A natural brain endocast from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) has ... more A natural brain endocast from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) has been investigated in detail using CT scanning, image processing techniques and Geometric Morpho- metrics to obtain information about the taxonomy and taphonomy of the specimen. Based on its characteristically felid shape, we compared several measurements of the endocast with those of the brains of living Felidae, with a special emphasis on Panthera pardus, Lynx lynx and Felis silvestris earlier reported from the same locality. The applied combination of techniques revealed that this specimen is morphometrically closest to the brains of lynxes, and so can be reported as the first natural endocranial cast of Late Pleistocene Lynx sp. In addition, CT scanning of the Ingarano en- docast allowed us to reconstruct the early stages of its taphonomy (i.e., the process of infilling of the braincase with the sediment).
Recently, Marra et al. (2014) published an articulate revision on the Pleistocene sedimentary seq... more Recently, Marra et al. (2014) published an articulate revision on the Pleistocene sedimentary sequences and vertebrate assemblages from the Ponte Galeria area (Roma, Italy). However, in our opinion, some important palaeontological data are missing or incorrectly reported. The aim of this Comment is to provide crucial elements and put in evidence the shortcomings to the study of this classical palaeontological site.
Among fossil vertebrates, oral pathologies are of particular interest, because of their considera... more Among fossil vertebrates, oral pathologies are of particular interest, because of their considerable effect on teeth and maxillary/dentary bones and, as a consequence, on mastication and feeding behaviour. This study focused on a pathological left hemimandible referred to the mustelid Meles meles unearthed from a Late Pleistocene karst filling deposit at San Sidero (Apulia, South Italy). This fossil shows unusual marked abnormalities related to a rare case of nonodontogenic chronic suppurative osteomyelitis. Clinical diagnosis of the disease and the timing of its development have been defined on the basis of a veterinary approach and X-ray analyses. Such a pathological condition can be explained as a consequence of a wound due to a porcupine quill. The analysis of the injury also provides information about the biomechanics of the bite and on the feeding behaviour. The study case confirms how palaeopathological analyses can be considered valuable tools to reconstruct the physiology of animals that lived in the past and to depict in detail the interactions among Late Pleistocene mammals, thus allowing a more accurate reconstruction of the ecology in fossil mammals.
CT scanning analysis applied to vertebrate palaeontology is providing an increasing number of dat... more CT scanning analysis applied to vertebrate palaeontology is providing an increasing number of data of great interest. This method can be used in many branches of palaeontology such as the investigation of all the fossilized elements in a hard matrix and the hidden structures in the bones. A large number of pathologies are “hidden”, complete- ly or partially invisible on the external surface of the bones because their development took place within the bones. However, the study of these diseases and abnormalities plays a crucial role in our understanding of evolutionary and adap- tive processes of extinct taxa. The analysis of a partial skeleton of the sabre-toothed felid Megantereon whitei from the Early Pleistocene karst filling deposits of Monte Argentario (Tuscany, Italy) has been carried out. The CT scanning anal- ysis put in evidence the presence of supernumerary teeth (P2) and the absence of P3 in the mandible. The occurrence of P2 can be considered as an evidence of atavism. Such an archaic feature is recorded for the first time in Megantereon.
We describe adaptations for a semiaquatic lifestyle in the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. Thes... more We describe adaptations for a semiaquatic lifestyle in the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. These adaptations include retraction of the fleshy nostrils to a position near the mid-region of the skull and an elongate neck and trunk that shift the center of body mass anterior to the knee joint. Unlike terrestrial theropods, the pelvic girdle is downsized, the hind limbs are short, and all of the limb bones are solid without an open medullary cavity, for buoyancy control in water. The short, robust femur with hypertrophied flexor attachment and the low, flat-bottomed pedal claws are consistent with aquatic foot-propelled locomotion. Surface striations and bone microstructure suggest that the dorsal “sail” may have been enveloped in skin that functioned primarily for display on land and in water.
Volcanic sediments are often unsuitable for the fossilization of both hard and soft organic tissu... more Volcanic sediments are often unsuitable for the fossilization of both hard and soft organic tissues, however, in some circumstances, they can provide unusual conditions for the preservation of remains. Here we report an exceptional case of soft tissue fossilization of a Late Pleistocene Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) in the pyroclastic sequence of the Alban Hills volcanic region (SE Rome, Italy). CT analyses have revealed an exceptional natural cast of the complete head and neck that preserve extraordinary detail including the fossilized everted tongue, beak, feather insertions and the first record of the nictitating membrane of the eye. This fossilization (superior in detail even to the victims of the AD 79 Plinian eruption of Vesuvius) reveals no evidence of burning and requires re-evaluation of the thermal constraints in operation for the preservation of organic materials within pyroclastic sediments. The analysis of the external morphological features has provided key information regarding the taphonomic processes in operation, the emplacement temperatures of distal pyroclastic flow deposits and the re- lationships between organic materials and low temperature phreatomagmatic flows. This sheds light not only on the extremely rare situation of fossilization in volcanic contexts but also provides a new perspective on taphonomic studies of highly detailed casts of fossil vertebrates.
In mammals combined factors such as body size reduction and loss of peripheral teeth are often as... more In mammals combined factors such as body size reduction and loss of peripheral teeth are often associated with endemism phenomena. This condition is particularly evident in insular contexts where is a complete geographic isolation. During the Pleistocene there have been several glacial stages which changed the physiognomy of the Italian peninsula strongly influencing the distribution and morphology of mammalian faunas. Several genetic studies have shown that some Southern Italian areas have particular endemic species of small and medium size mammals. During Pleistocene these areas have been characterized by particular climatic/environmental conditions, and are generally called "glacial refugia". They represent geographically isolated areas over time, where the origin of faunas with peculiar features is favoured.
In this study the occurrence of Meles meles from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) is documented for the first time. This taxon is represented only by a partial skull (splancnocranum) that, despite the relative completeness, includes peculiar and well preserved dental features that could be related to a partial endemic condition. The fossil shows a reduced body size and the agenesis of peripheral teeth, both conditions which are typical of the extant badgers from Crete, Rhodes and Japan. To test this hypothesis, tomographic analysis have been provided to establish the dental agenesis, and, in order to understand the magnitude of the body size reduction, biometric analyses have been carried on. The obtained data have been compared to measures of the extant Eurasian badgers.
Skeletal pathologies and oral disease are largely unexplored in fossil carnivores. Dental abnorma... more Skeletal pathologies and oral disease are largely unexplored in fossil carnivores. Dental abnormalities, fractures, trauma, supernumerary teeth, tumours, periodontitis, and other bacterial infections are some of the diseases that leave traces on fossilized skulls, but their identification is not always possible by external observation on the specimen. Moreover a large number of pathologies are “hidden”, partially or completely invisible on the external surface of the bones because their development took place within the bones. The degree and the type of fossilization, the state of preservation and the fossil size are just a few other factors that influence the analysis of these structures. Digital scanning techniques are useful to solve such difficulties. X-ray study can provide valuable information on bone and teeth diseases, by allowing the visualization of the internal structure of the fossil bones, without the alteration and/or destruction of the specimen. Many aspects of the life of carnivores are regulated by their health condition, and in particular by the teeth and jaws conditions, individuals with evident disability due to the pathology and injuries are not able to perform properly some basic activities, such as foraging and defence. This paper presents new methods of non-invasive analysis to identify and understand oral pathologies in fossil carnivores. They can be further explored to obtain detailed palaeoecological reconstructions of their mode of life.
The site of Pantalla (central Italy) yielded a rich late Villafranchian (Early Pleistocene) fauna... more The site of Pantalla (central Italy) yielded a rich late Villafranchian (Early Pleistocene) faunal assemblage, which includes some well-preserved large mammal skulls. We describe here two nearly complete crania and a left hemimandible of Acinonyx pardinensis from this locality, representing the most complete cranial material of this species in Europe. These finds allowed us to define more clearly the craniodental morphology of A. pardinensis. Similarly to the forms from North Africa and China, the giant cheetah from Pantalla has a more generalized skull than the living Acinonyx jubatus, showing some primitive, pantherine-like features such as the less domed dorsal outline of the cranium, the more developed sagittal and nuchal crests and the less bowed zygomatic arches. High-resolution CT scans of the specimens were used to obtain the first 3D model of a cranium with articulated mandible of A. pardinensis. Starting from the insertion areas on this model we reconstructed the jaw muscles of the Pantalla felid, confirming its affinities with pantherine felines. In the light of the musculoskeletal skull anatomy and the average body mass (about 80 kg), it is likely that A. pardinensis could kill large prey through a hunting strategy more similar to pantherine cats than to the living cheetah.
Canis lupus dispersed into Europe in the late Middle Pleistocene. The phylogenetic origin of C. l... more Canis lupus dispersed into Europe in the late Middle Pleistocene. The phylogenetic origin of C. lupus from Canis mosbachensis is widely accepted in the literature although their relationships and taxonomy are debated. In this paper, canid remains coming from the so-called “terre rosse”, Level G at Grotta Romanelli (Apulia, Southern Italy) are described. The Level G was dated between 69,000 and 40,000 ` 3250 years using the 230Th/238U method. Despite the great archeological importance of the site, some of the vertebrate fossil remains have been never described in detail. Among these are cranial remains of a canid that different authors referred to Canis aureus, C. lupus, C. mosbachensis, Canis aff. Mosbachensis, or Canis sp.. The skull remains from Grotta Romanelli Level G were analyzed using Computed Tomography and 3D virtual modeling to provide a detailed reconstruction of the specimens and investigate inner structures. In addition, the Grotta Romanelli material was compared with (1) fossil wolves from other Middle-Late Pleistocene sites of Apulia (Melpignano/San Sidero, Ingarano and Grotta Paglicci) and France, (2) C. mosbachensis remains from various Early-Middle Pleistocene European sites, (3) a large sample of the extant Italian subspecies C. lupus italicus.
The Late Pleistocene wolves from Apulia can be included in a single group, morphologically and morphometrically homogeneous. Although the wolf from Grotta Romanelli shares some similarities with the Early-Middle Pleistocene C. mosbachensis, its overall morphology and proportions fall into the wide variability of the extant C. lupus. Moreover, this determination is much more parsimonious than the taxonomic attribution of the “Apulian wolves” (including the Romanelli specimens) to C. mosbachensis, a typical late Early-Middle Pleistocene species, whose survival in Apulia during the Late Pleistocene is not adequately supported.
In recent years, the application of three dimensional tomographic images in vertebrate palaeontol... more In recent years, the application of three dimensional tomographic images in vertebrate palaeontology has contributed to improving and greatly expanding the range of information derived from the study of fossilized bones. By using computed tomography (CT) scan and medical software it is possible to procure precise measurements, analyses of the internal structures and the material density gradient, carry out virtual restoration, with bones and teeth separated from lithological matrix, produce virtual casts of cavities (frontal sinuses, brains, inner ear) and hence provide greater definition in the search for diagnostic elements. It is therefore possible to obtain important information from the virtual models, that otherwise could not be acquired using conventional investigation techniques. Due to the versatility of these technologies, application of this kind of analysis is becoming crucial in many sectors of vertebrate palaeontology, especially in palaeoneurology, palaeopathology and in 3D reconstructions.
The rich mammal assemblage from Pantalla (Perugia, central Italy) represents an open window on th... more The rich mammal assemblage from Pantalla (Perugia, central Italy) represents an open window on the central Italy ecosystems during the early Late Villafranchian. The assemblage can be referred to the Olivola/Tasso Faunal Units and includes several cranial and postcranial remains of large herbivore and carnivore mammals in very good state of preservation. The fossil lynx from Pantalla is represented by a complete cranium, a right hemimandible, and a left calcaneus and can be referred to Lynx issiodorensis valdarnensis, in accordance with the early Late Villafranchian biochronology of the mammal assemblage. The material from Pantalla is the best preserved record of this subspecies in Italy, thus providing new, valuable morphologic and morphometric information on Early Pleistocene lynxes and, in general, on their evolutionary history.
"The puma-like cat Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846) is reported from several Eurasian localities
date... more "The puma-like cat Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846) is reported from several Eurasian localities
dated to the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene, but its Italian fossil record is really poor; in
fact, the only possible occurrence comprises some fragmentary postcranial material from
the Late Villafranchian locality of Pirro Nord (1.6–1.3 Ma). In the present paper, we describe
an isolated left upper carnassial of a medium-sized felid belonging to the collection of fossil
mammals from Montopoli (Tuscany, Italy), the type locality of the Middle Villafranchian
Faunal Unit (∼2.6 Ma). All the morphological and morphometric characters of the tooth are
consistent with an attribution to Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846), which comes out as the
second felid species from Montopoli together with Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert,
1828) and is, possibly with the specimens from Perrier-Étouaries, the earliest occurrence
in western Europe."
"""Evidence of diseases on vertebrate fossil bones
can provide detailed information on many aspe... more """Evidence of diseases on vertebrate fossil bones
can provide detailed information on many aspects of extinct
animals. This study focused on pathological craniodental
remains (left maxilla and dentary) referred to the canid
Cuon alpinus unearthed from a Late Pleistocene karst filling
deposit at San Sidero (Apulia, southern Italy). These fossils
show clear evidence of a chronic periodontitis that caused
the animal’s death. Clinical diagnosis of the disease and the
timing of its development have been defined on the basis of
a veterinary odontostomatology approach, in addition to
radiographic and tomographic techniques. From the initiation
of the infection until death, a time span of at least
6 months occurred, and three main steps have been defined:
(1) the bacterial infections of the buccal cavity turning into
severe periodontitis, (2) the fracture of the lower carnassial
and (3) the loss of teeth due to the worsening infection that
deformed and/or eroded maxillary and mandibular bones
and enlarged alveoli. The analysis of the palaeopathology
also provides information about the biomechanics of the
bite, on the feeding behaviour and on the relationships of
injured members in a pack of Late Pleistocene canids."""
Bollettino della Società Paleontologica Italiana 51: 15-22., Jun 30, 2012
The latest Early Pleistocene karst infill deposits outcropping at Monte Peglia (Umbria, central I... more The latest Early Pleistocene karst infill deposits outcropping at Monte Peglia (Umbria, central Italy) have been the focus of a variety of field expeditions by researchers from the “Istituto Italiano di Paleontologia Umana” during the period from 1955 to 1968. These studies have led to the discovery of two distinct vertebrate assemblages considered as being similar in age. In 1955 large vertebrate remains were found and, in particular, many isolated teeth were collected that are referable to a single specimen of the saber-toothed cat Homotherium.
The taxonomy of Homotherium, mainly based on cranio-dental features, is still controversial and the diverse interpretations are due essentially to the rarity of complete fossil specimens and the high variability of these records. Herein the specimen from Monte Peglia is referred to Homotherium latidens (Owen) and its affinities with the late Villafranchian and Galerian specimens from Eurasia are discussed.
A natural brain endocast from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) has ... more A natural brain endocast from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) has been investigated in detail using CT scanning, image processing techniques and Geometric Morpho- metrics to obtain information about the taxonomy and taphonomy of the specimen. Based on its characteristically felid shape, we compared several measurements of the endocast with those of the brains of living Felidae, with a special emphasis on Panthera pardus, Lynx lynx and Felis silvestris earlier reported from the same locality. The applied combination of techniques revealed that this specimen is morphometrically closest to the brains of lynxes, and so can be reported as the first natural endocranial cast of Late Pleistocene Lynx sp. In addition, CT scanning of the Ingarano en- docast allowed us to reconstruct the early stages of its taphonomy (i.e., the process of infilling of the braincase with the sediment).
Recently, Marra et al. (2014) published an articulate revision on the Pleistocene sedimentary seq... more Recently, Marra et al. (2014) published an articulate revision on the Pleistocene sedimentary sequences and vertebrate assemblages from the Ponte Galeria area (Roma, Italy). However, in our opinion, some important palaeontological data are missing or incorrectly reported. The aim of this Comment is to provide crucial elements and put in evidence the shortcomings to the study of this classical palaeontological site.
Among fossil vertebrates, oral pathologies are of particular interest, because of their considera... more Among fossil vertebrates, oral pathologies are of particular interest, because of their considerable effect on teeth and maxillary/dentary bones and, as a consequence, on mastication and feeding behaviour. This study focused on a pathological left hemimandible referred to the mustelid Meles meles unearthed from a Late Pleistocene karst filling deposit at San Sidero (Apulia, South Italy). This fossil shows unusual marked abnormalities related to a rare case of nonodontogenic chronic suppurative osteomyelitis. Clinical diagnosis of the disease and the timing of its development have been defined on the basis of a veterinary approach and X-ray analyses. Such a pathological condition can be explained as a consequence of a wound due to a porcupine quill. The analysis of the injury also provides information about the biomechanics of the bite and on the feeding behaviour. The study case confirms how palaeopathological analyses can be considered valuable tools to reconstruct the physiology of animals that lived in the past and to depict in detail the interactions among Late Pleistocene mammals, thus allowing a more accurate reconstruction of the ecology in fossil mammals.
CT scanning analysis applied to vertebrate palaeontology is providing an increasing number of dat... more CT scanning analysis applied to vertebrate palaeontology is providing an increasing number of data of great interest. This method can be used in many branches of palaeontology such as the investigation of all the fossilized elements in a hard matrix and the hidden structures in the bones. A large number of pathologies are “hidden”, complete- ly or partially invisible on the external surface of the bones because their development took place within the bones. However, the study of these diseases and abnormalities plays a crucial role in our understanding of evolutionary and adap- tive processes of extinct taxa. The analysis of a partial skeleton of the sabre-toothed felid Megantereon whitei from the Early Pleistocene karst filling deposits of Monte Argentario (Tuscany, Italy) has been carried out. The CT scanning anal- ysis put in evidence the presence of supernumerary teeth (P2) and the absence of P3 in the mandible. The occurrence of P2 can be considered as an evidence of atavism. Such an archaic feature is recorded for the first time in Megantereon.
We describe adaptations for a semiaquatic lifestyle in the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. Thes... more We describe adaptations for a semiaquatic lifestyle in the dinosaur Spinosaurus aegyptiacus. These adaptations include retraction of the fleshy nostrils to a position near the mid-region of the skull and an elongate neck and trunk that shift the center of body mass anterior to the knee joint. Unlike terrestrial theropods, the pelvic girdle is downsized, the hind limbs are short, and all of the limb bones are solid without an open medullary cavity, for buoyancy control in water. The short, robust femur with hypertrophied flexor attachment and the low, flat-bottomed pedal claws are consistent with aquatic foot-propelled locomotion. Surface striations and bone microstructure suggest that the dorsal “sail” may have been enveloped in skin that functioned primarily for display on land and in water.
Volcanic sediments are often unsuitable for the fossilization of both hard and soft organic tissu... more Volcanic sediments are often unsuitable for the fossilization of both hard and soft organic tissues, however, in some circumstances, they can provide unusual conditions for the preservation of remains. Here we report an exceptional case of soft tissue fossilization of a Late Pleistocene Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) in the pyroclastic sequence of the Alban Hills volcanic region (SE Rome, Italy). CT analyses have revealed an exceptional natural cast of the complete head and neck that preserve extraordinary detail including the fossilized everted tongue, beak, feather insertions and the first record of the nictitating membrane of the eye. This fossilization (superior in detail even to the victims of the AD 79 Plinian eruption of Vesuvius) reveals no evidence of burning and requires re-evaluation of the thermal constraints in operation for the preservation of organic materials within pyroclastic sediments. The analysis of the external morphological features has provided key information regarding the taphonomic processes in operation, the emplacement temperatures of distal pyroclastic flow deposits and the re- lationships between organic materials and low temperature phreatomagmatic flows. This sheds light not only on the extremely rare situation of fossilization in volcanic contexts but also provides a new perspective on taphonomic studies of highly detailed casts of fossil vertebrates.
In mammals combined factors such as body size reduction and loss of peripheral teeth are often as... more In mammals combined factors such as body size reduction and loss of peripheral teeth are often associated with endemism phenomena. This condition is particularly evident in insular contexts where is a complete geographic isolation. During the Pleistocene there have been several glacial stages which changed the physiognomy of the Italian peninsula strongly influencing the distribution and morphology of mammalian faunas. Several genetic studies have shown that some Southern Italian areas have particular endemic species of small and medium size mammals. During Pleistocene these areas have been characterized by particular climatic/environmental conditions, and are generally called "glacial refugia". They represent geographically isolated areas over time, where the origin of faunas with peculiar features is favoured.
In this study the occurrence of Meles meles from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) is documented for the first time. This taxon is represented only by a partial skull (splancnocranum) that, despite the relative completeness, includes peculiar and well preserved dental features that could be related to a partial endemic condition. The fossil shows a reduced body size and the agenesis of peripheral teeth, both conditions which are typical of the extant badgers from Crete, Rhodes and Japan. To test this hypothesis, tomographic analysis have been provided to establish the dental agenesis, and, in order to understand the magnitude of the body size reduction, biometric analyses have been carried on. The obtained data have been compared to measures of the extant Eurasian badgers.
Skeletal pathologies and oral disease are largely unexplored in fossil carnivores. Dental abnorma... more Skeletal pathologies and oral disease are largely unexplored in fossil carnivores. Dental abnormalities, fractures, trauma, supernumerary teeth, tumours, periodontitis, and other bacterial infections are some of the diseases that leave traces on fossilized skulls, but their identification is not always possible by external observation on the specimen. Moreover a large number of pathologies are “hidden”, partially or completely invisible on the external surface of the bones because their development took place within the bones. The degree and the type of fossilization, the state of preservation and the fossil size are just a few other factors that influence the analysis of these structures. Digital scanning techniques are useful to solve such difficulties. X-ray study can provide valuable information on bone and teeth diseases, by allowing the visualization of the internal structure of the fossil bones, without the alteration and/or destruction of the specimen. Many aspects of the life of carnivores are regulated by their health condition, and in particular by the teeth and jaws conditions, individuals with evident disability due to the pathology and injuries are not able to perform properly some basic activities, such as foraging and defence. This paper presents new methods of non-invasive analysis to identify and understand oral pathologies in fossil carnivores. They can be further explored to obtain detailed palaeoecological reconstructions of their mode of life.
The site of Pantalla (central Italy) yielded a rich late Villafranchian (Early Pleistocene) fauna... more The site of Pantalla (central Italy) yielded a rich late Villafranchian (Early Pleistocene) faunal assemblage, which includes some well-preserved large mammal skulls. We describe here two nearly complete crania and a left hemimandible of Acinonyx pardinensis from this locality, representing the most complete cranial material of this species in Europe. These finds allowed us to define more clearly the craniodental morphology of A. pardinensis. Similarly to the forms from North Africa and China, the giant cheetah from Pantalla has a more generalized skull than the living Acinonyx jubatus, showing some primitive, pantherine-like features such as the less domed dorsal outline of the cranium, the more developed sagittal and nuchal crests and the less bowed zygomatic arches. High-resolution CT scans of the specimens were used to obtain the first 3D model of a cranium with articulated mandible of A. pardinensis. Starting from the insertion areas on this model we reconstructed the jaw muscles of the Pantalla felid, confirming its affinities with pantherine felines. In the light of the musculoskeletal skull anatomy and the average body mass (about 80 kg), it is likely that A. pardinensis could kill large prey through a hunting strategy more similar to pantherine cats than to the living cheetah.
Canis lupus dispersed into Europe in the late Middle Pleistocene. The phylogenetic origin of C. l... more Canis lupus dispersed into Europe in the late Middle Pleistocene. The phylogenetic origin of C. lupus from Canis mosbachensis is widely accepted in the literature although their relationships and taxonomy are debated. In this paper, canid remains coming from the so-called “terre rosse”, Level G at Grotta Romanelli (Apulia, Southern Italy) are described. The Level G was dated between 69,000 and 40,000 ` 3250 years using the 230Th/238U method. Despite the great archeological importance of the site, some of the vertebrate fossil remains have been never described in detail. Among these are cranial remains of a canid that different authors referred to Canis aureus, C. lupus, C. mosbachensis, Canis aff. Mosbachensis, or Canis sp.. The skull remains from Grotta Romanelli Level G were analyzed using Computed Tomography and 3D virtual modeling to provide a detailed reconstruction of the specimens and investigate inner structures. In addition, the Grotta Romanelli material was compared with (1) fossil wolves from other Middle-Late Pleistocene sites of Apulia (Melpignano/San Sidero, Ingarano and Grotta Paglicci) and France, (2) C. mosbachensis remains from various Early-Middle Pleistocene European sites, (3) a large sample of the extant Italian subspecies C. lupus italicus.
The Late Pleistocene wolves from Apulia can be included in a single group, morphologically and morphometrically homogeneous. Although the wolf from Grotta Romanelli shares some similarities with the Early-Middle Pleistocene C. mosbachensis, its overall morphology and proportions fall into the wide variability of the extant C. lupus. Moreover, this determination is much more parsimonious than the taxonomic attribution of the “Apulian wolves” (including the Romanelli specimens) to C. mosbachensis, a typical late Early-Middle Pleistocene species, whose survival in Apulia during the Late Pleistocene is not adequately supported.
In recent years, the application of three dimensional tomographic images in vertebrate palaeontol... more In recent years, the application of three dimensional tomographic images in vertebrate palaeontology has contributed to improving and greatly expanding the range of information derived from the study of fossilized bones. By using computed tomography (CT) scan and medical software it is possible to procure precise measurements, analyses of the internal structures and the material density gradient, carry out virtual restoration, with bones and teeth separated from lithological matrix, produce virtual casts of cavities (frontal sinuses, brains, inner ear) and hence provide greater definition in the search for diagnostic elements. It is therefore possible to obtain important information from the virtual models, that otherwise could not be acquired using conventional investigation techniques. Due to the versatility of these technologies, application of this kind of analysis is becoming crucial in many sectors of vertebrate palaeontology, especially in palaeoneurology, palaeopathology and in 3D reconstructions.
The rich mammal assemblage from Pantalla (Perugia, central Italy) represents an open window on th... more The rich mammal assemblage from Pantalla (Perugia, central Italy) represents an open window on the central Italy ecosystems during the early Late Villafranchian. The assemblage can be referred to the Olivola/Tasso Faunal Units and includes several cranial and postcranial remains of large herbivore and carnivore mammals in very good state of preservation. The fossil lynx from Pantalla is represented by a complete cranium, a right hemimandible, and a left calcaneus and can be referred to Lynx issiodorensis valdarnensis, in accordance with the early Late Villafranchian biochronology of the mammal assemblage. The material from Pantalla is the best preserved record of this subspecies in Italy, thus providing new, valuable morphologic and morphometric information on Early Pleistocene lynxes and, in general, on their evolutionary history.
"The puma-like cat Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846) is reported from several Eurasian localities
date... more "The puma-like cat Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846) is reported from several Eurasian localities
dated to the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene, but its Italian fossil record is really poor; in
fact, the only possible occurrence comprises some fragmentary postcranial material from
the Late Villafranchian locality of Pirro Nord (1.6–1.3 Ma). In the present paper, we describe
an isolated left upper carnassial of a medium-sized felid belonging to the collection of fossil
mammals from Montopoli (Tuscany, Italy), the type locality of the Middle Villafranchian
Faunal Unit (∼2.6 Ma). All the morphological and morphometric characters of the tooth are
consistent with an attribution to Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846), which comes out as the
second felid species from Montopoli together with Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert,
1828) and is, possibly with the specimens from Perrier-Étouaries, the earliest occurrence
in western Europe."
"""Evidence of diseases on vertebrate fossil bones
can provide detailed information on many aspe... more """Evidence of diseases on vertebrate fossil bones
can provide detailed information on many aspects of extinct
animals. This study focused on pathological craniodental
remains (left maxilla and dentary) referred to the canid
Cuon alpinus unearthed from a Late Pleistocene karst filling
deposit at San Sidero (Apulia, southern Italy). These fossils
show clear evidence of a chronic periodontitis that caused
the animal’s death. Clinical diagnosis of the disease and the
timing of its development have been defined on the basis of
a veterinary odontostomatology approach, in addition to
radiographic and tomographic techniques. From the initiation
of the infection until death, a time span of at least
6 months occurred, and three main steps have been defined:
(1) the bacterial infections of the buccal cavity turning into
severe periodontitis, (2) the fracture of the lower carnassial
and (3) the loss of teeth due to the worsening infection that
deformed and/or eroded maxillary and mandibular bones
and enlarged alveoli. The analysis of the palaeopathology
also provides information about the biomechanics of the
bite, on the feeding behaviour and on the relationships of
injured members in a pack of Late Pleistocene canids."""
Bollettino della Società Paleontologica Italiana 51: 15-22., Jun 30, 2012
The latest Early Pleistocene karst infill deposits outcropping at Monte Peglia (Umbria, central I... more The latest Early Pleistocene karst infill deposits outcropping at Monte Peglia (Umbria, central Italy) have been the focus of a variety of field expeditions by researchers from the “Istituto Italiano di Paleontologia Umana” during the period from 1955 to 1968. These studies have led to the discovery of two distinct vertebrate assemblages considered as being similar in age. In 1955 large vertebrate remains were found and, in particular, many isolated teeth were collected that are referable to a single specimen of the saber-toothed cat Homotherium.
The taxonomy of Homotherium, mainly based on cranio-dental features, is still controversial and the diverse interpretations are due essentially to the rarity of complete fossil specimens and the high variability of these records. Herein the specimen from Monte Peglia is referred to Homotherium latidens (Owen) and its affinities with the late Villafranchian and Galerian specimens from Eurasia are discussed.
Uploads
In this study the occurrence of Meles meles from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) is documented for the first time. This taxon is represented only by a partial skull (splancnocranum) that, despite the relative completeness, includes peculiar and well preserved dental features that could be related to a partial endemic condition. The fossil shows a reduced body size and the agenesis of peripheral teeth, both conditions which are typical of the extant badgers from Crete, Rhodes and Japan. To test this hypothesis, tomographic analysis have been provided to establish the dental agenesis, and, in order to understand the magnitude of the body size reduction, biometric analyses have been carried on. The obtained data have been compared to measures of the extant Eurasian badgers.
The Late Pleistocene wolves from Apulia can be included in a single group, morphologically and morphometrically homogeneous. Although the wolf from Grotta Romanelli shares some similarities with the Early-Middle Pleistocene C. mosbachensis, its overall morphology and proportions fall into the wide variability of the extant C. lupus. Moreover, this determination is much more parsimonious than the taxonomic attribution of the “Apulian wolves” (including the Romanelli specimens) to C. mosbachensis, a typical late Early-Middle Pleistocene species, whose survival in Apulia during the Late Pleistocene is not adequately supported.
dated to the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene, but its Italian fossil record is really poor; in
fact, the only possible occurrence comprises some fragmentary postcranial material from
the Late Villafranchian locality of Pirro Nord (1.6–1.3 Ma). In the present paper, we describe
an isolated left upper carnassial of a medium-sized felid belonging to the collection of fossil
mammals from Montopoli (Tuscany, Italy), the type locality of the Middle Villafranchian
Faunal Unit (∼2.6 Ma). All the morphological and morphometric characters of the tooth are
consistent with an attribution to Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846), which comes out as the
second felid species from Montopoli together with Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert,
1828) and is, possibly with the specimens from Perrier-Étouaries, the earliest occurrence
in western Europe."
can provide detailed information on many aspects of extinct
animals. This study focused on pathological craniodental
remains (left maxilla and dentary) referred to the canid
Cuon alpinus unearthed from a Late Pleistocene karst filling
deposit at San Sidero (Apulia, southern Italy). These fossils
show clear evidence of a chronic periodontitis that caused
the animal’s death. Clinical diagnosis of the disease and the
timing of its development have been defined on the basis of
a veterinary odontostomatology approach, in addition to
radiographic and tomographic techniques. From the initiation
of the infection until death, a time span of at least
6 months occurred, and three main steps have been defined:
(1) the bacterial infections of the buccal cavity turning into
severe periodontitis, (2) the fracture of the lower carnassial
and (3) the loss of teeth due to the worsening infection that
deformed and/or eroded maxillary and mandibular bones
and enlarged alveoli. The analysis of the palaeopathology
also provides information about the biomechanics of the
bite, on the feeding behaviour and on the relationships of
injured members in a pack of Late Pleistocene canids."""
The taxonomy of Homotherium, mainly based on cranio-dental features, is still controversial and the diverse interpretations are due essentially to the rarity of complete fossil specimens and the high variability of these records. Herein the specimen from Monte Peglia is referred to Homotherium latidens (Owen) and its affinities with the late Villafranchian and Galerian specimens from Eurasia are discussed.
In this study the occurrence of Meles meles from the Late Pleistocene site of Ingarano (Apulia, Southern Italy) is documented for the first time. This taxon is represented only by a partial skull (splancnocranum) that, despite the relative completeness, includes peculiar and well preserved dental features that could be related to a partial endemic condition. The fossil shows a reduced body size and the agenesis of peripheral teeth, both conditions which are typical of the extant badgers from Crete, Rhodes and Japan. To test this hypothesis, tomographic analysis have been provided to establish the dental agenesis, and, in order to understand the magnitude of the body size reduction, biometric analyses have been carried on. The obtained data have been compared to measures of the extant Eurasian badgers.
The Late Pleistocene wolves from Apulia can be included in a single group, morphologically and morphometrically homogeneous. Although the wolf from Grotta Romanelli shares some similarities with the Early-Middle Pleistocene C. mosbachensis, its overall morphology and proportions fall into the wide variability of the extant C. lupus. Moreover, this determination is much more parsimonious than the taxonomic attribution of the “Apulian wolves” (including the Romanelli specimens) to C. mosbachensis, a typical late Early-Middle Pleistocene species, whose survival in Apulia during the Late Pleistocene is not adequately supported.
dated to the Late Pliocene–Early Pleistocene, but its Italian fossil record is really poor; in
fact, the only possible occurrence comprises some fragmentary postcranial material from
the Late Villafranchian locality of Pirro Nord (1.6–1.3 Ma). In the present paper, we describe
an isolated left upper carnassial of a medium-sized felid belonging to the collection of fossil
mammals from Montopoli (Tuscany, Italy), the type locality of the Middle Villafranchian
Faunal Unit (∼2.6 Ma). All the morphological and morphometric characters of the tooth are
consistent with an attribution to Puma pardoides (Owen, 1846), which comes out as the
second felid species from Montopoli together with Acinonyx pardinensis (Croizet et Jobert,
1828) and is, possibly with the specimens from Perrier-Étouaries, the earliest occurrence
in western Europe."
can provide detailed information on many aspects of extinct
animals. This study focused on pathological craniodental
remains (left maxilla and dentary) referred to the canid
Cuon alpinus unearthed from a Late Pleistocene karst filling
deposit at San Sidero (Apulia, southern Italy). These fossils
show clear evidence of a chronic periodontitis that caused
the animal’s death. Clinical diagnosis of the disease and the
timing of its development have been defined on the basis of
a veterinary odontostomatology approach, in addition to
radiographic and tomographic techniques. From the initiation
of the infection until death, a time span of at least
6 months occurred, and three main steps have been defined:
(1) the bacterial infections of the buccal cavity turning into
severe periodontitis, (2) the fracture of the lower carnassial
and (3) the loss of teeth due to the worsening infection that
deformed and/or eroded maxillary and mandibular bones
and enlarged alveoli. The analysis of the palaeopathology
also provides information about the biomechanics of the
bite, on the feeding behaviour and on the relationships of
injured members in a pack of Late Pleistocene canids."""
The taxonomy of Homotherium, mainly based on cranio-dental features, is still controversial and the diverse interpretations are due essentially to the rarity of complete fossil specimens and the high variability of these records. Herein the specimen from Monte Peglia is referred to Homotherium latidens (Owen) and its affinities with the late Villafranchian and Galerian specimens from Eurasia are discussed.