Paleoecología y evolución de la fauna de mamíferos de América del Sur durante la «edad de las planicies australes» (Mioceno superior-Plioceno superior)

Abstract

In this paper, the paleoecology and evolution of the South American land-mammal fauna during the «Age of the Southern Plains» are studied. Chronologically, the «Age of the Southern Plains» encompasses the Chasicoan, Huayquerian, Montehermosan and Chapadmalalan South American Land-Mammal Ages. Changes on the taxonomic richness, first and last appearance rates, and trophic types were considered, taking as a model the fossil record of the Pampean Region (Argentina). A gradual increase of the taxonomic richness is observed during the «Age of the Southern Plains». Caviomorpha and Cingulata were the most diversified taxonomic groups. First appearance rates are higher that those of the last appearances excepting the Chapadmalalan, in which both rates reach a balance. From a trophic point of view, grazer mammals were predominant. This last characteristic corroborates the hypothesis of an existing similarity between the «Age of the Southern Plains» and the North American Clarendonian Chronofauna.