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Late Paleocene) Mammals from Cochrane 2, Southwestern Alberta, Canada

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New earliest Tiffanian (late Paleocene) mammals from Cochrane 2, southwestern Alberta, Canada CRAIG S.SCOTT, RICHARD C.FOX, and GORDON P.YOUZWYSHYN Scott, C.S., Fox, R.C., and Youzwyshyn, G.P. 2002. New earliest Tiffanian (late Paleocene) mammals from Cochrane 2, southwestern Alberta, Canada. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 47 (4): 691–704. New mammalian fossils at Cochrane 2, Paskapoo Formation, Alberta, Canada, document five new species and two new combinations: Ptilodus gnomus sp.nov.and Baiotomeus russelli sp.nov.(Multituberculata), Thryptacodon orthogonius comb.nov.and Litomylus grandaletes sp.nov.(“Condylarthra”), Pararyctes rutherfordi sp.nov., Bessoecetor septentrionalis comb.nov.,and Paleotomus junior sp.nov.(Eutheria incertae sedis).These new taxa supplement a taxo − nomically diverse Cochrane 2 local fauna, representing one of the most species rich Paleocene mammalian localities in the world.An earliest Tiffanian age is estimated for the locality based on the presence of the index taxa Plesiadapis praecursor, Nannodectes intermedius, and Ectocion collinus.The Cochrane 2 local fauna fails to demonstrate a decrease in species number relative to those of late Torrejonian localities from the United States, as would be predicted by current paleoclimate scenarios; the rarity of earliest Tiffanian localities in North America suggests sampling error as a partial ex− planation for the apparent incongruity. Key words: Multituberculata, “Condylarthra”, Eutheria, Paleocene, Paskapoo Formation, Canada. Craig S. Scott [[email protected]] and Richard C. Fox [[email protected]], Laboratory for Vertebrate Paleon− tology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9; Gordon P. Youzwyshyn [[email protected]], Grant MacEwan Community College, Edmonton, Canada, T5J 4S2. Introduction 1992, and the primitive carnivoran Pristinictis connata Fox and Youzwyshyn, 1994. Mammals from the Cochrane 2 locality, southwestern Al− Research begun by Youzwyshyn in 1983 distinguished berta, Canada (this locality has also been referred to in ear− Cochrane 2 as containing the most speciose mammal local lier literature as Cochrane “II” and Cochrane “11”, see Fox fauna known from the Paleocene (Youzwyshyn 1988; Fox 1990), were first described by Russell (in Rutherford 1927). 1990), and his work resulted in the discovery of several A more comprehensive treatment of the mammalian fauna new mammalian taxa.The following is an account of the appeared in a series of papers by Russell in 1929, 1932, and new species from Cochrane 2 that can be formally named 1958.Later, Krause (1978) described the plesiadapiforms at this time; others may well be recognized in the future, known from the locality, and Gingerich (1982) reinterpreted with the advent of better−preserved material of taxa pres− ently represented in the UALVPcollections from the local− aspects of the Cochrane 2 fauna, suggesting that it is earliest ity.Among the latter are two additional species of the Tiffanian in age (Archibald et al.1987) and that “ Menisco− multituberculate Ptilodus, awaiting description by D.W. therium semicingulatum” Russell, 1929 pertains to the Krause, and two new microcosmodontid multituberculates phenacodontid “condylarth” Ectocion collinus Russell, included in a review of microcosmodontids in preparation 1929.Consequently, the only valid new species of mammal by Fox. to be described by Russell from the Cochrane 2 locality is the arctocyonid “Chriacus” orthogonius Russell, 1929, rep− Geological setting and stratigraphic position.—The resented by a single upper molar (Gingerich 1982).Van Cochrane 2 locality is located 0.5 km east of the village of Valen (1966), in his description of the palaeoryctid Cochrane, Alberta, at an outcrop in SE1/4S1, T26, R4, W5, eutherian Pararyctes pattersoni, mentioned its probable oc− approximately 1059 m above sea level (Fox 1990).The sed − currence at Cochrane 2, based on an upper molar illustrated iments preserving the Cochrane 2 fossils were originally re− by Russell (1932), later confirmed by Youzwyshyn (1988). ferred to the Paskapoo Formation (Russell 1929, 1932, Since that time, only two new taxa from Cochrane 2 have 1958; Tozer 1956), but were reinterpreted as pertaining to been formally described: the non−mammalian cynodont the Porcupine Hills Formation by Carrigy (1970, 1971).Re − Chronoperates paradoxus Fox, Youzwyshyn, and Krause, cent stratigraphic analysis of Paleocene continental sedi− Acta Palaeontol. Pol. 47 (4): 691–704, 2002 http://www.paleo.pan.pl/acta/acta47/app47−691.pdf 692 ACTA PALAEONTOLOGICA POLONICA 47 (4), 2002 ments in the Calgary and Foothills regions (Lerbekmo and Systematic palaeontology Sweet 2000) has reinforced Russell and Tozer’s original identification of these beds as part of the Paskapoo Forma− tion, and this identification is followed here.Youzwyshyn Order Multituberculata Cope, 1884a (1988) determined the age of the Cochrane 2 fauna as earli− Suborder Cimolodonta McKenna, 1975 est Tiffanian (the Tiffanian is a North American Land Mam− Superfamily Ptilodontoidea Sloan and Van Valen, mal Age that is approximately late Paleocene; see Archi− 1965 bald et al.1987), based on the occurrences of the Family Ptilodontidae Cope, 1887 plesiadapids Plesiadapis praecursor Gingerich, 1975 and Genus Ptilodus Cope, 1881a Nannodectes intermedius (Gazin, 1971), the carpolestid Ptilodus gnomus sp. nov. Elphidotarsius russelli Krause, 1978, and the phena− codontid Ectocion collinus Russell, 1929, with the local Fig. 1A–C; Table 1. fauna correlating most closely with that of Douglass cf. Ectypodus hazeni (Jepsen, 1940); Gazin 1956a: 13, pl. 1: 2. Quarry, Montana (Youzwyshyn 1988; Fox 1990). Holotype: UALVP 45145, isolated right P4, Fig. 1A1–A3. Material and methods.—The dental specimens described Etymology: Gnomus, New Latin, meaning “diminutive fabled being” or “dwarf”, in reference to the diminutive size of the species. from Cochrane 2 were collected by quarrying.The residual Type locality and horizon: Cochrane 2, Paskapoo Formation, south− matrix was then sacked and transported to the laboratory for western Alberta. screen washing, using the method of D.W. Krause (Johnson Age and distribution: Earliest Tiffanian of Alberta (type locality); early et al.1994).Particularly resistant matrix was immersed in Tiffanian of Wyoming (Saddle locality, Fort Union Formation, Bison 10–20% acetic acid solution to break down the calcareous Basin, Fremont County [Gazin 1956a]). component, and re−screened.After drying, the screened con − centrates were sorted under a dissecting microscope at 10×, Table 1.Measurements and descriptive statistics for the dentition of and identifiable dental elements were removed for identifica− Ptilodus gnomus sp.nov.,from the Cochrane 2 locality, Paskapoo For − mation, Alberta. tion and study.Multituberculate dental nomenclature and measurements follow Krause (1977, 1982, 1987).Therian Element P N OR M SD CV dental nomenclature follows Van Valen (1966) as modified P1 Length 14 1.8–2.2 1.99 0.15 7.35 by Szalay (1969).Therian dental measurements follow Width 14 1.2–1.8 1.60 0.15 9.17 Clemens (1966). P2 Length 11 1.8–2.2 2.06 0.11 5.30 Width 11 1.6–2.0 1.80 0.13 7.20 P3 Length 18 1.8–2.2 2.07 0.14 6.80 Terminology and conventions Width 18 1.4–1.7 1.55 0.09 5.80 P4 Length 25 3.2–3.9 3.56 0.17 4.74 Institutional abbreviations.—Acronyms of institutions re− Width 30 1.5–1.9 1.75 0.10 5.50 ferred to in this paper are: AMNH, American Museum of M1 Length 3 3.8–4.0 3.93 0.12 3.10 Natural History, New York; SMM, Science Museum of Min− Width 6 1.7–1.8 1.77 0.05 2.80 nesota, St.Paul; UALVP, Laboratory for Vertebrate Paleon − M2 Length 11 1.7–2.1 1.91 0.12 6.30 tology, University of Alberta, Edmonton; UMVP, Vertebrate Width 11 1.8–2.1 1.94 0.09 4.60 Paleontology Collection, University of Minnesota, Minneap− p4 Length 14 4.8–5.6 5.31 0.24 4.60 olis; USNM, United States National Museum of Natural His− Length 1 16 1.2–1.7 1.38 0.14 10.46 tory, Smithsonian Institution, Washington; UW, University Height 15 1.9–2.1 2.06 0.06 3.07 of Wyoming, Laramie. m1 Length 7 2.7–3.0 2.77 0.11 4.01 Width 8 1.3–1.4 1.36 0.05 3.80 Measurements and statistics.—Measurements and statistics m2 Length 8 1.8–2.1 1.89 0.10 5.25 used in this paper are as follows: Height, recorded as the Width 8 1.5–1.7 1.61 0.08 5.18 perpendicular distance between the first true serration and the baseline (Krause 1987) (pertaining to multituberculate Material.—UALVP 18742, 18743, 18746, 18748, 18749, p4s only); Length 1, a measure along the baseline between 18751, 18763, 18765, 18770, 18771, 18776, 18779, 45133, perpendiculars drawn from the anterior crown margin and 45134, P1s (total: 14); UALVP18512, 18745, 18747, 18753, from the first true serration (pertaining to multituberculate 18755, 18756, 18761, 18762, 18769, 18772, 18783, P2s (to− p4s only); Length, maximum anteroposterior length of tal: 11); UALVP18740, 18741, 18744, 18750, 18752, 18754, tooth; TaWidth, maximum labiolingual width of talonid; 18757–18759, 18764, 18766–18768, 18773, 18774, 18780, TrWidth, maximum labiolingual width of trigonid; Width, 18782, 18784, P3s (total: 18); UALVP18413, 18502, 18669, maximum labiolingual width of tooth; CV, coefficient of 18686, 18688, 18689, 18690–18697, 18699, 18700–18702, variation; M, mean; N, sample size; OR, observed range; P, 18704, 18705, 45135–45144, P4s (total: 30); UALVP18425, parameter; SD, standard deviation.All measurements are in 18514, 18666, 18731, 18734, 18736, M1s (total: 6); UALVP millimeters. 426, 18416, 18653, 18723–18730, M2s (total: 11); UALVP SCOTT ET AL.—NEW PALEOCENE MAMMALS FROM ALBERTA 693 AA12 AB 31 B2 B 3 CC1 2 D2 D1 D3 EFG H12HH 3 Fig.1. A–C. Ptilodus gnomus sp.nov.,Cochrane 2 locality, Alberta.
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    Clim. Past, 11, 1223–1237, 2015 www.clim-past.net/11/1223/2015/ doi:10.5194/cp-11-1223-2015 © Author(s) 2015. CC Attribution 3.0 License. Mammal faunal change in the zone of the Paleogene hyperthermals ETM2 and H2 A. E. Chew Department of Anatomy, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E Second St., Pomona, CA 91767, USA Correspondence to: A. E. Chew ([email protected]) Received: 13 March 2015 – Published in Clim. Past Discuss.: 16 April 2015 Revised: 4 August 2015 – Accepted: 19 August 2015 – Published: 24 September 2015 Abstract. “Hyperthermals” are past intervals of geologically vulnerability in response to changes already underway in the rapid global warming that provide the opportunity to study lead-up to the EECO. Faunal response at faunal events B-1 the effects of climate change on existing faunas over thou- and B-2 is also distinctive in that it shows high proportions sands of years. A series of hyperthermals is known from of beta richness, suggestive of increased geographic disper- the early Eocene ( ∼ 56–54 million years ago), including sal related to transient increases in habitat (floral) complexity the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and two and/or precipitation or seasonality of precipitation. subsequent hyperthermals (Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 – ETM2 – and H2). The later hyperthermals occurred during warming that resulted in the Early Eocene Climatic Opti- mum (EECO), the hottest sustained period of the Cenozoic. 1 Introduction The PETM has been comprehensively studied in marine and terrestrial settings, but the terrestrial biotic effects of ETM2 The late Paleocene and early Eocene (ca.
  • Functional Morphology of the Vertebral Column in Remingtonocetus (Mammalia, Cetacea) and the Evolution of Aquatic Locomotion in Early Archaeocetes

    Functional Morphology of the Vertebral Column in Remingtonocetus (Mammalia, Cetacea) and the Evolution of Aquatic Locomotion in Early Archaeocetes

    Functional Morphology of the Vertebral Column in Remingtonocetus (Mammalia, Cetacea) and the Evolution of Aquatic Locomotion in Early Archaeocetes by Ryan Matthew Bebej A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) in The University of Michigan 2011 Doctoral Committee: Professor Philip D. Gingerich, Co-Chair Professor Philip Myers, Co-Chair Professor Daniel C. Fisher Professor Paul W. Webb © Ryan Matthew Bebej 2011 To my wonderful wife Melissa, for her infinite love and support ii Acknowledgments First, I would like to thank each of my committee members. I will be forever grateful to my primary mentor, Philip D. Gingerich, for providing me the opportunity of a lifetime, studying the very organisms that sparked my interest in evolution and paleontology in the first place. His encouragement, patience, instruction, and advice have been instrumental in my development as a scholar, and his dedication to his craft has instilled in me the importance of doing careful and solid research. I am extremely grateful to Philip Myers, who graciously consented to be my co-advisor and co-chair early in my career and guided me through some of the most stressful aspects of life as a Ph.D. student (e.g., preliminary examinations). I also thank Paul W. Webb, for his novel thoughts about living in and moving through water, and Daniel C. Fisher, for his insights into functional morphology, 3D modeling, and mammalian paleobiology. My research was almost entirely predicated on cetacean fossils collected through a collaboration of the University of Michigan and the Geological Survey of Pakistan before my arrival in Ann Arbor.
  • Paleobios 34: 1–26, April 11, 2017

    Paleobios 34: 1–26, April 11, 2017

    PaleoBios 34: 1–26, April 11, 2017 PaleoBios OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY William A. Clemens (2017). Procerberus (Cimolestidae, Mammalia) from the Latest Cretaceous and Earliest Paleocene of the Northern Western Interior, USA. Cover photo: Left maxillary of Procerberus sp. cf. P. grandis (UCMP 137189) from the Fort Union Formation, Montana, USA in buccal (A), occlusal (B) and lingual (C) views. Photo credit: Dave Strauss. Citation: Clemens, W.A. 2017. Procerberus (Cimolestidae, Mammalia) from the Latest Cretaceous and Earliest Paleocene of the Northern Western Interior, USA. PaleoBios, 34. ucmp_paleobios_34494 PaleoBios 34: 1–26, April 11, 2017 Procerberus (Cimolestidae, Mammalia) from the Latest Cretaceous and Earliest Paleocene of the Northern Western Interior, USA WILLIAM A. CLEMENS University of California Museum of Paleontology and Department of Integrative Biology, 1101 Valley Life Sciences Building, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-4780 email: [email protected] Three species of the cimolestid Procerberus are currently recognized in the northern North American Western Interior in latest Cretaceous and earliest Paleocene (Puercan North American Land Mammal Age) faunas: P. formicarum, P. andesiticus, and P. g randi s . Analysis of a new topotypic sample of P. formicarum from the Bug Creek Anthills locality provides an estimate of the range of variation of its postcanine denti- tion. The three currently recognized species occur in Puercan 1 (Pu1) interval zone faunas, but two other occurrences indicate that the genus originated and initially diversified prior to the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary. Rare occurrences at several localities and entries in faunal lists suggest even greater taxonomic diversity. Limited evidence suggests continued diversification in the later Puercan and possible survival of the genus into the Torrejonian.