An intriguing middle-sized horse from Coste San Giacomo (Anagni Basin, central Italy)

2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Rita Palombo ◽  
Maria Teresa Alberdi ◽  
Luca Bellucci ◽  
Raffaele Sardella
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Complex Relationship ◽  
Mammalian Fauna ◽  
Taxonomic Rank ◽  
Limb Bones ◽  
Faunal Assemblages ◽  
Italian Site

AbstractVarious species and ecomorphotypes of the genus Equus are recorded in several southern European Early Pleistocene local faunal assemblages (LFAs), though their taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, and chronological distribution are still a matter of debate. This article aims to increase knowledge on the European pre-Olduvai stenonoid horses by describing and discussing the equid sample from the middle Villafranchian (Gelasian) Italian site of Coste San Giacomo (CSG; Anagni). Although horse remains from CSG are scanty, the morphological traits, dimensions, and proportions of teeth and some limb bones suggest some affinities with middle-sized European stenonoid horses, in particular with Equus senezensis, as supported by statistical analysis. This opens a new window on the possible phylogenetic relationships of the middle-sized, slender middle Villafranchian horses, although some questions about their actual taxonomic rank cannot be firmly answered based on available data. The complex relationship among environment, structure of the accompanying mammalian fauna, and the presence in the Early Pleistocene LFAs of only one equid, large or middle-sized, or even of more horse species with different size is briefly discussed.

scholarly journals Suidae Transition at the Miocene-Pliocene Boundary: a Reassessment of the Taxonomy and Chronology of Propotamochoerus provincialis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Iannucci ◽  
Marco Cherin ◽  
Leonardo Sorbelli ◽  
Raffaele Sardella
Keyword(s):  
Late Miocene ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Messinian Salinity Crisis ◽  
Compelling Evidence ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Faunal Assemblages ◽  
Paleoenvironmental Changes ◽  
Species Diagnosis ◽  
Eurasian Species

Abstract The Miocene-Pliocene (Turolian-Ruscinian) transition represents a fundamental interval in the evolution of Euro-Mediterranean paleocommunities. In fact, the paleoenvironmental changes connected with the end of the Messinian salinity crisis are reflected by a major renewal in mammal faunal assemblages. An important bioevent among terrestrial large mammals is the dispersal of the genus Sus, which replaced all other suid species during the Pliocene. Despite its possible paleoecological and biochronological relevance, correlations based on this bioevent are undermined by the supposed persistence of the late surviving late Miocene Propotamochoerus provincialis. However, a recent revision of the type material of this species revealed an admixture with remains of Sus strozzii, an early Pleistocene (Middle Villafranchian to Epivillafranchian) suid, questioning both the diagnosis and chronological range of P. provincialis. Here we review the late Miocene Suidae sample recovered from the Casino Basin (Tuscany, central Italy), whose taxonomic attribution has been controversial over the nearly 150 years since its discovery. Following a comparison with other Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene Eurasian species, the Casino Suidae are assigned to P. provincialis and the species diagnosis is emended. Moreover, it is recognized that all the late Miocene (Turolian) European Propotamochoerus material belongs to P. provincialis and that there is no compelling evidence of the occurrence of this species beyond the Turolian-Ruscinian transition (MN13-MN14).

Phylogenetic reassessment of Specklinia and its allied genera in the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 272 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
ADAM P. KARREMANS ◽  
FEDERICO J. ALBERTAZZI ◽  
FREEK T. BAKKER ◽  
DIEGO BOGARÍN ◽  
MARCEL C.M. EURLINGS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
New Combinations ◽  
Bayesian Analyses ◽  
Generic Delimitation ◽  
Phenotypic Differences ◽  
Diverse Species ◽  
Matk Sequence

The phylogenetic relationships within Specklinia (Pleurothallidinae; Orchidaceae) and related genera are re-evaluated using Bayesian analyses of nrITS and chloroplast matK sequence data of a wide sampling of species. Specklinia is found paraphyletic in the DNA based trees, with species alternatively assigned to Muscarella proven distinct, monophyletic and easily recognizable. Specklinia as such includes about 100 morphologically highly diverse species. Their phenotypic differences have prompted the creation of up to eleven generic names within this relatively small group. Here we show not only that these morphologically divergent species are closely related, but also that they can still be recognized by certain conserved morphological traits. The genera Acostaea, Areldia, Empusella, Cucumeria, Gerardoa, Pseudoctomeria, Sarcinula, Sylphia, Tribulago and Tridelta are found embedded within Specklinia, and therefore reduced under the synonymy of the latter. Specklinia is confirmed as sister to a clade that includes Platystele, Scaphosepalum and Teagueia. Five well-supported subgenera are proposed for Specklinia and are characterized both geographically and morphologically. The species belonging to each subgenus are listed. Incaea is synonymized with Dryadella, while Rubellia is reduced under Platystele. New combinations for several species are proposed. The criteria for the generic delimitation of Specklinia and other genera in the Pleurothallidinae are discussed.

scholarly journals Evidence of Predation on Early Pleistocene Freshwater Ostracods (Umbria, Central Italy)

Geosciences ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 416
Author(s):  
Angela Baldanza ◽  
Roberto Bizzarri ◽  
Francesco Posati ◽  
Manuel Ravoni
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Short Time Interval ◽  
Silty Clay ◽  
Plant Remains ◽  
Confined Environment ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Lake Deposits ◽  
Freshwater Ostracods

Although drillholes in modern and ancient ostracods are known, the record is relatively scarce when compared to other taxa, and mainly exist with reference to the marine environment. Moreover, less is known about perforated ostracods, and more generally, about bioerosion in freshwater environments. Traces of predation on freshwater ostracods are reported for the first time in deep-lake deposits belonging to the early Pleistocene Fosso Bianco Unit, and outcropping in the Cava Nuova section (Umbria, central Italy). Deposits are mainly clay to silty clay and sand; the fossil record is sparse, and is mainly comprised of very rare gastropods and bivalves, ostracods and plant remains (leaves, seeds and wood’s fragments). The association of ostracods consists of Candona (Neglecandona) neglecta, Caspiocypris basilicii, Caspiocypris tiberina, Caspiocypris perusia, Caspiocypris tuderis, Caspiocypris posteroacuta, and Cyprideis torosa. The Caspiocypris group, considered to be endemic to the grey clays of the Fosso Bianco Unit, present the majority of specimens affected by predation, with a prevalence of predated female valves and a comparable number of right and left predated valves, while only a few of Candona(N.) neglecta (adult and juvenile) valves are perforated. Traces of predation for nourishment, represented by microborings of different types, were abscribed to the ichnospecies Oichnus paraboloides Bromley 1981, Oichnus simplex Bromley 1981, Oichnus gradatus Nielsen and Nielsen 2001, Oichnus ovalis Bromley 1993, and Dipatulichnus rotundus Nielsen and Nielsen 2001. Microboring affected both adult and juvenile specimens, evidencing prey–predator coexistence in the same environment over a long period of time. This report makes a fundamental contribution to the knowledge of predation in this peculiar confined environment, also suggesting prey–predator relations over a relatively short time interval (80–160 ka).

scholarly journals Petrochirus sp. (Anomura, Paguroidea, Diogenidae) from the early Pleistocene of the Podere dell’Infrascato, Volterra (Pisa, Tuscany, central Italy)

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Giovanni Pasini ◽  
Alessandro Garassino
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Early Pleistocene ◽  
Genus Distribution

We report <em>Petrochirus</em> sp. (Diogenidae Ortmann, 1892) from the early Pleistocene of the Podere dell’Infrascato, Volterra (Pisa, Tuscany, central Italy). The record of <em>Petrochirus</em> sp. in this peculiar environment (upper bathyal zone) is significant due to the scarce knowledge about the genus distribution in the paleo-Mediterranean area.

Vipera berus (Linnaeus, 1758) remains from the Late Pleistocene of Slovakia

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ivanov ◽  
Andrej Čerňanský
Keyword(s):  
Late Pleistocene ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Mammalian Fauna ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Vipera Berus ◽  
Faunal Assemblages ◽  
The Common

Completely preserved specimens of fossil snakes are extremely rare and ophidian palaeontologists are usually dependent only on disarticulated elements of a postcranial skeleton. Here we present an unusually well-preserved specimen of a small viperid snake from the Late Pleistocene firm travertine at the famous Gánovce-Hrádok Neanderthal mound in Slovakia. The complex study of both cranial and axial skeleton with well-preserved maxilla and basiparasphenoid confirms the presence of a viper from theVipera berusspecies group, and recent distribution ofV. berusspecies complex members supports identification of these preserved remains as belonging to the common adder,V. berus(Linnaeus, 1758). Associated faunal assemblages of the MFG-C and D mammalian fauna groups reported from the firm travertine indicate a humid climate in a predominantly woodland environment with typical forest species in the Gánovce-Hrádok vicinity throughout the Eemian optimum, and mixed forest and steppe environments in the late Eemian to early Weichselian stages. Occurrence ofV. berusdocuments the presence of open or semi-open biotopes with low vegetation. AlthoughV. berusoccurs in the Quaternary glacial/interglacial cycle and throughout the entire warm part, it never dominated herpetofaunal assemblages during the climatic optimum. Therefore, the presence ofV. berusmost likely indicates late Eemian or early Weichselian (interstadial) climatic conditions.

ASSESSMENT OF OLIVE VARIABILITY IN LATIUM (CENTRAL ITALY) THROUGH SNPS, SSRS AND MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS

2011 ◽  
pp. 253-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.C. Colao ◽  
F. Colli ◽  
C. Cammilli ◽  
P. Gutierrez-Pesce ◽  
V. Cristofori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Central Italy

Phylogenetic relationships and classification of the Chloropinae of the world (Diptera: Chloropidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 190 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-941
Author(s):  
Paula Raile Riccardi ◽  
Dalton De Souza Amorim
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Phylogenetic Study ◽  
New Genera ◽  
Compelling Evidence ◽  
Incertae Sedis ◽  
The World

Abstract The Chloropidae is a species-rich family of flies with about 3000 species in four subfamilies. The Chloropinae is the second most species-rich subfamily with almost 1000 described species in 75 accepted genera. There is agreement about the monophyly of the subfamily; however, the relationships among the genera are still poorly understood and some genera are clearly paraphyletic. Thus, the interpretation of the evolution of morphological traits, such as male terminalia sclerites, remains challenging. This is the first phylogenetic study of the Chloropinae using a formal analytical approach, including representatives of 73 genera of the subfamily and 124 morphological characters. The monophyly of the Chloropinae is corroborated. Chloropella is sister to the remainder of the subfamily. Slightly different analytical procedures show stable clades and rogue taxa. We propose a system for the subfamily with ten tribes, three of which are newly proposed here—Chloropellini trib. nov., Chloropini, Chloropsinini trib. nov., Diplotoxini, Eurinini stat. nov., Lasiosinini, Mepachymerini, Meromyzini, Mindini and Pseudothaumatomyini. Eight genera are kept incertae sedis and two new genera are erected. There is compelling evidence that Chlorops and Ectecephalina are paraphyletic.

Early pleistocene palynostratigraphy of fornace tini, Valle Ricca (Central Italy)

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 153-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitte Urban ◽  
Claudio Arias ◽  
Giulio Bigazzi ◽  
Francescopaolo Bonadonna
Keyword(s):  
Central Italy ◽  
Early Pleistocene

Two new calcicolous species of Pinguicula sect. Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) growing on rocky habitats of the Iberian Peninsula

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 456 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-284
Author(s):  
MANUEL B. CRESPO ◽  
MARIO MARTÍNEZ-AZORÍN ◽  
MARÍA ÁNGELES ALONSO ◽  
LLORENÇ SÁEZ
Keyword(s):  
Iberian Peninsula ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Morphological Traits ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Mountain Ranges ◽  
La Mancha ◽  
Central Eastern ◽  
Close Relatives ◽  
Rocky Habitats ◽  
Easy Differentiation

Two new rupicolous species of Pinguicula are described from the limestone and dolomitic mountain ranges of central and southern Iberian Peninsula, which were previously identified as P. submediterranea, P. mundi or P. dertosensis. First, the name P. tejedensis sp. nov. is applied to populations concealed to the high elevation areas of Sierra de Tejeda and Sierra de Almijara, in Granada Province (Andalusia, southern Iberian Peninsula). They resemble P. submediterranea, a name here revived for the Subbetic populations of Jaen Province, but its floral features, fruits and seeds allow easy differentiation. Second, P. casperiana is proposed to name populations occurring in the medium to high elevation areas of Serranía de Cuenca, between Cuenca and Guadalajara Provinces (Castilla-La Mancha, central-eastern Iberian Peninsula). Members of the Castillian species are closer to P. dertosensis and also akin to P. mundi, but again their floral features, fruits and seeds allow safe recognition. Both species are significantly different to each other and with regard to their morphologically close relatives, and they also show molecular divergences that support recognition at species rank. Data on morphological traits, ecology, distribution, biogeography and phylogenetic relationships are also presented.

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