with the inferred shape of the brain being similar to modern canids. thumb|left|Reconstruction of Tomarctus brevirostris