Un nouveau Toxodontidae (Mammalia, Notoungulata) du Pléistocène supérieur du Nordeste du Brésil

Researchers have identified two distinct species of Toxodontidae, a family of extinct notoungulate mammals, from Upper Pleistocene deposits in the Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil. The study describes Piauhytherium capivarae, a new genus and species, alongside Toxodon platensis. Analysis of over 140 fossil remains, including well-preserved skulls and mandibles, reveals significant morphological differences between the two species, distinguishing them from other known Toxodontidae. The study also suggests that both species exhibited periaquatic adaptations similar to hippos, indicating a semi-aquatic lifestyle. This discovery sheds light on the biodiversity of South American mammals during the Pleistocene and their ecological niches.

Guérin, C., & Faure, M. (2013). Un nouveau Toxodontidae (Mammalia, Notoungulata) du Pléistocène supérieur du Nordeste du Brésil. Geodiversitas, 35(1), 155–205. https://doi.org/10.5252/g2013n1a7