On the determination of the Microchoerus (Omomyidae, Primates) remains from Sant Cugat de Gavadons (Late Eocene, Ebro Basin, NE Spain)

ABSTRACT Objectives The presence of Microchoerus in Sant Cugat de Gavadons (Late Eocene, Ebro Basin, Northeastern Spain) was first noted by M. Crusafont, who described a fragment of maxilla with two teeth that he interpreted as P4 and M1 and referred this specimen to the species Microchoerus ornatus...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of physical anthropology 2016-05, Vol.160 (1), p.162-168
Main Authors: Minwer-Barakat, Raef, Marigo, Judit, Moya-Sola, Salvador
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Eocene
Fossils
Headonian
History, Ancient
Iberian Peninsula
Maxilla - anatomy & histology
Microchoerinae
Paleodontology
Paleogene
Primates - anatomy & histology
Teeth
Tooth - anatomy & histology
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Summary:ABSTRACT Objectives The presence of Microchoerus in Sant Cugat de Gavadons (Late Eocene, Ebro Basin, Northeastern Spain) was first noted by M. Crusafont, who described a fragment of maxilla with two teeth that he interpreted as P4 and M1 and referred this specimen to the species Microchoerus ornatus. The objective of this work is to study in detail this fossil and check if the previous taxonomic determination was correct. Methods We reexamine the single specimen from Sant Cugat de Gavadons, providing for the first time detailed descriptions, measurements and illustrations. We also compare this fossil with the holotype of Microchoerus ornatus from Mormont Entreroches (Switzerland) and with the type material of all other described species of Microchoerus. Results Although the scarcity of material from Sant Cugat de Gavadons and the strong wear of the two available teeth (which in fact correspond to P3 and P4) do not allow a determination at the specific level, it is clear that this form presents notable differences with the type of M. ornatus and must not be referred to this species. Discussion Neither the anatomical identification of the two teeth of this maxillary fragment, nor the specific determination of the specimen from Sant Cugat de Gavadons was correct. The ascription of this fossil to Microchoerus ornatus, which represented the only mention of the species in the Iberian Peninsula, is no longer valid. Therefore, the known geographical range of M. ornatus remains restricted to Switzerland. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:162–168, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ISSN:0002-9483
1096-8644
2692-7691
DOI:10.1002/ajpa.22940