Reassessing the phylogeny and divergence times of sloths (Mammalia: Pilosa: Folivora), exploring alternative morphological partitioning and dating models
Author
Casali, Daniel M
Author
Boscaini, Alberto
Author
Gaudin, Timothy J
Author
Perini, Fernando A
text
Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society
2022
2022-12-01
196
4
1505
1551
https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article/196/4/1505/6617197
journal article
10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac041
0024-4082
7381236
Megatheriini
PP = 100, age = 9.85 Mya (9.07–10.67).
This clade was consistently recovered in all analyses performed in this study with an invariable arrangement:(
Anisodontherium
,(
Pyramiodontherium
, (
Megatheriops
, (
Megatherium
, (
Proeremotherium
,
Eremotherium
))))).
Megatheriini was supported by eight synapomorphies, all but one, recovered with both methods: thickness of cementum much larger than orthodentine; mf3 smaller than next smallest molariform; reflexed basicranial/basifacial axis; profile of nasal region and braincase relatively horizontal, but nasal region depressed relative to braincase; maximum length of nasal bones greater than or equal to three times the width of both nasals (BI); presence of ventral extension in maxilla for dental alveoli; concave mediolateral contour of palate; and occipital condyles situated well dorsal to the dentition.