A new species of lesser panda Parailurus (Mammalia, Carnivora) from the Pliocene of Transbaikalia (Russia) and some aspects of ailurine phylogeny

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2008
Authors:Sotnikova, MV
Journal:Paleontological Journal
Volume:42
Date Published:2008
Keywords:Ailurus fulgens, CARNIVORA, MAMMALIA
Abstract:

A new species of the lesser panda, Parailurus baikalicus sp. nov., from the Pliocene of Transbaikalia is described. In contrast to the European taxa P. anglicus and P. hungaricus, it retains a primitive occlusal pattern of M1-M2, with a concave buccal outline, small mesostyle on M1, and undeveloped styles on M2. At the same time, the Transbaikalian panda is more advanced than other representatives of Parailurus in the upper molars with a reduced lingual cingulum and an enlarged paraconule, which is partially (M1) or completely (M2) separated from the protocone. This combination of primitive and advanced characters points to the separation of the Asian branch at the earliest stages of the genus development. The Transbaikalian lesser panda may represent a terminal form of this phylogenetic lineage. © MAIK Nauka 2008.

Taxonomic name: 
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith