During which geological epoch did *Epicyon haydeni* exist as a giant among canids?
Answer
Miocene epoch
*Epicyon haydeni* was a dominant creature during the Miocene epoch, a critical time in mammalian evolution in North America. Its existence during this period establishes a significant benchmark in the evolutionary history of dogs, preceding the widespread appearance of the *Canis* genus. The Miocene represents a phase in canid evolution where adaptations favoring massive size and specialized crushing power were highly successful evolutionary experiments, before later pressures favored different traits.

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