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Suzanne J. Hand - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Functional and morphometric analysis of a middle Miocene bandicoot (Marsupialia, Peramelemorphia) skeleton from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Australia
2017Co-Authors: Karen H Black, Kenny J. Travouillon, Suzanne J. Hand, Troy J. Myers, Laura A. B. Wilson, Joseph J. BevittAbstract:Peramelemorphia comprises four families: the extant Peramelidae (bandicoots), and Thylacomyidae (bilbies); the recently extinct Chaeropodidae (pig-footed bandicoot); and the extinct Yaralidae; with at least ten fossil species of uncertain familial affinity designated as Perameloidea incertae sedis. Extant taxa (18 species) are characteristically omnivorous, small to medium sized (0.1-4.9 kg) semi-fossorial/fossorial marsupials with a quadrupedal bounding gait. They occupy varied habitats from desert to rainforest in Australia and New Guinea. Fourteen pre-Pliocene taxa are currently described on the basis of cranial and/or dental material, yet none is known from its postcranial skeleton. Here we use qualitative morphological and morphometric data to analyse a partial skeleton of a new species of bandicoot from a middle Miocene Cave Deposit, AL90 Site, in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area. AL90 has been radiometrically dated at 14.7-15.1 Ma, however the species is abundant in numerous early to middle Miocene Deposits at Riversleigh The AL90 specimen preserves the skull and dentaries, the fore-and hindlimbs, and elements of the manus, pes and axial skeleton. The species is estimated to have weighed approximately 300g (based on predictive marsupial craniodental regression equations) which is comparable among extant bandicoots to Perameles bougainville (Western barred bandicoot). Unlike modern species, the appendicular skeleton of the fossil taxon is less well-adapted for scratch-digging and fossorial behaviours. A striking contrast is the relatively elongate, gracile bones of the antebrachium of the fossil taxon compared with the generally short, robust forearm of modern bandicoots. Collectively, our data indicate a more generalized niche for this species than crown group peramelemorphians and may support suggestions that archaic bandicoots filled an ecological niche later dominated by small dasyurids during the late Cainozoic.
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subcellular preservation in giant ostracod sperm from an early miocene Cave Deposit in australia
Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2014Co-Authors: Renate Matzkekarasz, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, John V Neil, Robin J Smith, Radka Symonova, Libor Mořkovský, Peter Cloetens, Paul TafforeauAbstract:Cypridoidean ostracods are one of a number of animal taxa that reproduce with giant sperm, up to 10 000 µm in length, but they are the only group to have aflagellate, filamentous giant sperm. The evolution and function of this highly unusual feature of reproduction with giant sperm are currently unknown. The hypothesis of long-term evolutionary persistence of this kind of reproduction has never been tested. We here report giant sperm discovered by propagation phase contrast X-ray synchrotron micro- and nanotomography, preserved in five Miocene ostracod specimens from Queensland, Australia. The specimens belong to the species Heterocypris collaris Matzke-Karasz et al . 2013 (one male and three females) and Newnhamia mckenziana Matzke-Karasz et al . 2013 (one female). The sperm are not only the oldest petrified gametes on record, but include three-dimensional subcellular preservation. We provide direct evidence that giant sperm have been a feature of this taxon for at least 16 Myr and provide an additional criterion (i.e. longevity) to test hypotheses relating to origin and function of giant sperm in the animal kingdom. We further argue that the highly resistant, most probably chitinous coats of giant ostracod sperm may play a role in delaying decay processes, favouring early mineralization of soft tissue.
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reconstructing a miocene pitfall trap recognition and interpretation of fossiliferous cenozoic palaeokarst
Sedimentary Geology, 2014Co-Authors: Derrick A Arena, Karen H Black, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Henk Godthelp, P CreaserAbstract:The middle Miocene Cave Deposit at AL90 Site in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area of Queensland, Australia, is the largest excavated palaeokarst Deposit within the extensive Cenozoic freshwater limestones of the region. Stratigraphic relationships between various lithological components of the Cave Deposit indicate a dynamic, complex Depositional history including dissolution, infill and reworking of Cave materials. Euhedral spar, shelf-stone, calcite rafts and desiccation cracks on Cave sediments suggest standing water was variably present in the Cave environment. The AL90 Local Fauna is moderately diverse comprising at least 20 vertebrate families and 32 species, yet is taphonomically biased towards large marsupial herbivores (families Diprotodontidae, Macropodidae, and Balbaridae) and Cave-dwelling hipposiderid bats. Fossil material is generally exceptionally well-preserved with, in many cases, articulated skeletons recovered. The Cave entrance appears to have acted as a natural pit-fall trap. The complex (unconformable) Depositional structure and lithology, vertebrate taphonomy and faunal composition at AL90 Site are typical of Deposits and assemblages formed in the inner environment of the upper vadose zone. In the past, some similar unroofed Cave Deposits have been interpreted as clastic fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary Deposits formed by surface processes. Analysis of characteristic palaeokarst features at AL90 Site has enabled the identification of other less well-preserved, poorly-exposed or relict Cave Deposits at Riversleigh and has facilitated interpretation of the Depositional and palaeoenvironmental history of those Deposits. The findings presented here confirm earlier interpretations that specific, highly-fossiliferous early Miocene to early Pliocene fossil Deposits at Riversleigh represent relict Caves whose roofs and walls are no longer intact.
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ostracods crustacea with soft part preservation from miocene Cave Deposits of the riversleigh world heritage area nw queensland australia
Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 2013Co-Authors: Renate Matzkekarasz, Michael Archer, Henk Godthelp, John V Neil, Robin J Smith, Suzanne J. HandAbstract:In an extensive ostracod assemblage recovered from the Bitesantennary Site, an Early Miocene (23–16 Ma) Cave Deposit within the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-west Queensland, Australia, 26 specimens were found to have soft part preservation. This is the first known example of soft part preservation in ostracods that were living in a palaeo-subterranean habitat. These exceptionally preserved specimens represent three new species, described herein: Heterocypris collaris sp. nov., Candonocypris fimibolus sp. nov. and Newnhamia mckenziana sp. nov. The appendages of a few of the specimens showed a highly detailed mode of preservation, typical of mineralization by Ca-phosphate (apatite). This preservation can be ascribed to an elevated supply of phosphate from guano derived from bats living in the Cave. Two specimens feature an extraordinary mineral surface precipitation, partly embedding surface structures, such as fines setules on setae. After the decay or mechanical loss of the latter, only sharp ...
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first comprehensive analysis of cranial ontogeny in a fossil marsupial from a 15 million year old Cave Deposit in northern australia
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 2010Co-Authors: Karen H Black, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Henk GodthelpAbstract:ABSTRACT We present the first detailed account of cranial ontogeny in a fossil marsupial. An exceptionally well-preserved ontogenetic sample representing 26 individuals of Nimbadon lavarackorum (Diprotodontidae, Zygomaturinae) is described from a 15 million-year-old Cave Deposit in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Queensland. Based on comparison with one of N. lavarackomrris closest living relatives, the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), the N. lavarackorum sample represents developmental stages spanning suckling pouch young through to elderly adults. In addition to documenting ontogenetic changes, reduced major axis regression analyses of 14 cranial and seven mandibular measurements were used to analyze allometric growth. Early growth patterns in the cranium are comparable to those of other marsupials such that the bones of the facial portion of the cranium develop precociously compared with those of the neurocranium. Most differences between adult and juvenile crania result from reorganization of st...
Leonardo Dos Santos Avilla - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a quaternary very young juvenile tapirus brisson 1762 mammalia perissodactyla from a Cave Deposit in northern brazil taxonomy and taphonomy
Historical Biology, 2016Co-Authors: German Mariano Gasparini, Elizete Celestino Holanda, Herminio Ismael De Araujojunior, Leonardo Dos Santos AvillaAbstract:During fieldworks carried out from 2009 to 2013 in Aurora do Tocantins (northern Brazil), three isolated deciduous teeth of Tapirus were recovered. Those fossils come from a sedimentary Deposit of presumed Late Pleistocene–early Holocene age in a karstic Cave. This contribution aims to present a new locality of fossil Tapirus from northern Brazil, describe for the first time deciduous fossil teeth for South American Tapirus and evaluate the taphonomic aspects of those fossils. The specimens probably belong to the same individual due to there are no repeated teeth and they have the same wear pattern. Furthermore, the crowns of those teeth show no evidence of abrasion produced by transport. However, some abrasion is observed on the borders of the pulp chamber of teeth. These polishing are probably resulting of a very short transport (parautochthonous). These specimens are the only record of Tapiridae in Gruta do Urso Cave; due to correspond to isolated and deciduous teeth, its identification to species leve...
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a quaternary very young juvenile tapirus brisson 1762 mammalia perissodactyla from a Cave Deposit in northern brazil taxonomy and taphonomy
Historical Biology, 2016Co-Authors: German Mariano Gasparini, Elizete Celestino Holanda, Herminio Ismael De Araujojunior, Leonardo Dos Santos AvillaAbstract:Fil: Gasparini, German Mariano. Universidad Nacional de la Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Division Paleontologia Vertebrados; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas; Argentina
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taphonomic aspects of deer mammalia cetartiodactyla cervidae remains from a quaternary Cave Deposit in northern brazil
Journal of Sedimentary Environments, 2016Co-Authors: Victoria Maldonado, Herminio Ismael De Araujojunior, Lucas Guimaraes Pereira Monteiro, Alline Rotti, Carolina Pereira, Leonardo Dos Santos AvillaAbstract:This work identifies and interprets taphonomic features of the deer fossil assemblage recovered from the Gruta do Urso Cave, located in Tocantins State, Northern Brazil. Consequently, its results shed light on the origin of the vertebrate assemblages in Cave Deposits and paleoecological aspects of Quaternary deer of northern Brazil. The cervid fossil accumulation of the Gruta do Urso Cave includes individuals of three species that died outside the Cave and, then, underwent disarticulation and weathering during a time span between one and five years. During the necrolysis, they experienced sCavenging by large-sized felids and small-sized canids. Then, the disarticulated remains and a mummified hindlimb were transported into the Cave by multiple events of low-energy hydraulic flows. Inside the Cave, some specimens experienced exposure on the water table and incrustation. The biostratinomic data suggest the taphonomic history of deers around Gruta do Urso Cave occurred in arid conditions
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the armadillo propraopus sulcatus mammalia xenarthra from the late quaternary of northern brazil and a revised synonymy with propraopus grandis
Quaternary International, 2013Co-Authors: Mariela C. Castro, Leonardo Dos Santos Avilla, Mila L Freitas, Alfredo Armando CarliniAbstract:Abstract This paper describes new remains of Propraopus sulcatus from a late Quaternary Cave Deposit located in Aurora do Tocantins, northern Brazil. Propraopus was recorded in numerous late Pleistocene–early Holocene sites in South America, and its inclusiveness has been long debated. In order to address some of the controversial taxonomic questions, the osteoderms of P. sulcatus were qualitatively and quantitatively compared to those of related nominal species ( Propraopus grandis , Propraopus magnus , Dasypus bellus , and Dasypus punctatus ); special attention was given to the former due to the debated synonymy between both taxa. Analyses reveal that there is no morphologic, spatial, or temporal discontinuity between P. sulcatus and P. grandis . Adopting morphologic, associational, and distributional criteria to define morphospecies, we believe it is impossible to clearly separate both nominal entities. As a consequence, in agreement with previous studies, we favor their synonymization. P. sulcatus has nomenclatural priority over P. grandis and should be the valid name for the species. The scarce analyzed remains referred to P. magnus show concordant size and morphology with P. sulcatus , but the analysis of more complete material is essential to determine its synonymization. Finally, we revised and updated the geochronologic distribution of Propraopus .
Michael Bunce - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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thorough assessment of dna preservation from fossil bone and sediments excavated from a late pleistocene holocene Cave Deposit on kangaroo island south australia
Quaternary Science Reviews, 2014Co-Authors: Dalal Haouchar, James Haile, Matthew C Mcdowell, Daithi C Murray, Nicole White, Richard J N Allcock, Matthew J Phillips, Gavin J Prideaux, Michael BunceAbstract:Fossils and sediments preserved in Caves are an excellent source of information for investigating impacts of past environmental changes on biodiversity. Until recently studies have relied on morphology-based palaeontological approaches, but recent advances in molecular analytical methods offer excellent potential for extracting a greater array of biological information from these sites. This study presents a thorough assessment of DNA preservation from late Pleistocene–Holocene vertebrate fossils and sediments from Kelly Hill Cave Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Using a combination of extraction techniques and sequencing technologies, ancient DNA was characterised from over 70 bones and 20 sediment samples from 15 stratigraphic layers ranging in age from >20 ka to ∼6.8 ka. A combination of primers targeting marsupial and placental mammals, reptiles and two universal plant primers were used to reveal genetic biodiversity for comparison with the mainland and with the morphological fossil record for Kelly Hill Cave. We demonstrate that Kelly Hill Cave has excellent long-term DNA preservation, back to at least 20 ka. This contrasts with the majority of Australian Cave sites thus far explored for ancient DNA preservation, and highlights the great promise Kangaroo Island Caves hold for yielding the hitherto-elusive DNA of extinct Australian Pleistocene species.
Michael Archer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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subcellular preservation in giant ostracod sperm from an early miocene Cave Deposit in australia
Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2014Co-Authors: Renate Matzkekarasz, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, John V Neil, Robin J Smith, Radka Symonova, Libor Mořkovský, Peter Cloetens, Paul TafforeauAbstract:Cypridoidean ostracods are one of a number of animal taxa that reproduce with giant sperm, up to 10 000 µm in length, but they are the only group to have aflagellate, filamentous giant sperm. The evolution and function of this highly unusual feature of reproduction with giant sperm are currently unknown. The hypothesis of long-term evolutionary persistence of this kind of reproduction has never been tested. We here report giant sperm discovered by propagation phase contrast X-ray synchrotron micro- and nanotomography, preserved in five Miocene ostracod specimens from Queensland, Australia. The specimens belong to the species Heterocypris collaris Matzke-Karasz et al . 2013 (one male and three females) and Newnhamia mckenziana Matzke-Karasz et al . 2013 (one female). The sperm are not only the oldest petrified gametes on record, but include three-dimensional subcellular preservation. We provide direct evidence that giant sperm have been a feature of this taxon for at least 16 Myr and provide an additional criterion (i.e. longevity) to test hypotheses relating to origin and function of giant sperm in the animal kingdom. We further argue that the highly resistant, most probably chitinous coats of giant ostracod sperm may play a role in delaying decay processes, favouring early mineralization of soft tissue.
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reconstructing a miocene pitfall trap recognition and interpretation of fossiliferous cenozoic palaeokarst
Sedimentary Geology, 2014Co-Authors: Derrick A Arena, Karen H Black, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Henk Godthelp, P CreaserAbstract:The middle Miocene Cave Deposit at AL90 Site in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area of Queensland, Australia, is the largest excavated palaeokarst Deposit within the extensive Cenozoic freshwater limestones of the region. Stratigraphic relationships between various lithological components of the Cave Deposit indicate a dynamic, complex Depositional history including dissolution, infill and reworking of Cave materials. Euhedral spar, shelf-stone, calcite rafts and desiccation cracks on Cave sediments suggest standing water was variably present in the Cave environment. The AL90 Local Fauna is moderately diverse comprising at least 20 vertebrate families and 32 species, yet is taphonomically biased towards large marsupial herbivores (families Diprotodontidae, Macropodidae, and Balbaridae) and Cave-dwelling hipposiderid bats. Fossil material is generally exceptionally well-preserved with, in many cases, articulated skeletons recovered. The Cave entrance appears to have acted as a natural pit-fall trap. The complex (unconformable) Depositional structure and lithology, vertebrate taphonomy and faunal composition at AL90 Site are typical of Deposits and assemblages formed in the inner environment of the upper vadose zone. In the past, some similar unroofed Cave Deposits have been interpreted as clastic fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary Deposits formed by surface processes. Analysis of characteristic palaeokarst features at AL90 Site has enabled the identification of other less well-preserved, poorly-exposed or relict Cave Deposits at Riversleigh and has facilitated interpretation of the Depositional and palaeoenvironmental history of those Deposits. The findings presented here confirm earlier interpretations that specific, highly-fossiliferous early Miocene to early Pliocene fossil Deposits at Riversleigh represent relict Caves whose roofs and walls are no longer intact.
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ostracods crustacea with soft part preservation from miocene Cave Deposits of the riversleigh world heritage area nw queensland australia
Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 2013Co-Authors: Renate Matzkekarasz, Michael Archer, Henk Godthelp, John V Neil, Robin J Smith, Suzanne J. HandAbstract:In an extensive ostracod assemblage recovered from the Bitesantennary Site, an Early Miocene (23–16 Ma) Cave Deposit within the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-west Queensland, Australia, 26 specimens were found to have soft part preservation. This is the first known example of soft part preservation in ostracods that were living in a palaeo-subterranean habitat. These exceptionally preserved specimens represent three new species, described herein: Heterocypris collaris sp. nov., Candonocypris fimibolus sp. nov. and Newnhamia mckenziana sp. nov. The appendages of a few of the specimens showed a highly detailed mode of preservation, typical of mineralization by Ca-phosphate (apatite). This preservation can be ascribed to an elevated supply of phosphate from guano derived from bats living in the Cave. Two specimens feature an extraordinary mineral surface precipitation, partly embedding surface structures, such as fines setules on setae. After the decay or mechanical loss of the latter, only sharp ...
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first comprehensive analysis of cranial ontogeny in a fossil marsupial from a 15 million year old Cave Deposit in northern australia
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 2010Co-Authors: Karen H Black, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Henk GodthelpAbstract:ABSTRACT We present the first detailed account of cranial ontogeny in a fossil marsupial. An exceptionally well-preserved ontogenetic sample representing 26 individuals of Nimbadon lavarackorum (Diprotodontidae, Zygomaturinae) is described from a 15 million-year-old Cave Deposit in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Queensland. Based on comparison with one of N. lavarackomrris closest living relatives, the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), the N. lavarackorum sample represents developmental stages spanning suckling pouch young through to elderly adults. In addition to documenting ontogenetic changes, reduced major axis regression analyses of 14 cranial and seven mandibular measurements were used to analyze allometric growth. Early growth patterns in the cranium are comparable to those of other marsupials such that the bones of the facial portion of the cranium develop precociously compared with those of the neurocranium. Most differences between adult and juvenile crania result from reorganization of st...
Henk Godthelp - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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reconstructing a miocene pitfall trap recognition and interpretation of fossiliferous cenozoic palaeokarst
Sedimentary Geology, 2014Co-Authors: Derrick A Arena, Karen H Black, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Henk Godthelp, P CreaserAbstract:The middle Miocene Cave Deposit at AL90 Site in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area of Queensland, Australia, is the largest excavated palaeokarst Deposit within the extensive Cenozoic freshwater limestones of the region. Stratigraphic relationships between various lithological components of the Cave Deposit indicate a dynamic, complex Depositional history including dissolution, infill and reworking of Cave materials. Euhedral spar, shelf-stone, calcite rafts and desiccation cracks on Cave sediments suggest standing water was variably present in the Cave environment. The AL90 Local Fauna is moderately diverse comprising at least 20 vertebrate families and 32 species, yet is taphonomically biased towards large marsupial herbivores (families Diprotodontidae, Macropodidae, and Balbaridae) and Cave-dwelling hipposiderid bats. Fossil material is generally exceptionally well-preserved with, in many cases, articulated skeletons recovered. The Cave entrance appears to have acted as a natural pit-fall trap. The complex (unconformable) Depositional structure and lithology, vertebrate taphonomy and faunal composition at AL90 Site are typical of Deposits and assemblages formed in the inner environment of the upper vadose zone. In the past, some similar unroofed Cave Deposits have been interpreted as clastic fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary Deposits formed by surface processes. Analysis of characteristic palaeokarst features at AL90 Site has enabled the identification of other less well-preserved, poorly-exposed or relict Cave Deposits at Riversleigh and has facilitated interpretation of the Depositional and palaeoenvironmental history of those Deposits. The findings presented here confirm earlier interpretations that specific, highly-fossiliferous early Miocene to early Pliocene fossil Deposits at Riversleigh represent relict Caves whose roofs and walls are no longer intact.
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ostracods crustacea with soft part preservation from miocene Cave Deposits of the riversleigh world heritage area nw queensland australia
Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 2013Co-Authors: Renate Matzkekarasz, Michael Archer, Henk Godthelp, John V Neil, Robin J Smith, Suzanne J. HandAbstract:In an extensive ostracod assemblage recovered from the Bitesantennary Site, an Early Miocene (23–16 Ma) Cave Deposit within the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-west Queensland, Australia, 26 specimens were found to have soft part preservation. This is the first known example of soft part preservation in ostracods that were living in a palaeo-subterranean habitat. These exceptionally preserved specimens represent three new species, described herein: Heterocypris collaris sp. nov., Candonocypris fimibolus sp. nov. and Newnhamia mckenziana sp. nov. The appendages of a few of the specimens showed a highly detailed mode of preservation, typical of mineralization by Ca-phosphate (apatite). This preservation can be ascribed to an elevated supply of phosphate from guano derived from bats living in the Cave. Two specimens feature an extraordinary mineral surface precipitation, partly embedding surface structures, such as fines setules on setae. After the decay or mechanical loss of the latter, only sharp ...
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first comprehensive analysis of cranial ontogeny in a fossil marsupial from a 15 million year old Cave Deposit in northern australia
Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 2010Co-Authors: Karen H Black, Suzanne J. Hand, Michael Archer, Henk GodthelpAbstract:ABSTRACT We present the first detailed account of cranial ontogeny in a fossil marsupial. An exceptionally well-preserved ontogenetic sample representing 26 individuals of Nimbadon lavarackorum (Diprotodontidae, Zygomaturinae) is described from a 15 million-year-old Cave Deposit in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, Queensland. Based on comparison with one of N. lavarackomrris closest living relatives, the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), the N. lavarackorum sample represents developmental stages spanning suckling pouch young through to elderly adults. In addition to documenting ontogenetic changes, reduced major axis regression analyses of 14 cranial and seven mandibular measurements were used to analyze allometric growth. Early growth patterns in the cranium are comparable to those of other marsupials such that the bones of the facial portion of the cranium develop precociously compared with those of the neurocranium. Most differences between adult and juvenile crania result from reorganization of st...