Taxonomy and phylogeny of theParanourosorex lineage,Neogene of Eurasia (Mammalia: Soricidae: Anourosoricini)

Paranourosorex remains from 14 Miocene and Pliocene localities in Inner Mongolia (China) and SW Siberia (Russia, Kazakhstan) are referred to a detailed biochronological sequence. The fossils are considered to represent a single evolutionary lineage which ranges in time from late middle Turolian (MN 12) through late early Ruscinian (MN 14). The lineage is subdivided into 5 species, including the previously describedP. gigas Rzebik-Kowalska 1975 from Poland.Neomys inexspectatus Schlosser 1924 is assigned toParanourosorex, andP. seletiensis n.sp. is described as new. All taxa are diagnosed. Evolutionary changes within theParanourosorex lineage over a period of about 1.5 my are discussed. Intratribal comparisons suggest 3 anourosoricine clades during the Mio/Pliocene of Eurasia, consisting of 1)Crusafontina, 2) Paranourosorex, and 3)Anourosorex andAmblycoptus.