Advantages and limitations in the use of extant xenarthrans (Mammalia) as morphological models for paleobiological reconstruction

VIZCAÍNO S. F.; TOLEDO N.; BARGO M. S.

JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN EVOLUTION

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2018 vol. 25 p. 495 - 505

1064-7554

Abstract Extant species of Xenarthra represent a severelyrestricted sample of the total diversity achieved by the group.Given their shared history, the extant representatives of thethree major groups of xenarthrans (Cingulata, Folivora, andVermilingua) provide a valuable basis for paleobiological inference.However, many extinct taxa are morphologically sodissimilar from their extant relatives that they suggest verydifferent ways of life. In these cases, extinct forms do not havemodern models within the group and the application of a simplisticand strict approach can produce nonsensical reconstructions.In this contribution, we evaluate the limitations of theuse of extant xenarthrans as morphological models for paleobiologicalreconstructions. A database of linear dimensions ofthe appendicular skeleton of extant and extinct xenarthransand other mammals (marsupials, carnivorans, rodents, primates,perissodactyls, artiodactyls, and proboscideans) wasconstructed. Exploratory analyzes were performed on generalmorphometric similarity between existing and extinctxenarthrans (PCA) and the accuracy of body mass estimatesof extinct xenarthrans based on their close relatives and othermammals (simple and multiple linear regressions) were tested.