New remains of Doedicurini (Cingulata, Glyptodontidae) from the latest Pliocene/earliest Pleistocene of the Pampean Region (Argentina) shed light on the morphological evolution of the caudal tube
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Glyptodonts are probably among the most iconic and enigmatic mammals that ever lived during the Cenozoic of America. One of the main clades, Hoplophorinae, developed since the Miocene a structure unique within mammals, the caudal tube, composed of the union of the distal most caudal rings of the caudal armor. In some taxa, especially in the Late Pleistocene species, the caudal tube suffered significant morphological changes. One extreme case is represented by the giant-sized Doedicurini Doedicurus clavicaudatus, in which the caudal tube is transformed into a kind of “clave” (ie., a widening of the distal part, and some large lateral figures where corneal “spine-like” structure were inserted). It has been suggested that this was used in intraspecific combat rather than having a defensive function. Despite this, almost nothing is known about the morphological evolution of this structure along the evolutionary history of Doedicurini. The finding of new remains of Eleutherocercus sp. (a partial caudal tube and dorsal carapace) from the El Polvorín Formation at the Plio/Pleistocene boundary in the surrounding of Olavarría (Buenos Aires province, Argentina), allow us a better understanding of the morphological evolution of this structure between the Late Miocene/Pliocene Eleutherocercus spp. (ca. 7–2.6 Ma) and the Late Pleistocene Doedicurus clavicaudatus. The extreme modification in D. clavicaudatus involves, among others, the disappearance of the most proximal lateral figures, an increase in the diameter of the I Lat figures and disappearance of the II and III Lat figures; and increase in size and lateralisation of the dorso-ventral pairs (especially the 1st pair).
期刊介绍:
Papers must have a regional appeal and should present work of more than local significance. Research papers dealing with the regional geology of South American cratons and mobile belts, within the following research fields:
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-Tectonics, neo- and seismotectonics and geodynamic modeling.
-Geomorphology, geological hazards, environmental geology, climate change in America and Antarctica, and soil research.
-Stratigraphy, sedimentology, structure and basin evolution.
-Paleontology, paleoecology, paleoclimatology and Quaternary geology.
New developments in already established regional projects and new initiatives dealing with the geology of the continent will be summarized and presented on a regular basis. Short notes, discussions, book reviews and conference and workshop reports will also be included when relevant.