BOLETÍN DE LA SOCIEDAD GEOLÓGICA MEXICANA Vol 65, Núm. 3, 2013, P. 591-607 http://dx.doi.org/10.18268/BSGM2013v65n3a12

Los gonfoterios (Proboscidea, Gomphotheriidae) de Colima, México

Gloria Tapia-Ramírez^1,*, Ana Fabiola Guzmán^2,1, Oscar J. Polaco^†,2

¹Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Santo Tomás, México 11340, D.F.
²Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Laboratorio de Arqueozoología "M. en C. Ticul Álvarez Solórzano", Subdirección de Laboratorios y Apoyo Académico, Moneda 16, Centro Histórico, México 06060, D.F.

* This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study describes the remains of Cuvieronius hyodon recovered in the Mexican State of Colima, with an emphasis in the anatomical features that distinguish the postcranial remains of this gomphothere from other Mexican proboscideans. The study of the skeleton materials permitted the identification of four adult individuals, two females and two males, and the interpretation the size differences as a secondary sexual dimorphism trait. The comparative bivariate analysis of lower third molars placed the Colima population as medium-sized (167-215 mm, molar length) compared to other Mexican remains, although it is small-sized considering the South American populations (197-243 mm). The distribution of Cuvieronius Mexican localities through the country suggests that the dispersion of this gomphothere was made through the lowlands of both oceanic slopes, similar to what is observed in extant species of tropical affinity.

Keywords: Cuvieronius, Gomphotheriidae, dimorphism, osteology, Pleistocene.