2015/11/24 by Jerry J. Hooker · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Evolution and Paleontology Studies #Bat Biology and Ecology Studies #Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/pala.12221
openalex publication_date 2015/11/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Abstract The oldest talpid, E otalpa , was previously known only from isolated cheek teeth from the E uropean late M iddle E ocene to earliest O ligocene. Screenwashing of L ate E ocene sediments of the H ampshire B asin, UK , has yielded cranial and postcranial elements: maxilla, dentary, ulna, metacarpals, distal tibia, astragalus, calcaneum, metatarsals and phalanges. In addition to M 1–2 myotodonty, typical talpid features are as follows: ulna with long medially curved olecranon and deep abductor fossa and astragalar body with lateral process. However, E otalpa retains certain soricid‐like primitive states ( M 1 preparacrista, P 4 with prominent mesiolingual protocone lobe, strongly angled astragalar neck and calcaneum with no space for a cuboid medial process) not found in modern talpids. E otalpa is more derived than the most primitive living talpid U ropsilus in having lost the M 1–2 talon shelf, developed a convex radial facet on the ulna, an incipient proximal olecranon crest, relatively shorter metapodials and depressed manual unguals. Its astragalus with medial trochlear ridge taller than the lateral one and massive medial plantar process is typical of the L ipotyphla. E otalpa lacks synostosis of tibia and fibula, found in other T alpidae, S oricidae and E rinaceidae, suggesting that synostosis in these groups has been independently acquired. Cladistic analysis places E otalpa as stem member of the T alpidae and shows that much homoplasy arose during the early evolution of the family. Ground dwelling in E otalpa is indicated by the following: astragalus with a medially dipping head, curved in a single plane; calcaneum with distal peroneal process and strongly overlapping ectal and sustentacular facets; and matching sized ectal and sustentacular facets on calcaneum and astragalus. These features would have restricted ankle mobility. Ungual and metatarsal shape and ulnar structure suggest a primitive stage in fossorial evolution and argue against a semiaquatic precursor stage in talpid fossoriality. Shrew‐moles may represent a reversal to surface foraging rather than an intermediate stage in fossoriality.