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Article: Tooth microwear and occlusal modes of euharamiyidans from the Jurassic Yanliao Biota reveal mosaic tooth evolution in Mesozoic allotherian mammals

Palaeontology - Vol. 62 Part 4 - Cover Image
Publication: Palaeontology
Volume: 62
Part: 4
Publication Date: July 2019
Page(s): 639 660
Author(s): Fangyuan Mao, and Jin Meng
Addition Information

How to Cite

MAO, F., MENG, J. 2019. Tooth microwear and occlusal modes of euharamiyidans from the Jurassic Yanliao Biota reveal mosaic tooth evolution in Mesozoic allotherian mammals. Palaeontology, 62, 4, 639-660. DOI: /doi/10.1111/pala.12421

Author Information

  • Fangyuan Mao - Key Laboratory of Evolutionary Systematics of Vertebrates Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology & Paleoanthropology Chinese Academy of Sciences PO Box 643 Beijing 100044 China
  • Fangyuan Mao - CAS Center for Excellence in Life & Paleoenvironment Beijing 100044 China
  • Fangyuan Mao - Division of Paleontology American Museum of Natural History New York NY 10024 USA
  • Jin Meng - Division of Paleontology American Museum of Natural History New York NY 10024 USA

Publication History

  • Issue published online: 24 June 2019
  • Manuscript Accepted: 12 December 2018
  • Manuscript Received: 13 August 2018

Funded By

Chinese Academy of Science. Grant Number: XDB26000000
Kalbfleisch Fellowship, Richard Gilder Graduate School, American Museum of Natural History
National Natural Science Foundation of China. Grant Numbers: 41688103, 41404022

Online Version Hosted By

Wiley Online Library
Get Article: Wiley Online Library [Pay-to-View Access] |

Abstract

‘Haramiyidans’ are extinct mammaliaforms often clustered with Multituberculata as Allotheria, and with a fossil record extending from the Upper Triassic to possibly the Upper Cretaceous. For many decades, ‘haramiyidans’ were known only from isolated teeth, and their relationships to other mammaliaforms remain unclear. With the discovery of several euharamiyidans represented by skeletal specimens from the Jurassic Yanliao Biota, north‐western China, our knowledge of this group has significantly advanced. Nonetheless, much morphology, including dentition and occlusal patterns, has only been briefly described for most taxa, and phylogenetic reconstruction and interpretation of the biology of the group still remain unclear or controversial. Here we provide systematic descriptions of the dental wear of shenshouids (Qishou and Shenshou) from the Yanliao Biota. We reconstruct the occlusal mode of shenshouids and compare it with those of other taxa based on our observation of specimens of most known ‘haramiyidan’ taxa. Several occlusal patterns are recognized. In particular, that of Thomasia, Haramiyavia and Maiopatagium is similar to the multituberculate M1/m1 occlusal relationship and probably represents the primitive occlusal condition in ‘haramiyidans’. The occlusal mode of shenshouids resembles the multituberculate M2/m2 occlusion. The double‐engaged mode in Arboroharamiya and Vilevolodon, as well as that of Eleutherodon, represents a more advanced occlusal pattern. The diverse dental occlusions suggest diverse diet adaptations and resource partitioning from co‐existing taxa in the Jurassic forests; they also reflect mosaic evolutionary transformations and complicated phylogenetic relationships within the group. Some aspects of the dental evolution remain challenging and require further vigorous testing.

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