Record Details

Colbert, M. W.
The facial skeleton of the early Oligocene Colodon (Perissodactyla, Tapiroidea)
Palaeontologia Electronica
2005
Journal Article
8
1
-
1094-8074
tapiroidea colodon anatomy cranial computed tomography phylogeny taxon names mammalia phylogeny definition Tapir Bibliography
Two skulls of the early Oligocene Colodon from the White River Group in South Dakota are much more derived than previously reported. In particular, morphologies of the facial skeleton and narial region are surprisingly modern, including a deeply retracted nasoincisive incisure, and other indicators of prehensile proboscis development. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography was used to explore the internal anatomy of these tapiroids, and revealed frontal sinuses, and an internal facial skeleton approaching that of modern tapirs. This not only indicates an earlier origin for these anatomical conditions than previously recorded, but in a phylogenetic context indicates that Colodon is more closely related to Tapirus than is Protapirus.
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