First report of a South American short-faced bears' den (Arctotherium angustidens): palaeobiological and palaeoecological implications |
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Authors: | Leopoldo H Soibelzon |
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Institution: | 1. Departamento Científico Paleontología de Vertebrados , Museo de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque , La Plata, B1900FWA, Argentina lsoibelzon@fcnym.unlp.edu.ar |
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Abstract: | Here we report the first example of associated short-faced bear fossils from South America. The specimens represent three individuals referable to the Ensenadan (early to middle Pleistocene) species Arctotherium angustidens (Ursidae, Tremarctinae), the giant South American short-faced bear. Although the fossil record of short-faced bears in South America is very rich, they have not previously been recorded in association. These three individuals were found in a cave during quarry exploitation. We suggest that these bears represent the first record of a family group and open the discussion about cave utilization and hibernation or torpor by South American short-faced bears. |
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Keywords: | South America short-faced bear Arctotherium Tremarctinae Pleistocene |
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