Morphological variability and evolution of Necrolemur (Omomyiformes, Primates) close to the reference-levels MP 17 to MP 20 from the south of France

Abstract

An extremely rich assemblage of Necrolemur jaws and teeth from La Bouffie allows a detailed description of the morphological variations of its teeth. The upper incisors and lower canines are highly variable, however the assemblage is shown to be homogeneous, representing one non dimorphic species. Three teeth present characters interpreted as atavistic. Other assemblages close to reference- levels MP 17 to MP 19 are much more poor, and do not yet allow the differentiation of evolutionary stages. In contrast, the small assemblage from Coyrou 3 (MP 20) shows a more crenulated evolutionary stage. The whole material is provisionally referred to N. aff antiquus.