Paleoparasitological study of rodent coprolites from "Los Altares" paleontological site, Patagonia, Argentina

BELTRAME M. ORNELA; FUGASSA MARTÍN H.; UDRIZAR SAUTHIER DANIEL E.; SARDELLA NORMA H.

QUATERNARY INTERNATIONAL

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 352 p. 59 - 63

1040-6182

Results of paleoparasitological examination of rodent coprolites are present. The faeces were collected from excavations at the paleontological site "Los Altares", Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina. Each coprolite was processed, rehydrated, homogenized, spontaneously sediment and examined using light microscope. Coprolites and eggs were described, measured and photographed. Samples were positive for eggs of Heteroxynema (Cavioxyura) viscaciae and an unidentified oxyurid (tentatively attributed to Helminthoxys) (Nematoda: Oxyuridae); and for 3 morphotypes of anoplocephalids (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae). Coprolites were dated at 2210 ± 70 yr B.P. to present. This is the first paleoparasitological research conducted in different levels of "Los Altares" profile that extended the parasitological knowledge of the ancient material in Patagonia.