Deux nouvelles tortues de l'Éocène inférieur de Saint-Papoul (Aude, France)

Two new turtles from the Lower Eocene of Saint-Papoul (Aude, France). Among the fossil turtles from of the Lower Eocene of Saint-Papoul (Aude, France), two new taxa of freshwater Testudinoidea are described. The first is a new species of the genus Palaeoemys, known before in the Lutetian of Germany. The second taxon is a new genus, also described on material of Pépieux-Cesseras and Eygalayes. To cite this article: S. Hervet, C. R. Palevol 2 (2003).     

A new basal Carnivoramorphan (Mammalia) from the ‘Bridger B’ (Black’s Fork member,Bridger Formation,Bridgerian Nalma,middle Eocene) of Wyoming,USA

Abstract: A new genus and species of basal non‐Viverravidae Carnivoramorpha, Dawsonicyon isami, is named and described. This new taxon is based upon DMNH 19585, an almost complete skeleton, which was collected from the Black’s Fork Member (informal ‘Bridger B’ subunit) of the Bridger Formation in southwestern Wyoming, USA. The specimen is incorporated into an existing craniodental data matrix, and the associated phylogenetic analyses support the identification of this species as a new basal carnivoramorphan. This new taxon is dentally compared to all known genera of non‐viverravid basal carnivoramorphans, as well as with all known species of the problematic genus Miacis. Postcrania are compared in detail with other described specimens of non‐viverravid basal carnivoramorphans and more generally with known postcrania of viverravids. Preliminary functional interpretations of a scansorial locomotor mode are offered for this new taxon. Its implications for the diversity of middle Eocene basal carnivoramorphans is briefly discussed, including expansion of the already high diversity in the Black’s Fork Member of the Bridger Formation (at least 11 species in 8 genera).     

First record of a tarsometatarsus of Tonsala hildegardae (Plotopteridae) and other avian remains from the late Eocene/early Oligocene of Washington State (USA)

New bird fossils from the late Eocene/early Oligocene Makah Formation and the Oligocene Pysht Formation on the Olympic Peninsula (Washington State, USA) are described. A partial skeleton from the Pysht Formation includes the first reported tarsometatarsus of Tonsala hildegardae Olson, 1980, a wing-propelled diving bird of the taxon Plotopteridae. It shows that Tonsala had a tarsometatarsus that was morphologically intermediate between that of the late Eocene Phocavis and more derived plotopterids. We introduce the new taxon Tonsalinae nov. subfam. for a clade including all named plotopterids except Phocavis, Plotopterum, and the recently described Stemec. We furthermore describe a partial plotopterid pelvis and a sternum from the Makah Formation. The sternum shows a close resemblance to that of extant Phalacrocoracoidea (cormorants and darters) and may be the earliest North American record of this taxon.     

A new pipoid frog (Anura,Pipimorpha) from the Paleogene of Patagonia. Paleobiogeographical implications

The aim of the present contribution is to describe a new genus and species of Pipoidea from the Huitrera Formation (Eocene) from Patagonia, Argentina. The new genus shows a unique combination of characters indicating that it is a valid taxon different from other pipimorphs, including the coeval Llankibatrachus truebae. The phylogenetic analysis resulted in the nesting of the new taxon within a previously unrecognized endemic clade of South American aglossans. This new clade turns out to be the sister-group of crown-group Pipidae. This phylogenetic proposal reinforces the hypothesis sustaining the dispersal of pipids between Africa and South America through an island chain or a continental bridge across the Atlantic Ocean by Early Tertiary times.     

Lizards of the family Arretosauridae Gilmore, 1943 (Iguanomorpha, Iguania) from the Paleogene of Mongolia

The family Arretosauridae is an enigmatic group of Asian iguanians, which contains one species, Arretosaurus ornatus Gilmore, 1943 from the Late Eocene of Inner Mongolia (China). In this work, the fossil family is classified within the taxon Iguanomorpha (Iguanidae sensu lato) and supplemented with three new forms from the Middle Eocene and Early Oligocene of Mongolia and the previously described Hemishinisaurus latifrons from the Late Eocene of China, which was originally assigned to Anguimorpha (Xenosauridae). New data characterize Arretosauridae as an important element of the Paleogene herpetofauna of Asia.     

A new basal raoellid artiodactyl (Mammalia) from the middle Eocene Subathu Group of Rajouri District,Jammu and Kashmir,northwest Himalaya,India

A new artiodactyl of moderate size, Rajouria gunnelli nov. gen., nov. sp., is described on the basis of several dentaries, maxillae and isolated teeth from the middle Eocene Subathu Group of the Kalakot area, Rajouri District, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Despite its general resemblance with the family Dichobunidae by the retention of a paraconid on m1-2 and a simple P4 where endocristids do not form an anterior loph, this taxon shares with Raoellidae two unambiguous characters: the presence of a hypoconid on p4, and an asymmetrical P4. The phylogenetic position of the new taxon within the Cetacea–Raoellidae clade is strongly supported by seven non ambiguous synapomorphies, among which a cristid obliqua on lower molars anteriorly pointing towards the postectoprotocristid, and a P3 with only two roots. The presence of a new basal raoellid in the middle Eocene Subathu Group sheds new light on the phylogeny and paleobiogeography of raoellid artiodactyls.     

New chiropterans from the middle Eocene of Shanghuang (Jiangsu Province,Coastal China): new insight into the dawn horseshoe bats (Rhinolophidae) in Asia

Until recently, the fossil record of Paleogene bats in Asia primarily included extinct families (i.e. ‘Eochiroptera’) from the early Eocene of Vastan in India and from the middle‐late Eocene of the Liguanqiao and Yuanqu basins in central China. Here, we describe a new fauna of Chiroptera from the middle Eocene Shanghuang fissure fillings of China. The fauna includes abundant material referred to a new rhinolophid (Protorhinolophus shanghuangensis gen. and sp. n.), one specimen of a possible rhinopomatid and several indeterminate rhinolophoids. This new bat assemblage constitutes the earliest record of extant families of microbats in Asia. Because it lacks representatives of ‘Eochiroptera’, this Shanghuang bat fauna indicates significant turnover in Asian bat communities. The dental pattern of P. shanghuangensis shows a mosaic of primitive and derived features (‘Eochiroptera’ vs Rhinolophidae dental characteristics), suggesting that this taxon occupies a basal position among the Rhinolophidae. Rhinolophids were already well diversified at the end of the late Eocene in Europe. Interestingly, many dental characteristics of Protorhinolophus are also found in a primitive rhinolophoid taxon, Vaylatsia, from the middle Eocene to late Oligocene of Europe, supporting a close relationship between these taxa. These affinities testify to the widespread Eurasian distribution of rhinolophoids during the Eocene and are consistent with a westward dispersal of the group from eastern Asia to Europe owing to the greater antiquity of Protorhinolophus.     

On the osteology and phylogenetic affinities of the Pseudasturidae – Lower Eocene stem-group representatives of parrots (Aves, Psittaciformes)

The osteology of the early Eocene (about 50 mya) avian taxon Pseudasturidae Mayr, 1998 is revised and its phylogenetic affinities are analysed. Members of the Pseudasturidae are known from abundant and excellently preserved skeletal material, both complete skeletons on slabs as well as isolated, three-dimensional bones. Although this taxon is thus among the best represented of all small early Tertiary birds, its systematic affinities were unknown so far. Derived osteological characters which are visible in newly recognized specimens from the Lower Eocene London Clay of England most convincingly support classification of the Pseudasturidae into the Psittaciformes (parrots). Both, in overall morphology and in terms of derived characters, the tarsometatarsus of the Pseudasturidae closely resembles that of the Eocene Quercypsittidae, which were assigned to the Psittaciformes by Mourer-Chauviré (1992 ). The Pseudasturidae are considered to be stem-group representatives of the Psittaciformes and the sister taxon of all other known psittaciform birds. The Eocene taxon lacks the specialized bill morphology of crown-group Psittaciformes of the Psittacidae. Several other osteological differences between the Pseudasturidae and the Psittacidae probably are also functionally correlated with the specialized feeding technique of the latter.  © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2002, 136 , 715–729.     

广西田阳晚始新世古灵猫科化石

记述了在广西省田阳县晚始新世公康组中发现的一新的古灵猫科化石——稀少东方鼬(Orientictis spanios gen.etsp.nov.)。新属与科中其他属不同在于M1呈三角形,不对称,后壁明显短于前壁并在中部向前凹入。     

A NEW SPECIES OF MOERITHERIUM (PROBOSCIDEA, MAMMALIA) FROM THE EOCENE OF ALGERIA: NEW PERSPECTIVES ON THE ANCESTRAL MORPHOTYPE OF THE GENUS

Abstract:  A new species of Moeritherium (Proboscidea, Mammalia), M. chehbeurameuri sp. nov., is described from remains discovered in the early late Eocene locality of Bir El Ater, Algeria. Although mainly represented by isolated teeth, it shows distinct synapomorphies which justify its attribution to the genus Moeritherium , together with exclusive features that led to the creation of the new species. The main characteristic of this new taxon is the almost complete lophodonty shown by its molars, while Moeritherium is commonly regarded as a bunolophodont to bunodont taxon. In addition to this lophodonty, this new taxon shows anatomical features as yet unknown for the genus, but often met within lophodont early proboscidean taxa such as Phosphatherium escuilliei and Numidotherium koholense . Although a revision of the whole genus Moeritherium is outside the scope of this paper, the main controversies and discussion about the definition of species within the genus Moeritherium are discussed. The surprising lophodonty of M. chehbeurameuri , together with its small size, its early late Eocene age and the weak molarization of its P₃ support the hypothesis of a lophodont hypothetical ancestor for moeritheres, and therefore strengthen the growing hypothesis of a lophodont dental ancestral morphotype for proboscideans.     

A new ‘tapir’ from Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada — Implications for northern high latitude palaeobiogeography and tapir palaeobiology

The oldest and northernmost record of the tapir lineage, Thuliadanta mayri gen. et sp. nov. from Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada (78°50′N) implies that tapiroid evolution was well underway by early Eocene (Wasatchian) time in northern high latitudes, and raises the possibility of a North American origin for the group. Phylogenetic analyses place the new Arctic tapir as the sister group to the later more advanced Desmatotherium, Colodon, and Irdinolophus. A phylogenetically-derived biogeographic reconstruction posed here suggests the tapir lineage may represent a rare instance of counterflow wherein an exotic North American taxon invaded Asia during the early Eocene. Moreover, Thuliadanta seems a plausible ancestor to Desmatotherium from both continents, suggesting that this branch of the tapir lineage may have originated at high latitudes and subsequently dispersed from there to mid-latitudes. Thuliadanta's occurrence on Ellesmere Island indicates that northern high latitudes should also be evaluated as a potential source area for some of the exotic taxa appearing in mid-latitudes during Eocene time. Using today's tapirs, and specifically the mountain tapir, as analogs, Thuliadanta seems a plausible year-round inhabitant in the mild temperate lowland forests of the Eocene High Arctic.     

Synchrotron analysis of a ‘mummified’ salamander (Vertebrata: Caudata) from the Eocene of Quercy,France

An incomplete ‘mummy’ from the Phosphorites du Quercy (presumed Eocene) was identified as a salamander during the 19^th century. The specimen has now been computed tomography (CT) scanned, and this revealed the incomplete skeleton (with perfectly preserved bones) and soft tissues (lung). The fossil represents a new, well‐characterized taxon. Despite the absence of the skull, several features allow a phylogenetic analysis. The fossil belongs to pseudosaurian caudates; it is tentatively assigned to the Salamandridae, although affinities with Plethodontidae cannot be definitely ruled out.     

Reappraisal of the Eocene whiptail stingrays (Myliobatiformes,Dasyatidae) of the Bolca Lagerstätte,Italy

The Eocene whiptail stingrays of the family Dasyatidae from the Bolca Lagerstätte, NE Italy, are revised herein in detail. The analysis of the anatomical and morphometric features allows us to identify the species “Dasyatis” zigni (Molin, 1861) as a junior synonym of “D.” muricatus (Volta, 1796), and to assign it to the new genus Tethytrygon gen. n. This new taxon exhibits a unique combination of features (e.g., rhombic disc wider than long, elongated tail folds fail to reach the tip of the tail, thorns absent, single serrated tail sting, “caniniform” teeth on upper jaw, tooth crown ornamentation absent, 175–179 vertebrae, 108–117 pectoral radials, 24–27 pelvic radials and other features of clasper anatomy) that clearly support its attribution to the subfamily Neotrygoninae of the stingray family Dasyatidae. The morphological and phylogenetic affinities of Tethytrygon gen. n. with the living neotrygonines (Neotrygon and Taeniura) suggest a close association of this taxon with the tropical shallow‐water habitats hypothesized for the Bolca palaeoenvironment during the early Eocene. Moreover, the analysis of the fossil occurrences of the neotrygonines provides new insights into the role of the Tethys for the origin and evolutionary history of certain whiptail stingrays.     

A new seabird (Aves, cf. Phaethontidae) from the Lower Eocene phosphates of Morocco

A proximal part of humerus from the basal Ypresian (lowermost Eocene) of the Ouled Abdoun Basin, Morocco, is described as a new genus and species tentatively assigned to the Phaethontidae (tropicbirds). This fossil possibly represents the oldest record of the Phaethontidae and markedly differs from Lithoptila, a contemporaneous Prophaethontidae from the same locality. This new taxon lived in a tropical climate and was probably an efficient flier with pelagic habits, like extant tropicbirds of the genus Phaethon.     

An omomyid primate from the Pontide microcontinent of north-central Anatolia: Implications for sweepstakes dispersal of terrestrial mammals during the Eocene

A new genus and species of omomyid primate is described from the middle Eocene (Lutetian) Lülük Member of the Uzunçarşidere Formation, Orhaniye Basin, north-central Anatolia, Turkey. This is the first Eocene primate to be reported from the vast area between Switzerland and Pakistan. The new taxon is currently represented by a single dentary fragment, limiting the scope of morphological comparisons that can be made with related taxa. Nevertheless, its dentition differs fundamentally from that of contemporary European microchoerids. The new taxon most closely resembles North American middle Eocene omomyines such as Mytonius hopsoni, and it is therefore interpreted as a member of the Asian/North American omomyine radiation. Its occurrence on the Pontide microcontinent must have resulted from sweepstakes dispersal across the intervening Tethyan barrier that separated the Pontides from adjacent parts of Eurasia during the Lutetian. Sweepstakes dispersal by various terrestrial mammal clades, especially rodents and primates, was facilitated by Eocene greenhouse climatic conditions, which promoted extreme precipitation events and frequent flooding of major river drainages.     

Herpetofaunas from the Upper Paleocene and Lower Eocene of Morocco

Two Upper Paleocene and one Lower Eocene localities from Morocco (Ouarzazate basin) have yielded terrestrial assemblages that stand among the rare herpetofaunas from the Paleogene of the African Plate. The collections include one of the rare frogs and the only lizards known from the Paleogene of Africa. One of the two Upper Paleocene localities, Adrar Mgorn 1, has produced an indeterminate anuran and the most diverse assemblage of squamates from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic of Africa. It has yielded the earliest known scolecophidian snake and the earliest Gekkonidae, amphisbaenians, Tropidophiidae, and perhaps Boidae from Africa. Moreover, a specimen represents either the last sphenodontian or the earliest acrodontan lizard from this continent. One of the amphisbaenians represents a very distinct new taxon, Todrasaurus gheerbranti gen. and sp. nov. Indeterminate scincomorphans, lacertilians, Madtsoidae, and Aniliidae are also present. The fauna from the Lower Eocene is less diverse than that from the Upper Paleocene, but some taxa are common to both levels. Contrary to nearly all other Paleogene herpetofaunas from the African Plate, these Paleocene and Eocene assemblages include taxa that were terrestrial, not aquatic.     

A new Eocene swift-like bird with a peculiar feathering

A new taxon of swift-like birds is described from the Middle Eocene of Messel (Germany). It is tentatively assigned to the extinct family Jungornithidae and exhibits a completely unexpected feathering, which contrasts sharply with that of recent swifts. The short and rounded wings clearly show that it was not adapted to gliding, but might have caught its prey by sallying flights from a perch. The tail of the new taxon is very long and the tail feathers are broad and nearly symmetrical. The phylogenetic relationships between the Jungornithidae and other apodiform birds are still not convincingly resolved. The early Oligocene genus Jungornis itself shares unique derived characters with hummingbirds which are, however, absent in the Eocene genus Argornis and in the new taxon from Messel.     

A new large philisid (Mammalia,Chiroptera, Vespertilionoidea) from the late Early Eocene of Chambi,Tunisia

Abstract: Among the new dental remains from the late Early Eocene of Chambi (Kasserine area, Tunisia) is a large‐sized upper molar of a new bat species, Witwatia sigei nov. sp. (Chiroptera, Vespertilionoidea, Philisidae), described herein. The locality of Chambi has revealed evidence for an early appearance of two modern microchiropteran superfamilies in Africa: Dizzya exsultans, a Philisidae, which is considered to be an archaic Vespertilionoidea, and an indeterminate Rhinolophoidea. In addition to D. exsultans, the new species, W. sigei, is the second representative of the Philisidae in this locality. W. sigei extends back to the late Early Eocene the occurrence of the genus Witwatia, which was previously only reported from the early Late Eocene of the Fayum (BQ‐2, Egypt). By analogy with the largest extant microbats, the large size of Witwatia suggests a tendency to the opportunistic diet of this taxon, thereby contrasting with the strict insectivory characterizing primitive bats found in other continents in the same epoch.     

New specimens of the early Eocene bird Vastanavis and the interrelationships of stem group Psittaciformes

We describe new skeletal elements of Vastanavis from the early Eocene Cambay Shale Formation of western India, including a small coracoid that represents an unnamed new species, and comment on the relationships between this avian taxon and the recently described Avolatavis from the early Eocene Green River Formation in North America. Like the previously described ones, the new Vastanavis bones resemble those of the late Eocene Quercypsittidae, thus strengthening psittaciform affinities of the Indian taxon. Vastanavis differs from Avolatavis in the presence of a crista medianoplantaris on the tarsometatarsus and in claw morphology, but a fossil from the early Eocene London Clay, which was previously assigned to Vastanavidae, closely resembles Avolatavis in these features and all other osteological aspects. We show that most branches in a recent phylogeny of stem group Psittaciformes collapse after modification of a single erroneous character scoring for Vastanavis. We further describe a morphologically distinctive distal humerus of a small bird resembling the stem group nyctibiid Paraprefica, which was discovered in the most recent excavation in Vastan Lignite Mine.     

Prominatherium dalmatinum from the late Eocene of Grancona (Vicenza,NE Italy). The oldest terrestrial mammal of the Italian peninsula

So far, the oldest terrestrial mammal associations in Italy dates to the beginning of the Oligocene, with Anthracotheriidae being the most represented taxon. Sites from northern Italy yielded remains of the genus Anthracotherium that spread from Asia to western Europe after the Grande Coupure. A finding at Grancona, which is Priabonian in age, implies that Anthracotheriidae family reached the Italian Peninsula before the Eocene–Oligocene boundary. Thus, the dispersal of this family in northern Italy is anterior than previously believed. The fossil consists of a poorly preserved right hemi-maxilla with well-preserved P4 and M3. The shape and the size of the teeth are not compatible with the genus Anthracotherium. On the contrary, the closer affinities with the Croatian species Prominatherium dalmatinum suggest a connection between the Balkan area and the Italian peninsula and a possible new way of dispersal for this family.