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Platanistoidea remains one of the most evolutionarily intriguing lineages of toothed whales (Odontoceti). The clade comprises mostly extinct species from the late Oligocene–early Miocene onward and a single extant riverine genus ( Platanista ). There is an ongoing debate as to the membership of Platanistoidea and the causes of their near extinction. In Patagonia (Argentina), the most abundant platanistoid recorded in the lower Miocene Gaiman Formation is  Notocetus vanbenedeni , first described by Moreno in 1892 based on two individuals. The goal of the present contribution is to conduct an updated anatomical, palaeobiological and phylogenetic analyses of  Notocetus vanbenedeni  and hence contribute to an understanding of the evolutionary history of the Platanistoidea. Our analyses, including at least 26 individuals (12 undescribed), show that  Notocetus vanbenedeni  is a valid platanistoid taxon, recovered as part of a new clade. Among its most outstanding features, this taxon has an elevated dorsal tubercular supraorbital crest formed mainly by the frontal, the precursor of the pneumatized crest of the extant  Platanista .  Notocetus vanbenedeni  also shows initial stages of the plesiomorphic bony connection between the earbones and skull as in  Platanista , although the functional implications for hearing remain elusive. The nasal sac system, pterygoid sinus system and morphology of the earbones suggest that this species was able to hear high-frequency sounds and echolocate underwater, similar to extant odontocetes. Thus,  Notocetus vanbenedeni  presents a mosaic of features that suggest an intermediate platanistoid morphotype. Anatomical differences and phylogenetic analyses suggest that Peruvian specimens could not be referred to this species. The feeding apparatus of  Notocetus vanbenedeni  makes it the only combination suction-feeder recorded in the early Miocene of Patagonia and among the smallest odontocetes. Finally, the abundant records of  Notocetus vanbenedeni  in an inner shelf environment with freshwater influence suggest a possible early preference for such protected habitats.

journal of systematic palaeontology

Unravelling the identity of the platanistoid  Notocetus vanbenedeni  Moreno, 1892 (Cetacea, Odontoceti) from the early Miocene of Patagonia (Argentina)