A multi-proxy study of an extinct giant armadillo juvenile unveils the initial life of pampatheres (Cingulata: Xenarthra: Mammalia). (October 2022)
- Record Type:
- Journal Article
- Title:
- A multi-proxy study of an extinct giant armadillo juvenile unveils the initial life of pampatheres (Cingulata: Xenarthra: Mammalia). (October 2022)
- Main Title:
- A multi-proxy study of an extinct giant armadillo juvenile unveils the initial life of pampatheres (Cingulata: Xenarthra: Mammalia)
- Authors:
- Avilla, Leonardo S.
Góis, Flávio
Soibelzon, Esteban
de Abreu, Gabriel Muniz
Rotti, Alline - Abstract:
- Abstract: Fossilization of mammalian young is extremely rare, mainly due to the fragility of bones (smaller and less mineralized) and unfused sutures, which are difficult to preserve during fossil diagenesis. Here, we describe an unprecedented and very complete juvenile of a pampathere, an extinct lineage of Cingulata (Xenarthra). The fossil comprises parts of the skull, mandible, and osteoderms from most regions of the armor, which were exhumed in association at the Gruta do Urso cave, Brazilian Amazon region. Taxonomic analysis of osteoderms and craniofacial features allowed the identification of this specimen as Holmesina . This individual of Holmesina has most of its cranial sutures unfused or in a very initial stage of fusion, and the osteoderms are under mineralized and poorly developed, suggesting a juvenile ontogenetic stage, probably a lactating individual. Although Holmesina is a common South American megafauna representative, little is known about its biology and even less about its initial life. Based on the taphonomic aspects of the fossil, it was buried at the same place of death; but before, its carcass was partially consumed. This study brings valuable information on the earlier stages of anatomy and paleobiology of native extinct South American megafauna. Highlights: The first newborn pampathere reported is represent by associated fossil elements of skull, mandible and several osteoderms. The pampathere carcass studied here was partially consumed before itAbstract: Fossilization of mammalian young is extremely rare, mainly due to the fragility of bones (smaller and less mineralized) and unfused sutures, which are difficult to preserve during fossil diagenesis. Here, we describe an unprecedented and very complete juvenile of a pampathere, an extinct lineage of Cingulata (Xenarthra). The fossil comprises parts of the skull, mandible, and osteoderms from most regions of the armor, which were exhumed in association at the Gruta do Urso cave, Brazilian Amazon region. Taxonomic analysis of osteoderms and craniofacial features allowed the identification of this specimen as Holmesina . This individual of Holmesina has most of its cranial sutures unfused or in a very initial stage of fusion, and the osteoderms are under mineralized and poorly developed, suggesting a juvenile ontogenetic stage, probably a lactating individual. Although Holmesina is a common South American megafauna representative, little is known about its biology and even less about its initial life. Based on the taphonomic aspects of the fossil, it was buried at the same place of death; but before, its carcass was partially consumed. This study brings valuable information on the earlier stages of anatomy and paleobiology of native extinct South American megafauna. Highlights: The first newborn pampathere reported is represent by associated fossil elements of skull, mandible and several osteoderms. The pampathere carcass studied here was partially consumed before it was buried at the same place of its death. New information on the biology of the initial life of pampatheres, an enigmatic lineage of South American megafaunal mammals. … (more)
- Is Part Of:
- Journal of South American earth sciences. Volume 118(2022)
- Journal:
- Journal of South American earth sciences
- Issue:
- Volume 118(2022)
- Issue Display:
- Volume 118, Issue 2022 (2022)
- Year:
- 2022
- Volume:
- 118
- Issue:
- 2022
- Issue Sort Value:
- 2022-0118-2022-0000
- Page Start:
- Page End:
- Publication Date:
- 2022-10
- Subjects:
- South American Native mammals -- Brazil -- Pleistocene -- Pampatheriidae -- Newborn anatomy -- Cave paleontology -- Taphonomy
Geology -- Latin America -- Periodicals
Earth sciences -- Latin America -- Periodicals
Geology -- Antarctica -- Periodicals
Earth sciences -- Antarctica -- Periodicals
Geology -- Caribbean Area -- Periodicals
Earth sciences -- Caribbean Area -- Periodicals
Géologie -- Amérique latine -- Périodiques
Sciences de la terre -- Amérique latine -- Périodiques
Géologie -- Antarctique -- Périodiques
Sciences de la terre -- Antarctique -- Périodiques
Géologie -- Caraïbes (Région) -- Périodiques
Sciences de la terre -- Caraïbes (Région) -- Périodiques
Earth sciences
Geology
Antarctica
Caribbean Area
Latin America
Periodicals
550.5 - Journal URLs:
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/08959811 ↗
http://www.elsevier.com/journals ↗ - DOI:
- 10.1016/j.jsames.2022.103928 ↗
- Languages:
- English
- ISSNs:
- 0895-9811
- Deposit Type:
- Legaldeposit
- View Content:
- Available online (eLD content is only available in our Reading Rooms) ↗
- Physical Locations:
- British Library DSC - 5066.002400
British Library DSC - BLDSS-3PM
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- 23057.xml