AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

The Oldest Species of Didelphis (Mammalia, Marsupialia, Didelphidae), from the Late Miocene of Amazonia

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2006
Authors:Cozzuol, MA, Goin, F, Reyes, MDe Los, Ranzi, A
Journal:Journal of Mammalogy
Volume:87
Issue:4
Date Published:2006
ISBN Number:00222372
Keywords:Corvidae, Corvus, Corvus corone
Abstract:The oldest known species of the genus Didelphis (Mammalia, Marsupialia, Didelphidae) is described here. The holotype and only known specimen comes from the late Miocene deposits of the Solimões Formation at Patos, Acre River, Brazil. The new species is one of only a few marsupials known from this assemblage. The new species differs from other known species by its smaller size, low mandibular ramus, smaller molars relative to premolars, and p3 with inflated crown. The last feature suggests more frugivorous habits than in other species of the genus.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4094591
Short Title:Journal of Mammalogy
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith