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Agerinia smithorum sp. nov., a new early Eocene primate from the Iberian Peninsula
Author(s) -
FemeniasGual Joan,
MinwerBarakat Raef,
Marigó Judit,
MoyàSolà Salvador
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.23014
Subject(s) - genus , peninsula , biology , primate , zoology , paleontology , ancestor , morphology (biology) , type locality , geography , ecology , archaeology
The new species Agerinia smithorum (Adapiformes, Primates) from the early Eocene of the Iberian Peninsula is erected in this work. An emended diagnosis of the genus is provided, together with a broad description of the new species and comparisons with other samples assigned to Agerinia and other similar medium‐sized cercamoniines. The new species is based on the most complete specimen of this genus published to date, a mandible preserving the alveoli of the canine and P 1 , the roots of the P 2 and all teeth from P 3 to M 3 . It was found in Casa Retjo‐1, a new early Eocene locality from Northeastern Spain. The studied specimen is clearly distinguishable from other cercamoniines such as Periconodon, Darwinius , and Donrussellia , but very similar to Agerinia roselli , especially in the similar height of P 3 and P 4 and the general morphology of the molars , therefore allowing the allocation to the same genus. However, it is undoubtedly distinct from A. roselli , having a less molarized P 4 and showing a larger paraconid in the M 1 and a tiny one in the M 2 , among other differences. The body mass of A. smithorum has also been estimated, ranging from 652 to 724 g, similar to that of A. roselli . The primitive traits shown by A. smithorum (moderately molarized P 4 , large paraconid in the M 1 and small but distinct in the M 2 ) suggest that it could be the ancestor of A. roselli .