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16 July 2020 On the morphology of the astragalus and calcaneus of the amphicyonids (Carnivora, Mammalia) from the Paleogene of Europe: implications for the ecology of the European bear-dogs
Morgane Fournier, Sandrine Ladevèze, Kévin Le Verger, Valentin Fischer, Robert P. Speijer, Floréal Solé
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Abstract

The Paleogene mammals of Europe are rarely known from partial or complete skeletons. As a result, their systematics and ecology are often solely based on dental characters and postcranial remains, when available, are usually neglected. This explains why the locomotion of mammals of the Eocene-Oligocene transition, the “Grande Coupure”, is poorly known. The aim of this study is to describe the tarsal bones (astragali and calcanei) and characterize the locomotion of amphicyonid carnivorans, one of the most abundant mammalian predator groups from the Phosphorites du Quercy (France) sites. The identification of taxa and the characterization of both posture and locomotion were carried out using four criteria: relative abundance (in comparison with dental data), morphology, size, and body mass. Seven morphotypes, four among astragali and three among calcanei, are identified as Amphicyonidae and show various postures: plantigrade, semi-digitigrade, and digitigrade. One morphotype of the astragalus and one of the calcaneus are identified as Cynodictis lacustrisGervais, 1852, which exhibits a digitigrade posture. The study of postcranial bones, such as tarsals, allows for a better understanding of the ecology of these animals and deserves more interest in future morphological and phylogenetic studies.

© Publications scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris.
Morgane Fournier, Sandrine Ladevèze, Kévin Le Verger, Valentin Fischer, Robert P. Speijer, and Floréal Solé "On the morphology of the astragalus and calcaneus of the amphicyonids (Carnivora, Mammalia) from the Paleogene of Europe: implications for the ecology of the European bear-dogs," Geodiversitas 42(18), 305-325, (16 July 2020). https://doi.org/10.5252/geodiversitas2020v42a18
Received: 1 January 2019; Accepted: 13 March 2020; Published: 16 July 2020
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KEYWORDS
Caniformia
diet
Eocene
France
locomotion
Oligocene
posture
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