NEW MIOCENE–PLIOCENE SPECIMENS OF TOXODONTIDAE (NOTOUNGULATA) FROM THE HUAYQUERÍAS OF MENDOZA, WEST-CENTRAL ARGENTINA

Abstract

We describe three new Toxodontidae (Notoungulata) remains from Mendoza Province, west-central Argentina. One is a new mandible (IANIGLA-PV 993) collected at Huayquerías del Este, from the Huayquerías Formation (Late Miocene–earliest Pliocene). This finding adds to two other unpublished specimens from the area stored in old collections. MCNAM-PV 113 is a skull fragment from Huayquerías de San Carlos, lacking exact origin data, and MACN PV 14854 corresponds to associated upper and lower teeth from the so-called Bajada Grande locality, in Huayquerías del Este, from levels now assigned to the Bajada Grande Formation (Late Pliocene–Pleistocene). IANIGLA-PV 993 and MCNAM-PV 113 belong to Xotodon major. This species was described in 1914 based on cranial remains likely from levels now assigned to the Tunuyán Formation. Slight differences between IANIGLA-PV 993 and the holotype of X. major are attributable to intraspecific variation and their ontogenetic stage: smoother anteroventral mandibular angle; ascending ramus with blunt crest between the fossae for the zygomaticomandibularis and masseteric muscles; and tooth features (e.g., p4 with deeper grooves and slightly shorter teeth) that relate to a lesser wear degree. MCNAM-PV 113 shows nasals and upper teeth comparable with the holotype, although teeth are slightly less compressed. The temporal gap between levels yielding the holotype and IANIGLA-PV 993 is not reflected by our taxonomical interpretation. Finally, the specimen MACN PV 14854 is identified as Toxodon chapalmalensis, based upon its similarities with specimens from the Chapadmalal area, Buenos Aires Province, showing a correspondence with the Chapadmalalan Stage/Age of the Pampean Region.