In the present work we conduct a comparative study of the cranial and dental samples of the early machairodontine Machairodus aphanistus from the Vallesian (MN 10) sites of Batallones-1 and Batallones-3 (Torrejón de Velasco, Madrid, Spain). These sites, which have yielded the most abundant and complete samples of this felid, show interesting differences in faunal composition and age, thus providing a unique opportunity for both qualitative and quantitative comparisons between two populations of the same species. The study reveals differences in a number of cranial features, and statistically significant differences in teeth size and proportions. Although probably not enough to support a separation at the species level, these observations fit well with the morphological evolution of the lineage leading towards more derived forms such as the Turolian Amphimachairodus giganteus.
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1 May 2014
Machairodus aphanistus (Felidae, Machairodontinae, Homotherini) from the Late Miocene (Vallesian, Mn 10) Site of Batallones-3 (Torrejón De Velasco, Madrid, Spain)
Marcos F. G. Monescillo,
Manuel J. Salesa,
Mauricio Antón,
Gema Siliceo,
Jorge Morales
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Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
Vol. 34 • No. 3
May 2014
Vol. 34 • No. 3
May 2014