Newdental remains of the fossil great ape Anoiapithecus brevirostris are described from the Middl... more Newdental remains of the fossil great ape Anoiapithecus brevirostris are described from the Middle Miocene
local stratigraphic series of Abocador de Can Mata (ACM) in els Hostalets de Pierola (Vallès-Penedès Basin,
NE Iberian Peninsula). These specimens correspond to maxillary fragments with upper teeth from two
female individuals from two different localities: left P3eM1 (IPS41712) from ACM/C3-Aj (type locality;
11.9 Ma [millions of years ago]); and right M1eM2 and left P4eM2 (IPS35027) from ACM/C1-E* (12.3
e12.2 Ma). Relative enamel thickness is also computed in the latter individual and re-evaluated in other
Middle Miocene hominoids from ACM, in order to better assess their taxonomic affinities. With regard to
maxillary sinus development, occlusal morphology, molar proportions and enamel thickness, the new
specimens show greater resemblances with the (male) holotype specimen of A. brevirostris. They differ
from Pierolapithecus catalaunicus in displaying less inflated crests, a more lingually-located hypocone, and
relatively lower-crowned molars; from Dryopithecus fontani, in the relatively thicker enamel and lowercrowned
molars; from Hispanopithecus spp., in the more inflated crown bases, less peripheral cusps and
more restricted maxillary sinus; and from Hispanopithecus laietanus also in the thicker crests, more
restricted occlusal foveae, and relatively lower-crowned molars. The new specimens of A. brevirostris show
some slight differences compared with the holotype of this species: smaller size (presumably due to sexual
size dimorphism), and less distally-tapering M2 occlusal contour (which is highly variable in both extant
and extinct hominoids). The reported remains provide valuable new evidence on dental intraspecific
variation and sexual dimorphism in Anoiapithecus. From a taxonomic viewpoint, they support the
distinction of this taxon from both Dryopithecus and Pierolapithecus. From a chronostratigraphic
perspective, IPS35027 from ACM/C1-E* enlarges the known temporal distribution of Anoiapithecus, further
representing the oldest record (first appearance datum) of hominoids in the Iberian Peninsula.
The two hominoid teeth—a central upper
incisor (NMB G.a.9.) and an upper molar (FSL 213981)—
fr... more The two hominoid teeth—a central upper
incisor (NMB G.a.9.) and an upper molar (FSL 213981)—
from the Middle Miocene site of La Grive-Saint-Alban
(France) have been traditionally attributed to Dryopithecus
fontani (Hominidae: Dryopithecinae). However, during the
last decade discoveries in the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin (Spain)
have shown that several hominoid genera were present in
Western Europe during the late Middle Miocene. As a
result, the attribution of the dryopithecine teeth from La
Grive is not as straightforward as previously thought. In
fact, similarities with the upper incisor of Pierolapithecus
have led to suggestions that either the latter taxon is present
at La Grive, or that it is a junior synonym of Dryopithecus.
Here, we re-describe the La Grive teeth and critically
revise their taxonomic assignment based on metrical and
morphological comparisons with other Middle to Late Miocene
hominoids from Europe and Turkey, with particular
emphasis on those from the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin. Our
results suggest that the I1 differs in several respects from
those of Pierolapithecus and Hispanopithecus, so that an
attribution to either Dryopithecus or Anoiapithecus (for
which this tooth is unknown) seems more likely. The molar,
in turn, most likely corresponds to the M1 of a female
individual. Compared to other Middle Miocene taxa, its occlusal
morphology enables its distinction from Pierolapithecus,
whereas relative crown height agrees well with
Dryopithecus. Therefore, based on available evidence, we
support the traditional attribution of the La Grive hominoid
to D. fontani. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:558–565,
2013.
The internal (nasal and paranasal) cranial anatomy of the Middle Miocene (11.9 Ma [millions of ye... more The internal (nasal and paranasal) cranial anatomy of the Middle Miocene (11.9 Ma [millions of years ago]) great ape Pierolapithecus catalaunicus (Hominidae: Dryopithecini) is described on the basis of computed-tomography scans of the holotype specimen (IPS21350), with particular emphasis on its phylogenetic implications. Pierolapithecus displays the following characters: an anteriorly-restricted maxillary sinus that posteriorly spreads towards the ethmoidal area (thus resembling the pongine condition), although being situated well above the molar roots (as in kenyapithecins, other dryopithecins and pongines); lack of frontal sinus (a synapomorphy of derived pongines, independently acquired by both cercopithecoids and hylobatids); posteriorly-situated turbinals (as in Pongo); anteriorly-projecting nasolacrimal canal (as in Pongo); and probably stepped nasal floor with non-overlapping premaxillary-maxillary contact (as in dryopithecines and stem hominoids, although it cannot be conclusively shown due to bone damage). Overall, Pierolapithecus displays a mosaic of primitive hominid and derived pongine features that are inconsistent with this taxon being a hominine (as previously suggested). Two alternative phylogenetic interpretations are possible: Pierolapithecus may be a stem member of the Hominidae as previously suggested in its original description, or alternatively this taxon may be a stem member of the Ponginae s.l. (with the European dryopithecines being the sister taxon to the Asian pongines).
Newdental remains of the fossil great ape Anoiapithecus brevirostris are described from the Middl... more Newdental remains of the fossil great ape Anoiapithecus brevirostris are described from the Middle Miocene
local stratigraphic series of Abocador de Can Mata (ACM) in els Hostalets de Pierola (Vallès-Penedès Basin,
NE Iberian Peninsula). These specimens correspond to maxillary fragments with upper teeth from two
female individuals from two different localities: left P3eM1 (IPS41712) from ACM/C3-Aj (type locality;
11.9 Ma [millions of years ago]); and right M1eM2 and left P4eM2 (IPS35027) from ACM/C1-E* (12.3
e12.2 Ma). Relative enamel thickness is also computed in the latter individual and re-evaluated in other
Middle Miocene hominoids from ACM, in order to better assess their taxonomic affinities. With regard to
maxillary sinus development, occlusal morphology, molar proportions and enamel thickness, the new
specimens show greater resemblances with the (male) holotype specimen of A. brevirostris. They differ
from Pierolapithecus catalaunicus in displaying less inflated crests, a more lingually-located hypocone, and
relatively lower-crowned molars; from Dryopithecus fontani, in the relatively thicker enamel and lowercrowned
molars; from Hispanopithecus spp., in the more inflated crown bases, less peripheral cusps and
more restricted maxillary sinus; and from Hispanopithecus laietanus also in the thicker crests, more
restricted occlusal foveae, and relatively lower-crowned molars. The new specimens of A. brevirostris show
some slight differences compared with the holotype of this species: smaller size (presumably due to sexual
size dimorphism), and less distally-tapering M2 occlusal contour (which is highly variable in both extant
and extinct hominoids). The reported remains provide valuable new evidence on dental intraspecific
variation and sexual dimorphism in Anoiapithecus. From a taxonomic viewpoint, they support the
distinction of this taxon from both Dryopithecus and Pierolapithecus. From a chronostratigraphic
perspective, IPS35027 from ACM/C1-E* enlarges the known temporal distribution of Anoiapithecus, further
representing the oldest record (first appearance datum) of hominoids in the Iberian Peninsula.
The two hominoid teeth—a central upper
incisor (NMB G.a.9.) and an upper molar (FSL 213981)—
fr... more The two hominoid teeth—a central upper
incisor (NMB G.a.9.) and an upper molar (FSL 213981)—
from the Middle Miocene site of La Grive-Saint-Alban
(France) have been traditionally attributed to Dryopithecus
fontani (Hominidae: Dryopithecinae). However, during the
last decade discoveries in the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin (Spain)
have shown that several hominoid genera were present in
Western Europe during the late Middle Miocene. As a
result, the attribution of the dryopithecine teeth from La
Grive is not as straightforward as previously thought. In
fact, similarities with the upper incisor of Pierolapithecus
have led to suggestions that either the latter taxon is present
at La Grive, or that it is a junior synonym of Dryopithecus.
Here, we re-describe the La Grive teeth and critically
revise their taxonomic assignment based on metrical and
morphological comparisons with other Middle to Late Miocene
hominoids from Europe and Turkey, with particular
emphasis on those from the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin. Our
results suggest that the I1 differs in several respects from
those of Pierolapithecus and Hispanopithecus, so that an
attribution to either Dryopithecus or Anoiapithecus (for
which this tooth is unknown) seems more likely. The molar,
in turn, most likely corresponds to the M1 of a female
individual. Compared to other Middle Miocene taxa, its occlusal
morphology enables its distinction from Pierolapithecus,
whereas relative crown height agrees well with
Dryopithecus. Therefore, based on available evidence, we
support the traditional attribution of the La Grive hominoid
to D. fontani. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:558–565,
2013.
The internal (nasal and paranasal) cranial anatomy of the Middle Miocene (11.9 Ma [millions of ye... more The internal (nasal and paranasal) cranial anatomy of the Middle Miocene (11.9 Ma [millions of years ago]) great ape Pierolapithecus catalaunicus (Hominidae: Dryopithecini) is described on the basis of computed-tomography scans of the holotype specimen (IPS21350), with particular emphasis on its phylogenetic implications. Pierolapithecus displays the following characters: an anteriorly-restricted maxillary sinus that posteriorly spreads towards the ethmoidal area (thus resembling the pongine condition), although being situated well above the molar roots (as in kenyapithecins, other dryopithecins and pongines); lack of frontal sinus (a synapomorphy of derived pongines, independently acquired by both cercopithecoids and hylobatids); posteriorly-situated turbinals (as in Pongo); anteriorly-projecting nasolacrimal canal (as in Pongo); and probably stepped nasal floor with non-overlapping premaxillary-maxillary contact (as in dryopithecines and stem hominoids, although it cannot be conclusively shown due to bone damage). Overall, Pierolapithecus displays a mosaic of primitive hominid and derived pongine features that are inconsistent with this taxon being a hominine (as previously suggested). Two alternative phylogenetic interpretations are possible: Pierolapithecus may be a stem member of the Hominidae as previously suggested in its original description, or alternatively this taxon may be a stem member of the Ponginae s.l. (with the European dryopithecines being the sister taxon to the Asian pongines).
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Papers by Miriam Pérez de los Ríos
local stratigraphic series of Abocador de Can Mata (ACM) in els Hostalets de Pierola (Vallès-Penedès Basin,
NE Iberian Peninsula). These specimens correspond to maxillary fragments with upper teeth from two
female individuals from two different localities: left P3eM1 (IPS41712) from ACM/C3-Aj (type locality;
11.9 Ma [millions of years ago]); and right M1eM2 and left P4eM2 (IPS35027) from ACM/C1-E* (12.3
e12.2 Ma). Relative enamel thickness is also computed in the latter individual and re-evaluated in other
Middle Miocene hominoids from ACM, in order to better assess their taxonomic affinities. With regard to
maxillary sinus development, occlusal morphology, molar proportions and enamel thickness, the new
specimens show greater resemblances with the (male) holotype specimen of A. brevirostris. They differ
from Pierolapithecus catalaunicus in displaying less inflated crests, a more lingually-located hypocone, and
relatively lower-crowned molars; from Dryopithecus fontani, in the relatively thicker enamel and lowercrowned
molars; from Hispanopithecus spp., in the more inflated crown bases, less peripheral cusps and
more restricted maxillary sinus; and from Hispanopithecus laietanus also in the thicker crests, more
restricted occlusal foveae, and relatively lower-crowned molars. The new specimens of A. brevirostris show
some slight differences compared with the holotype of this species: smaller size (presumably due to sexual
size dimorphism), and less distally-tapering M2 occlusal contour (which is highly variable in both extant
and extinct hominoids). The reported remains provide valuable new evidence on dental intraspecific
variation and sexual dimorphism in Anoiapithecus. From a taxonomic viewpoint, they support the
distinction of this taxon from both Dryopithecus and Pierolapithecus. From a chronostratigraphic
perspective, IPS35027 from ACM/C1-E* enlarges the known temporal distribution of Anoiapithecus, further
representing the oldest record (first appearance datum) of hominoids in the Iberian Peninsula.
incisor (NMB G.a.9.) and an upper molar (FSL 213981)—
from the Middle Miocene site of La Grive-Saint-Alban
(France) have been traditionally attributed to Dryopithecus
fontani (Hominidae: Dryopithecinae). However, during the
last decade discoveries in the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin (Spain)
have shown that several hominoid genera were present in
Western Europe during the late Middle Miocene. As a
result, the attribution of the dryopithecine teeth from La
Grive is not as straightforward as previously thought. In
fact, similarities with the upper incisor of Pierolapithecus
have led to suggestions that either the latter taxon is present
at La Grive, or that it is a junior synonym of Dryopithecus.
Here, we re-describe the La Grive teeth and critically
revise their taxonomic assignment based on metrical and
morphological comparisons with other Middle to Late Miocene
hominoids from Europe and Turkey, with particular
emphasis on those from the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin. Our
results suggest that the I1 differs in several respects from
those of Pierolapithecus and Hispanopithecus, so that an
attribution to either Dryopithecus or Anoiapithecus (for
which this tooth is unknown) seems more likely. The molar,
in turn, most likely corresponds to the M1 of a female
individual. Compared to other Middle Miocene taxa, its occlusal
morphology enables its distinction from Pierolapithecus,
whereas relative crown height agrees well with
Dryopithecus. Therefore, based on available evidence, we
support the traditional attribution of the La Grive hominoid
to D. fontani. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:558–565,
2013.
shown due to bone damage). Overall, Pierolapithecus displays a mosaic of primitive hominid and derived pongine features that are inconsistent with this taxon being a hominine (as previously suggested). Two alternative phylogenetic interpretations are possible: Pierolapithecus may be a stem member of the Hominidae as previously suggested in its original description, or alternatively this taxon may be a stem member of the Ponginae s.l. (with the European dryopithecines being the sister taxon to the Asian pongines).
local stratigraphic series of Abocador de Can Mata (ACM) in els Hostalets de Pierola (Vallès-Penedès Basin,
NE Iberian Peninsula). These specimens correspond to maxillary fragments with upper teeth from two
female individuals from two different localities: left P3eM1 (IPS41712) from ACM/C3-Aj (type locality;
11.9 Ma [millions of years ago]); and right M1eM2 and left P4eM2 (IPS35027) from ACM/C1-E* (12.3
e12.2 Ma). Relative enamel thickness is also computed in the latter individual and re-evaluated in other
Middle Miocene hominoids from ACM, in order to better assess their taxonomic affinities. With regard to
maxillary sinus development, occlusal morphology, molar proportions and enamel thickness, the new
specimens show greater resemblances with the (male) holotype specimen of A. brevirostris. They differ
from Pierolapithecus catalaunicus in displaying less inflated crests, a more lingually-located hypocone, and
relatively lower-crowned molars; from Dryopithecus fontani, in the relatively thicker enamel and lowercrowned
molars; from Hispanopithecus spp., in the more inflated crown bases, less peripheral cusps and
more restricted maxillary sinus; and from Hispanopithecus laietanus also in the thicker crests, more
restricted occlusal foveae, and relatively lower-crowned molars. The new specimens of A. brevirostris show
some slight differences compared with the holotype of this species: smaller size (presumably due to sexual
size dimorphism), and less distally-tapering M2 occlusal contour (which is highly variable in both extant
and extinct hominoids). The reported remains provide valuable new evidence on dental intraspecific
variation and sexual dimorphism in Anoiapithecus. From a taxonomic viewpoint, they support the
distinction of this taxon from both Dryopithecus and Pierolapithecus. From a chronostratigraphic
perspective, IPS35027 from ACM/C1-E* enlarges the known temporal distribution of Anoiapithecus, further
representing the oldest record (first appearance datum) of hominoids in the Iberian Peninsula.
incisor (NMB G.a.9.) and an upper molar (FSL 213981)—
from the Middle Miocene site of La Grive-Saint-Alban
(France) have been traditionally attributed to Dryopithecus
fontani (Hominidae: Dryopithecinae). However, during the
last decade discoveries in the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin (Spain)
have shown that several hominoid genera were present in
Western Europe during the late Middle Miocene. As a
result, the attribution of the dryopithecine teeth from La
Grive is not as straightforward as previously thought. In
fact, similarities with the upper incisor of Pierolapithecus
have led to suggestions that either the latter taxon is present
at La Grive, or that it is a junior synonym of Dryopithecus.
Here, we re-describe the La Grive teeth and critically
revise their taxonomic assignment based on metrical and
morphological comparisons with other Middle to Late Miocene
hominoids from Europe and Turkey, with particular
emphasis on those from the Valle`s-Penede`s Basin. Our
results suggest that the I1 differs in several respects from
those of Pierolapithecus and Hispanopithecus, so that an
attribution to either Dryopithecus or Anoiapithecus (for
which this tooth is unknown) seems more likely. The molar,
in turn, most likely corresponds to the M1 of a female
individual. Compared to other Middle Miocene taxa, its occlusal
morphology enables its distinction from Pierolapithecus,
whereas relative crown height agrees well with
Dryopithecus. Therefore, based on available evidence, we
support the traditional attribution of the La Grive hominoid
to D. fontani. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:558–565,
2013.
shown due to bone damage). Overall, Pierolapithecus displays a mosaic of primitive hominid and derived pongine features that are inconsistent with this taxon being a hominine (as previously suggested). Two alternative phylogenetic interpretations are possible: Pierolapithecus may be a stem member of the Hominidae as previously suggested in its original description, or alternatively this taxon may be a stem member of the Ponginae s.l. (with the European dryopithecines being the sister taxon to the Asian pongines).