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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Taxonomic, biogeographic, and taphonomic reassessment of a large extinct species of paca from the Quaternary of Brazil

Full text
Author(s):
Mayer, Elver Luiz ; Hubbe, Alex ; Kerber, Leonardo ; Haddad-Martim, Paulo Miguel ; Neves, Walter
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: ACTA PALAEONTOLOGICA POLONICA; v. 61, n. 4, p. 743-758, DEC 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

The taxonomy of extinct species of Cuniculus (Caviomorpha, Rodentia, Mammalia) is confusing and poorly studied. Here we provide a taxonomic review of extinct cuniculids, and discuss the taxonomic, biogeographic, taphonomic and chronologic aspects of new remains of an extinct large cuniculid from Brazilian Quaternary Gruta Cuvieri cave deposits. Our taxonomic review suggests that Cuniculus rugiceps (Lund, 1837) is the valid taxon to include all available occurrences of extinct cuniculids. The most evident features of this taxon are its larger size and the stronger and more densely distributed rugosities on the skull external surface when compared to the extant species. At present, the distribution of C. rugiceps is restricted to the tropical region of Brazil. Regarding the new remains, taphonomic analysis of the specimens from Cuvieri Cave suggests our sample is represented by at least seven individuals that accumulated within the cave deposit by pitfall entrapment. The biostratinomy of the specimens was characterized by prolonged surface exposure inside the pit with fragmentation and displacement caused mostly by falling and subsequent trampling by individuals of the same and/or other species. The stratigraphically controlled excavations and chronological data allowed the establishment of a Late Pleistocene minimum age for these specimens. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/03753-4 - Formation processes of a fossiliferous pitfall deposit in Gruta Cuvieri (MG): taxonomy, taphonomy and spacial distribution of mammal fossils from the Pleistocene
Grantee:Elver Luiz Mayer
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
FAPESP's process: 04/01321-6 - Origins and microevolution of man in the Americas: a paleoanthropological approach (III)
Grantee:Walter Alves Neves
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants