Canid Coprolites from the Late Pleistocene of Hidalgo,Central Mexico: Importance for the Carnivore Record of North America

We present the first reported occurrence of canid coprolites from the late Pleistocene of central Mexico. The sample consists of five associated coprolites recovered from Quaternary deposits that crop out in southeastern Hidalgo, central Mexico. The material shows several of the typical features of canid feces, including elongated cylindrical shape, uncommon and nondistinct constrictions, and one tapered end. The coprolites are similar in size to feces of North American foxes, such as Vulpes macrotis, V. lagopus, V. vulpes, and Urocyon cinereoargenteus; likewise, their size might be comparable to those of the Pleistocene canid Canis cedazoensis. The content of the studied coprolites consists of numerous teeth and bone fragments referable to the pocket gophers Pappogeomys or Cratogeomys. The coprolite content is related to a mostly carnivorous diet comparable to that of C. cedazoensis, wolves (Canis lupus, C. rufus, and C. dirus), and some foxes (V. macrotis and V. velox). As a result, it is proposed that the potential trace maker of the coprolites could be a form similar to a carnivorous fox or a small dog. These trace fossils represent the first indirect evidence of canids in the late Pleistocene of Hidalgo and provide additional information regarding the geographic distribution of the Canidae in temperate areas of North America that now are part of central Mexico during the second half of the Pleistocene.     

Fossil peccaries of Late Pleistocene/Holocene (Cetartiodactyla,Tayassuidae) from underwater caves of Serra da Bodoquena (Mato Grosso do Sul State,Brazil)

New records of Catagonus stenocephalus and Tayassu pecari are reported from the karst of Serra da Bodoquena, located at a south-western portion of Brazil near the border with Paraguay. Skull and lower jaw fragments at different stages of mineralisation were retrieved from two limestone underwater caves, Japonês and Nascente do Formoso, associated with clay and sand deposits with no retrievable stratigraphy. C14 dating of fossil mammals from these caves was attempted, but so far no success was achieved, but the inferred age for the associated paleofauna of these caves is Late Pleistocene and Holocene. The morphology of these fossil peccaries, from the most south-western known population in Brazil, is detailed and paleoecological implications are considered.     

Late Pleistocene leopards as a bone accumulator: taphonomic results from S’Espasa cave and other Iberian key sites

Abstract

The Pleistocene faunal accumulations documented in caves have commonly been attributed to the activity of humans or carnivores. According to the palaeontological and archaeological literature, cave hyena (Crocuta spelaea) was the main known bone accumulator in karstic environments. However, in recent times, the role of leopards as bone accumulators has been revealed, and recent research has identified this behaviour in the Iberian Pleistocene. Moreover, there are other caves where leopard could have been claimed as an accumulator such as S’Espasa. In this work we present its taphonomic study. This cave was compared with the actualistic studies of leopards. Besides, the site of S’Espasa was compared with the other leopard dens in the Iberian Peninsula. These sites present faunal assemblages composed mainly by leopard (Panthera pardus) and Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica), the bones of this ungulate present a similar pattern of bone modification by carnivores, skeletal survival rate, and bone breakage. These features indicate that goats could have been accumulated by leopards. With the data from this work and the previous ones, we try to establish a pattern that will help in the future to identify other accumulations created by this big cat.     

Evolution of cave Axiokebuita and Speleobregma (Scalibregmatidae,Annelida)

The evolutionary history of Axiokebuita and Speleobregma, two poorly known lineages of annelids exclusive from deep‐sea or marine caves but always from crevicular habitats, is explored here. Speleobregma lanzaroteum Bertelsen, 1986, and Axiokebuita cavernicola sp. n. are described from anchialine and marine caves of the Canary Islands using light and electron microscopy. Speleobregma lanzaroteum is previously known only from a single specimen from the water column of an anchialine cave in Lanzarote. Emended diagnosis, details on the ciliary patterns and behavioural observations are provided based on newly collected material and in situ observations. Axiokebuita cavernicola sp. n. is found in Pleistocene gravel deposits in a shallow water marine cave in Tenerife (Canary Islands). The new species is characterized by the presence of dorsal ciliary bands and short knob‐like neuropodial cirri from segment two. The porosity and permeability of the gravelly environment of A. cavernicola sp. n. are shown to be equivalent to the water column or crevices of Speleobregma and other Axiokebuita spp. Phylogenetic analyses of five gene fragments and 44 terminals using maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian methods support a derived position of A. cavernicola sp. n. within Axiokebuita and confirm a sister‐group relationship of Axiokebuita with Speleobregma with high nodal support. The Axiokebuita–Speleobregma clade is morphologically characterized by a globular pygidium with adhesive glands and ventral ungrooved ciliated palps. Our results support two independent cave colonization events, favoured by the preadaptation of the members of Axiokebuita–Speleobregma lineage to crevicular habitats.     

Phylogeny and species diversity of Tasmanian mountain shrimps and their relatives (Crustacea,Anaspidesidae)

Anaspidacea is an enigmatic taxon within Malacostraca with uncertain phylogenetic affinities. One of the four families within Anaspidacea, the Anaspidesidae (representing in most respects the plesiomorphic conditions of the entire taxon), is endemic to Tasmania and shows a remarkable geographical and vertical distribution. Eleven species in three genera (Allanaspides, Anaspides and Paranaspides) are recognized to date, occurring in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, streams, tarns and also in caves. We present the most detailed analyses to date of the phylogeny of Anaspidesidae including all eleven species based on molecular data (COI, 16S and 28S). In addition, the genetic differentiation within the morphologically recognized species is studied and a dating of speciation is given using a molecular clock approach (based on mt‐DNA only). A special focus is on the multiple instances of immigration into the subterranean habitat. Most of the morphologically delineated species are recognized by molecular data. Significantly, however, in at least two cases, the molecular data suggest more species than so far described, but further molecular sampling from a wider range of localities is required. Our molecular divergence estimates suggest the anaspidesids are younger than previously thought. Rather than having Eocene origins, our results suggest Early Miocene origins with primary diversification in Miocene and Pliocene. Entry into subterranean habitats appears to have occurred in the Pleistocene rather than Tertiary. Thus, rather than being a defensive response to rising temperatures in the Tertiary, entry into caves in the Pleistocene may represent opportunistic expansion into new habitats created by the action of glacial meltwaters on existing karst formations. As a result, environmental changes during the Pleistocene appear to have prompted ecological expansion of Anaspides by “opening” new subterranean habitats leading to increased diversification in the group.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eschweilera awaensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Grias subbullata</Emphasis> (Lecythidaceae), two new species from northwestern Ecuador

Eschweilera awaensis and Grias subbullata, two new species known from the wet forests of northwestern Ecuador, are described. Eschweilera awaensis occurs in Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, and the westernmost parts of the Pichincha provinces between 25–650 m elevation. Grias subbullata, is known only from two localities in the Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas province between 900–1670 m elevation. The new species are illustrated and their relationships with similar species are discussed.     

Longevity and life history of cave bears – a review and novel data from tooth cementum and relative emergence of permanent dentition

Abstract

Longevity and other life history variables are key to understanding evolutionary processes and the biology of extinct animals. For the past 20 years, the lifespan of cave bears received an increased interest. Studies focusing on incremental lines of tooth cementum resulted in detailed mortality patterns from different localities. In this review, we summarise literature on age estimation as well as mortality of different European cave bear localities and present novel data on longevity from 94 teeth originating from 20 European localities. Additionally, the relative tooth emergence pattern of the permanent dentition is investigated under the Schultz’s rule framework of possible life history implications. For this, the known sequences of extant bear species are compared with the one of cave bears. Our results suggest that the typical duration of the life of cave bears was 19 years but data from literature show that in rare cases ages of up to 30–32 years were achieved. Additionally, we present the oldest known age for the Middle Pleistocene cave bear Ursus deningeri, 29 years. The tooth eruption pattern of cave bears exhibits a heterochronic shift that implies, under the assumption of Schulz’ rule, a slightly faster life history than closely related species.     

Multi‐proxy analyses of Late Cretaceous coprolites from Germany

A total of 462 coprolites from three localities exposing Upper Cretaceous deposits in the Münster Basin, northwestern Germany, have been subjected to an array of analytical techniques, with the aim of elucidating ancient trophic structures and predator–prey interactions. The phosphatic composition, frequent bone inclusions, size and morphology collectively suggest that most, if not all, coprolites were produced by carnivorous (predatory or scavenging) vertebrates. The bone inclusions further indicate that the coprolite producers preyed principally upon fish. Putative host animals include bony fish, sharks and marine reptiles – all of which have been previously recorded from the Münster Basin. The presence of borings and other traces on several coprolites implies handling by coprophagous organisms. Remains of epibionts are also common, most of which have been identified as the encrusting bivalve Atreta. Palynological analyses of both the coprolites and host rocks reveal a sparse assemblage dominated by typical Late Cretaceous dinoflagellates, and with sub‐ordinate fern spores, conifer pollen grains and angiosperm pollen grains. The dinoflagellate key taxon Exochosphaeridium cenomaniense corroborates a Cenomanian age for the Plenus Marl, from which most studied coprolites derive. The findings of this study highlight the potential of a multi‐proxy approach when it comes to unravelling the origin, composition and importance of coprolites in palaeoecosystem analyses.     

First record of Mesozoic scroll coprolites: classification,characteristics, elemental composition and probable producers

Multiple, small, cylindrical scroll coprolites having rounded and tapering ends and pertaining to a new ichnotaxon have been recovered from the Upper Triassic Tiki Formation of India. This is the first record of scroll coprolites from the Mesozoic. Based on cross‐sectional geometry, external surface textures, and internal morphology, these coprolites are subdivided into three morphotypes. The coprolites contain several kinds of undigested food material in the form of ganoid fish scales, teeth, lower jaw and skeletal remains of various osteichthyans, chondrichthyans, archosauriforms and indeterminate reptiles. These inclusions are embedded in the groundmass separated by thin mucosal layers. The groundmass contains abundant gas vesicles, and secondarily‐filled shrinkage cracks. EDS analysis shows that the overall composition of the coprolites reflects Ca, P, C and O, suggesting calcium phosphate mineralogy, though other elements such as Fe, Mn, Al, Si are present in lesser proportions. Based on their similarity with the scrolled faeces of extant euryhaline hammerhead sharks, it is deduced that these coprolites were produced by euryhaline hybodontid sharks. At least two hybodontid taxa, Lonchidion and Pristrisodus, show high prevalence in the Tiki vertebrate fauna, suggesting that these were the possible producers. As the coprolite inclusions contain remains of other aquatic animals, these carnivorous hybodonts constituted the dominant predators of the Tiki aquatic ecosystem.     

Early Triassic coprolites from Australia and their palaeobiological significance

Abstract:  Coprolites from the Arcadia Formation, Queensland, Australia, were studied in conjunction with the vertebrate fossil assemblages from two localities to maximize our understanding of the palaeoecology of these Early Triassic deposits. Criteria used by other researchers to identify the producers of coprolites were found to be of little value in the Arcadia Formation specimens. Using a combination of shape, biostratigraphic distribution, size and included remains some of the coprolites are attributed to basal archosauromorphs and fish whereas others could not be identified. Perhaps the most important attribute of the Arcadia coprolites is that they preserved rare organisms such as cyanobacteria, insects and other arthropods, and a diversity of fish. Estimates of the number of actinopterygians and dipnoans preserved in coprolites significantly increased relative abundance estimates based on skeletal elements alone. Although coprolites are an important source of palaeobiological information, this information is limited by our poor understanding of the taphonomic processes involved in the fossilization of faecal matter and by the near impossibility of assigning coprolites to specific producers.     

Ammonia oxidation (amoA) and nitrogen fixation (nifH) genes along metasandstone and limestone caves of Brazil

Abstract

Many cave-dwelling microorganisms have been studied, but little is known about whether genes related to the nitrogen cycle are present in this environment, particularly in sandstone caves. The profiles of nitrogen fixation (nifH) and archaeal and bacterial ammonia oxidation (amoA) genes were analyzed along a cave of metasandstone and limestone lithologies. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative PCR to evaluate these genes, we analyzed the variations in the microorganisms and frequency of these genes along the caves. In both caves analyzed for nifH, different community profiles were observed, particularly in entrance samples. Quantitative PCR of the genes showed that samples from the entrance of the caves contained a larger number of copies of amoA. In addition, archaeal amoA was predominant compared to bacterial amoA. The present study demonstrated that the genes for nitrogen fixation and ammonia oxidation are present in both cave lithologies and that their frequency and the organisms present along the caves vary with factors such as the characteristics of the cave itself.     

New craniodental fossils of papionin monkeys from Cooper's D,South Africa

Papionin monkey fossils are common in the Plio‐Pleistocene aged karst cave deposits northwest of Johannesburg in South Africa. These deposits have yielded important primate and other vertebrate fauna since their discovery in the early part of the 20th century. In this article, we describe new primate cranial and dental specimens from excavations at the site of Cooper's D in the Sterkfontein Valley that date to around 1.5 million years ago. Unlike other localities in southern Africa, most of the new fossils are referred to Theropithecus oswaldi oswaldi, an extinct gramnivorous monkey related to the living gelada. Diagnostic features of T. o. oswaldi crania and teeth include large, thickly enameled molars with tall, columnar cusps, and high molar relief, an upright mandibular ramus, postorbital constriction, and anterior fusion of temporal lines. Also present in the new sample are teeth referred to Papio sp., which show low crowned bunodont molars, and a number of indeterminate papionin teeth and skull fragments. The presence of T. o. oswaldi at Cooper's D extends the list of known localities where the taxon is found, and may indicate the presence of an open, grassland environment in the area during the early Pleistocene. The abundance of theropith fossils at Cooper's suggests that Papio was not consistently the most common papionin in southern Africa over the past three million years. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:613–629, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

First record of Latonia gigantea (Anura,Alytidae) from the Iberian Peninsula

The single extant species of the anuran genus Latonia lives in Israel, but in the fossil record the genus is known mainly from Europe, spanning from the Oligocene to the early Pleistocene. Here we describe new remains of Latonia from the early to late Miocene of the Vallès-Penedès Basin (NE Iberian Peninsula), coming from the following localities: Sant Mamet (MN4), Sant Quirze and Trinxera del Ferrocarril (MN7+8), and Castell de Barberà, Can Poncic 1 and Can Llobateres 1 (MN9). Fossils from the late Aragonian and early Vallesian are attributed to Latonia gigantea mainly because of the morphology of the ornamentation that covers the maxillae. In turn, an ilium from Sant Mamet is not diagnostic at the specific level and is assigned only to the genus Latonia. The newly reported remains represent the first record of L. gigantea in the Iberian Peninsula, where Latonia was previously known by a single report of Latonia cf. ragei from Navarrete del Río (MN2) and remains from other localities unassigned to species. Moreover, the Vallès-Penedès remains represent one of the southernmost records of the species known thus far. The presence of Latonia in these localities confirms the humid and warm environment suggested by the recorded mammal fauna.     

The steppe pika Ochotona pusilla in Britain, and a new northerly record

The known localities for steppe pika Ochotona pusilla, which occurred in Britain during Late Pleistocene times, are reviewed. A previously misidentified lower jaw, from Helsfell Cave in the Lake District, Cumbria extends the known range of this species in Britain 100 km further north.     

Carnivore involvement in bone assemblages based on taphonomic and zooarchaeological analyses of Cova del Coll Verdaguer site (Barcelona,Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract

Carnivores are the main biological agents identified in the Upper Pleistocene assemblage of Cova del Coll Verdaguer (NE Iberian Peninsula). At the site, ungulate bones were primarily accumulated and modified by hyenas, as shown by partly digested bones, coprolites and the pattern of damage on bones. However, other small- to medium-sized carnivores seemed to be involved in the accumulation, owing primarily to the presence of their bones and coprolites. Finally, other carnivores, including the brown bear, used the cave to hibernate and for birthing cubs. The combination of zooarchaeological and taphonomic studies, together with previous coprogenic analyses, at the site indicates that it is only by using these combined approaches that it is possible to identify the majority of the agents involved in an accumulation.     

The fellowship of the hobbit: the fauna surrounding Homo floresiensis

The Late Pleistocene Flores fauna shows a pattern observed on many other islands. It is neither aberrant nor exclusive, but the result of non‐random selective forces acting upon an impoverished and disharmonic insular fauna. By comparing the Flores vertebrate fauna with other fossil insular biotas, it is apparent that the evolution of Homo floresiensis is part of a general pattern affecting all the inhabitants of Pleistocene Flores. Vertebrate evolution on Flores appears to have been characterized by phylogenetic continuity, low species richness and a disharmonic fauna. All three aspects stem from the isolated position of the island and have resulted in the distinct morphological characteristics of the Flores fauna. Evidence reviewed herein shows that features exhibited by H. floresiensis, such as small stature, a small brain, relatively long arms, robust lower limbs and long feet, are not unique, but are shared by other insular taxa. Therefore, the evolution of H. floresiensis can be explained by existing models of insular evolution and followed evolutionary pathways similar to those of the other terrestrial vertebrates inhabiting Pleistocene Flores.     

Mexican Blindcats Genus Prietella (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae): an overview of Recent Explorations

The ictalurid genus Prietella was described from a single locality in northern México (Coahuila) in 1954, and until very recently went largely unstudied. Cave explorers have recently uncovered new localities and a second species much farther to the south (México: Tamaulipas). Our team visited over 50 sites, including all of the previously known sites possible, and explored many new sites, expanding the known range of Prietella and describing their habitat. We identified geological units and mapped caves, identified associated troglobitic invertebrates, estimated population sizes and measured water chemistry parameters. We also comment on laboratory diet, parasites, sensory biology, behavior (such as jaw locking and periods of inactivity), reproduction and systematics based on preliminary genetic data. Prietella phreatophila is listed as endangered, and due to the recent discovery of many more sites (formerly documented from three localities, now known from twelve sites, though some are hydrologically connected) we recommend threatened status, with careful attention to growing threats such as over pumping and contamination of the aquifer it lives in. Should these patterns continue unchecked, re-listing this species as endangered may be called for. Prietella lundbergi was also described from one site but is now known from two, though it is quite rare at both (only five specimens have ever been seen). P. lundbergi was described after the most recent revision of the Mexican endangered species list and should probably be considered as endangered.     

The Crocuta crocuta spelaea (Goldfuss 1823) population and its prey from the Late Pleistocene Teufelskammer Cave hyena den besides the famous Paleolithic Neandertal Cave (NRW,NW Germany)

Remains from at least seven individuals of the Late Pleistocene Ice Age spotted hyena Crocuta crocuta spelaea (Goldfuss, 1823) from the Teufelskammer Cave in the Neandertal valley (North Rhine-Westphalia, northwest Germany) are described. The small cave was a well-frequented hyena den of the Early to Middle Late Pleistocene which was only 100 m from the famous small Feldhofer Cave, where the first Neandertal human skeleton was found. The high amount of hyena bone material (37%) and its strongly chewed and incomplete prey remains of the mixed mammoth steppe and boreal forest megafauna prove one more of 11 recently known hyena den caves in the Rhenish Massif. Hyenas and cave bears have used the cave, but Neandertal humans lived possibly not at the same time in the same valley. Although hyenas occupied mainly the smaller caves such as the Teufelskammer Cave, humans preferred large portal cave entrances such as in the Neandertal valley with the Small Feldhofer Cave.     

A fresh look at ancient dungs: the Brazilian Triassic coprolites revisited

Terrestrial tetrapod coprolites are abundant in the Middle to Late Triassic of southern Brazil, but only few specimens have been described in just a couple of papers. Here we revisit the already‐known specimens and describe new materials, including their size, shape, external modifications, matrix composition and rare inclusions. Regarding size and shape, the measurements of 152 specimens show that the Triassic coprolites of Brazil follow a normal distribution, in which length and width are positively correlated variables, so that they are not useful for taxonomic purposes. Notwithstanding, two ichnotaxa, Santamariacopros elongatus and Rhynchocopros soutoi, were previously described from the Middle/Upper Triassic Santa Maria Formation, based mainly on morphological (length/width ratio) and preservational features, but we discuss here the validity of such taxa. Once the Santa Maria Formation encompasses at least three tetrapod Assemblage Zones (AZ), Dinodontosaurus AZ, Santacruzodon AZ and Hyperodapedon AZ (from the oldest to the youngest, respectively), it is difficult to attribute these coprolites to any specific animal producers. In addition, the rarity of inclusions and the carbonated composition of the coprolites, related to early diagenetic processes, complicate this attribution too. Nevertheless, some rare inclusions as a hair‐like structure and a parasite egg were found in this study. Although the coprotaxonomy fails to represent the Santa Maria Formation coprolites and the recognition of their producers is a problematic task, these fossil dungs are important elements in the knowledge of the Middle to Late Triassic environments of southern Brazil.     

重庆巫山玉米洞遗址中–晚更新世鹿科动物化石*

重庆市巫山县庙宇盆地的玉米洞是一处旧石器时代遗址,出土了大量的哺乳动物化石,其中的鹿科动物化石计有3属3种,且均有保存状态较好的角化石,为华南中–晚更新世鹿科化石的研究提供了很好的参考。大赤麂Muntiacus muntjak margae以角的尺寸较大为显著特征,在玉米洞中仅见于中更新世晚期地层中;黑鹿Rusa unicolor的角粗壮、纹饰深,眉枝长且与主枝的夹角为锐角,二者是华南中–晚更新世大熊猫–剑齿象动物群中的常见成员。葛氏斑鹿Cervus (Sika) grayi的角相对纤细、表面纹饰弱、主枝与眉枝夹角为钝角,是在西南地区的首次确切报道。R.unicolor化石标本在玉米洞遗址多数地层可见,而C.(S.) grayi则仅见于代表冰期气候的少数层位中,显示了玉米洞遗址堆积形成时期的古环境波动。