Final answer:
Fossil records provide evidence of the evolution from the Hyracotherium to the modern horse, highlighting adaptations in anatomy and dentition due to changing habitats.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Evolution of Horses Through Fossil Records:
The fossil record provides substantial evidence for the evolution of horses over millions of years. From the early Hyracotherium to the modern horse, fossils depict a sequence of species with transitional features. The Hyracotherium, which lived approximately 55 million years ago, possessed characteristics such as being a hooved herbivore, similar to modern horses. However, it differed greatly in size and foot structure, sporting four toes compared to the single hoofed digit of today's horses.
As the climate transitioned from forested areas to prairies, the horses' anatomy evolved to adapt to these changing habitats. Fossils of later species, such as the Mesohippus and Hipparion, show changes in teeth shapes and foot and leg anatomy suitable for grazing and escaping predators. These transformations are evidence of adaptive radiation within the horse lineage, ultimately leading to the genus Equus. The continuous sequence of horse fossils effectively bridges the Hyracotherium and the modern horse, revealing a clear evolutionary path.