Evaluación de la asociación de Hipparion del Mioceno superior (Vallesiense, MN 9) de Rudabánya (Hungría): sistemática, anatomía funcional y paleoecología

Abstract

KRETZOI 1983 recognized a new species of hipparion from Rudabánya, «Hipparion» intrans. Study of the entire Rudabánya II assemblage confirms that the predominante hipparion species at this locality is indeed the valid taxon Hippotherium intrans. A second, smaller and rarer species of hipparion, hitherto unnamed, is recognized only by cheek teeth originating from the overlying upper lignite levels. Our work on the postcranial anatomy of the Hippotherium intrans sample suggests that this species was an elongate-limbed advanced member of the Hippotherium primigenium VON MEYER 1829 lineage. Analysis of dental mesowear suggests that Hippotherium intrans was a mixed feeder: it ate both graze and browse. Based on evidence presented here, we believe that at Rudabánya Hippotherium intrans inhabited more open country environments than the swamp facies in which it was found: this primate-rich facies would appear to have been nothing other than a local hipparion watering-hole.