Morphologie fonctionnelle et environnement chez les périssodactyles

doi:10.1016/S0016-6995(84)80158-8

Geobios

Volume 17, Supplement 1, 1984, Pages 69-74

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-6995(84)80158-8 Get rights and content

Résumé

A partir des Périssodactyles actuels, nous avons recherché des corrélations entre facteurs de l'environnement et traits anatomiques. Les porportions des segments de membres et les types locomoteurs définis par Gregory et Osborn ont fait l'objet d'un dévelopement particulier: représentation graphique par des logarithmes des types graviportal, médiportal et coureur, position de divers Rhinocérotidés, de Tapirus et d'Equus par rapport à ces trois types.

Les Equus sont de bons indicateurs de milieux: deux sous-espèces de E. stenonis permettent de distinguer les paléoenvironnements de Saint-Vallier (plutôt forestier, humide, à sol assez meuble) et de la Puebla de Valverde (ouvert, sec et à sol dur).

Parmi les Cératomorphes les formes aquaphiles (Tapirs, Acérathères, Dicerorhinus schleiermacheri) présentent des particularités anatomiques communes et concordantes. D'autres Rhinocéros posent des problèmes intéressants en associant des caractères anatomiques marqueurs d'environnements différents, comme la brachyodontie et la constitution coureuse des Dicerorhinus etruscus et D. mercki, ou l'hypsodontie et la constitution graviportale des Ceratotherium simum et Coelodonta antiquitatis. Ces derniers présentent une remarquable convergence adaptative.

Abstract

Tentative correlation between environmental factors and anatomical features in recent Perissodactyla. Limb bones proportions (as studied by Gregory and Osborn) are specially stressed: graviportal, mediportal and cursorial types are graphically represented using decimal logarithms of lengths; Rhinoceroses, Tapirs and Equus are compared to these three main types.

Horses are valuable environmental markers: two subspecies of Equus stenonis point to different environments at Saint-Vallier (not too open, humid, with a soft ground) and la Puebla de Valverde (open, dry, with a hard ground).

Among the Ceratomorphs, aquaphile forms (Tapirs, Aceratheres, and Dicerorhinus schleiermacheri) share concordant anatomical features. Other Rhinoceroses exhibit paradoxal associations: cursorial type and brachyodonty in Dicerorhinus etruscus and mercki; graviportal type and hypsodonty in Ceratotherium simum and Coelodonta antiquitatis. The latter two show a remarkable adaptative parallelism.

Références bibliographiques (12)

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Les métapodes d'Equus sensu lato (Mammalia, Perissodactyla)
Geobios, Lyon
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Indications paléoécologiques fournies par les Equus (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) pliocènes et pléistocènes d'Afrique
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Sur quelques caractères adaptatifs du squelette d'Equus (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) et leurs implications, paléoécologiques
Bull. Mus. nat. Hist. nat., Paris, (4)
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Notes on the principles of quadrupedal locomotion and on the mechanism of the limbs in hoofed animals
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Les Rhinocéros (Mammalia, perissodactyla) du Miocène terminal au Pléistocène supérieur en Europe occidentale. Comparaison avec les espèces actuelles
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(1980)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (32)

Isotopic paleoecology of mammals and the Middle Miocene Cooling event in the Madrid Basin (Spain)
2012, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
Citation Excerpt :
In the local zones in which they occur, the former has among the highest δ18O values, whereas the latter has among the lowest δ18O values. Eisenmann and Guérin (1984) considered that H. tetradactylum had features similar to those in modern tapirs, which inhabit heavily forested areas close to water bodies. The intermediate δ13C values for this rhinoceros may be indicative of a diet based on woodland leaves, but the values are not as low as expected for an inhabitant of a deep forest/closed canopy habitat (and not in the range of modern tapir, DeSantis, 2011), and high δ18O values suggest access to either highly evaporated surface water sources (more typical of open habitats) or leaf waters that are strongly 18O-enriched.
The Middle Miocene underwent profound climatic perturbations detected in worldwide marine and continental records. The Miocene Climatic Optimum (~ 17 to 14 Ma), a warm and humid period, was followed by the Middle Miocene Cooling (~ 14–13.8 Ma) characterized by a sharp drop in temperatures and an increase in aridity triggered by the reestablishment of the Eastern Antarctica ice sheet. The Madrid Basin, located in the central Iberian Peninsula, has furnished a considerable number of Miocene fossil sites with a very complete succession of localities from the Lower Middle Miocene to the Upper Middle Miocene (Middle and Upper Aragonian, MN5 and MN6, local zones Db to G). Mammalian fossil tooth enamel of different taxa including rhinoceros, equids, gomphothere, suids and ruminants from 16 fossil sites spanning from ~ 15.9 Ma to ~ 13.2 Ma were analyzed for δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O_CO₃ and δ¹⁸O_PO₄ values with the aim of determining regional paleoecological, paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic changes across this important climate transition. The δ¹³C values vary between − 11.9‰ and − 6.4‰ (VPDB), indicating a C₃ environment ranging from woodlands to more open conditions. The rhinoceros Alicornops simorrense and Hoploaceratherium tetradactylum, the gomphothere Gomphotherium angustidens, the cervid Heteroprox moralesi and the paleomerycid Triceromeryx pachecoi may be regarded as browsers inhabiting more closed environments, whereas the equid Anchitherium, the rhinoceros Hispanotherium matritense and the bovid Tethytragus langai show a mixed feeding diet related to more open conditions. Furthermore, the variation in δ¹³C values across the fossil sites and local zones indicates drier conditions in local zones Db and Dc (~ 15.9–14.8 Ma), a more humid period in local zone Dd (~ 14.8–14.1 Ma), before a return to a drier environment in local zones E, F and G (~ 14.1–13.2 Ma). The δ¹⁸O_CO₃ and δ¹⁸O_PO₄ values and calculated δ¹⁸O_w values all track a declining trend from local zones Db to Dd (~ 15.9–14.1 Ma), with minimum values in local zone E (δ¹⁸O_CO₃ = 26.5 ± 2.1‰, δ¹⁸O_PO₄ = 18.4 ± 2.4‰, and δ¹⁸O_w = − 5.3 ± 2.9‰). The minimum in δ¹⁸O values in local zone E (~ 14.1–13.7 Ma) appears to coincide with a drop in temperature at the time of the Middle Miocene Cooling (~ 14–13.8 Ma). After this minimum, δ¹⁸O_CO₃, δ¹⁸O_PO₄ and δ¹⁸O_w values recover in local zones F and G (13.7–13.2 Ma). The calculation of Δ¹³C_leaf values allowed us to determine plausible biomes that might have existed in the Madrid Basin during the Middle Miocene (i.e., a tropical rain forest, a tropical deciduous forest, a temperate evergreen forest and a xeric woodland–scrubland), although this method was not able to detect more savanna-like environments. Finally, δ¹³C_{diet, meq} values were used to infer mean annual precipitation, with values ranging from ~ 250 mm/yr (local zone Dc) to ~ 670 mm/yr (local zone Dd) which are in accordance with the proposed biomes suggested by the Δ¹³C_leaf values and fossil mammal assemblages.
Dietary adaptations in an ungulate community from the late Pliocene of Greece
2008, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
The dietary morphological methods of mesowear and microwear were applied to ungulates of the late Pliocene fauna of Sésklo (Thessaly, Greece). The results provide evidence for the predominance of open grassland in the area, as the most common species, Equus stenonis, was a strict grazer. The rare cervid cf. Croizetoceros ramosus was the only browser. The antelopes (genera Gazella and Gazellospira) yielded discrepant microwear and mesowear results. This is interpreted as an indication of regional or seasonal dietary resource differentiation, inferring that the antelopes were probably mixed feeders that grazed occasionally or periodically.
The equids (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) of Saint-Vallier (Drôme, France) and other Plio-Pleistocene European equids
2004, Geobios
En complément de l'étude comparative des Équidés récoltés récemment dans deux niveaux superposés de Saint-Vallier (LD2 et LD3), la plupart des restes squelettiques des anciennes collections sont décrits statistiquement. Évaluations du poids et de la hauteur au garrot. L'ensemble du matériel est élaboré suivant la nouvelle technique des indices de taille. Il apparaît que les Équidés du niveau le plus ancien (LD2) sont significativement plus grands et ressemblent à ceux du gisement espagnol d'El Rincon 1. La plupart des fossiles du niveau récent (LD3) peuvent être attribués à Allohippus stenonis vireti ; mais il existe aussi quelques restes d'un équidé plus petit et plus gracile. Classement des Équidés européens d'âges compris entre 2,5 et 1,5 Ma environ, en fonction de leur poids et de leur morphologie squelettique. Remarques taxonomiques et chronologiques, en particulier sur Livenzovka.
Statistical description and comparisons of the equids recently collected at Saint-Vallier (LD2 and LD3) and of the old collections. Estimations of the weight and height at the withers. Size indices. The fossils of the lower level (LD2) are intermediate in size between those of El Rincon 1 and of the younger level of Saint-Vallier. Moreover, they are as slender as those of El Rincon 1. Most fossils from the younger level (LD3) may be referred to A. stenonis vireti. A few fossils belong to a smaller and slenderer form. Weight estimations of equids aged between 2.5 and 1.5 Ma. Tentative classification according to weight and morphology. Taxonomical and chronological remarks, in particular on Livenzovka.
Cervidae from the Late Pliocene fossil deposit (Mid-Villafranchian) of Saint-Vallier (Drôme, France)
2004, Geobios
Trois Cervidés sont reconnus dans le niveau fossilifère supérieur (LD3) du gisement villafranchien moyen de Saint-Vallier : « Cervus philisi valliensis, Croizetoceros ramosus medius et Eucladoceros ctenoides vireti. L'étude morphologique et biométrique des restes est présentée. En ce qui concerne les deux premiers, qui sont aussi les plus abondants dans le site, leur squelette post-crânien est décrit et comparé avec celui de quelques Cervidés actuels, notamment les Daims (genre Dama) et le Cerf élaphe (Cervus elaphus). Quelques caractères qui rapprochent « C. philisi du Daim actuel sont aussi indiqués. Si la morphologie des dents et des appendices frontaux permet la détermination de « C. philisi et C. ramosus, il n'en est pas de même pour le squelette post-crânien : le caractère le meilleur pour séparer les deux espèces reste la taille. Cependant, dans certains car, elle aussi peut se révéler insuffisante. L'utilisation conjointe des dimensions, des proportions des os et de quelques caractères morphologiques permet de déterminer les restes des deux taxons. En ce qui concerne la troisième espèce, ses dimensions sont telles qu'elle ne peut pas être confondue avec les deux autres. Nous avons aussi trouvé des restes de Cervidés dans le niveau fossilifère inférieur (LD2) : deux espèces sont reconnues, une grande et une petite. Elles sont, par leur taille et leur morphologie, assez proches de Eucladoceros ctenoides vireti et C. ramosus medius provenant de LD3, peut être jusqu'au niveau sous-spécifique. La présence d'une troisième espèce (? « Cervus philisi) reste probable mais elle n'est pas certaine.
The biometric and morphologic study of the Cervids remains from the Mid-Villafranchian deposit of Saint-Vallier (Drôme, France) was presented. Three Cervid taxa are recognized in the upper fossiliferous layer (LD3): “Cervus” philisi valliensis, C. ramosus medius and Eucladoceros ctenoides vireti. The first and the second are the most abundant species in the site. Their post-cranial bones are described and compared with some recent Cervids like Fallow Deer (genus Dama) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus). The characters linking “C.” philisi with the recent Fallow Deer are recognized. If “C.” philisi and C. ramosus teeth and antlers are diagnostic, the post-cranial bones determination is less simple: the best character to determinate them is the size, but it is not always fruitful. I show that a combination of size, bone proportions and morphological characters allows us to discriminate the two species. The third taxon instead is larger and cannot be mistaken with the others. Two Cervid taxa are found in the lower fossiliferous layer (LD2): a large species and a small one. Morphologically and biometrically, they are very similar to Eucladoceros ctenoides vireti and C. ramosus medius from the upper layer, and they could belong to the same subspecies. The presence of a third species (?“Cervus” philisi) is probable but not sure.
Hippidion saldiasi roth, 1899 (Equidae, Perissodactyla), at the Piedra Museo Site (Santa Cruz, Argentina): Its implication for the regional economy and environmental reconstruction
2001, Journal of Archaeological Science
Hippidion saldiasi remains from the Piedra Museo site are studied and compared with the remains from other archeological sites of the Extra-Andean Patagonia region (Argentina). The remains come from a level dated between 12,890±90 (AA-20125 AMS) and 10,400±80 years $bp$ (AA-8428 AMS), representing the earliest human occupation in Extra-Andean Argentine Patagonia. H. saldiasi presents a particular morphology of the limb bones that suggests an adaptation to a humid environment with soft soil. Preliminary data support the hypothesis that the horse was a more important resource than previously thought in the hunter–gatherer economy.
Diversity and evolutionary trends of the Family Rhinocerotidae (Perissodactyla)
1998, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
Diversity and evolutionary trends of the Family Rhinocerotidae are presented herein. The sample has a temporal range from the Middle Eocene to recent, including 41 genera and 142 species from Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. Diversity and the first and last records have been established for each area along a temporal scale. The relative body size and weight and the gracility index of the McIII have been also analysed. The results show that the highest values in diversity and first and last records are reached in Asia. Eurasia and Africa share many taxa, while North America is more independent at generic and specific levels. Very small and very slender taxa are present in Eurasia and North America, absent in Africa. They coexist with brachypodial and generally large forms in Eurasia, whereas in North America they are replaced by large, more robust forms. From the Middle Miocene onward, middle-large sized species with intermediate gracility predominate, often together with the brachypodial ones. The latter type disappears by the Late Miocene, with just one genus remaining in Asia during the Pliocene. At this time a general decline of the Rhinocerotidae occurs, related to a major climatic change, becoming extinct in North America. By the end of the Pleistocene, rhinocerotids disappear from Europe and wide areas of Asia, but they remain in southeast Asia and in Africa, south of the Sahara.

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^*: «Institut de Paléoanatomie et de Paléobiogéographie du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, associé au CNRS (LA 12), 8, rue de Buffon, 75005 Paris, France.

^**: «Centre de Paléontologie stratigraphique et Paléoécologie de l'Université Claude-Bernard-Lyon I, associé au CNRS (LA 11). 27–43, bd du 11 novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.

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Geobios

Résumé

Abstract

Références bibliographiques (12)

Les métapodes d'Equus sensu lato (Mammalia, Perissodactyla)

Geobios, Lyon

Indications paléoécologiques fournies par les Equus (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) pliocènes et pléistocènes d'Afrique

Sur quelques caractères adaptatifs du squelette d'Equus (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) et leurs implications, paléoécologiques

Bull. Mus. nat. Hist. nat., Paris, (4)

Le gisement villafranchien de la Puebla de Valverde (Province de Teruel, Espagne)

Bull. Mus. nat. Hist. nat., Paris, (3)

Notes on the principles of quadrupedal locomotion and on the mechanism of the limbs in hoofed animals

New York Acad. Sci. Annls

Les Rhinocéros (Mammalia, perissodactyla) du Miocène terminal au Pléistocène supérieur en Europe occidentale. Comparaison avec les espèces actuelles

Docum. Lab. Géol. Lyon

Cited by (32)

Isotopic paleoecology of mammals and the Middle Miocene Cooling event in the Madrid Basin (Spain)

Dietary adaptations in an ungulate community from the late Pliocene of Greece

The equids (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) of Saint-Vallier (Drôme, France) and other Plio-Pleistocene European equids

Cervidae from the Late Pliocene fossil deposit (Mid-Villafranchian) of Saint-Vallier (Drôme, France)

Hippidion saldiasi roth, 1899 (Equidae, Perissodactyla), at the Piedra Museo Site (Santa Cruz, Argentina): Its implication for the regional economy and environmental reconstruction

Diversity and evolutionary trends of the Family Rhinocerotidae (Perissodactyla)