how many toes do animals have
Today's horse is the product of millions of years of evolution, especially in the toe department. The oldest equines had five digits, and as the species evolved horses gradually dropped their digit number down to four, three, and then just one. Like their ancient ancestors, modern horses have the genes for five toes. But by the time theyâre born, today's equids are down to one toe per footâthe hoof. So where do the extra toes go? Recent research results suggest that, while modern horses are still partially âprogrammedâ to create five toes in each foot, those four extra toes either don't develop fully or essentially disappear during fetal development.