Abstract

The original fossil record of Allosorex stenodus Fejfar, 1966 from Ivanovce (late Ruscinian, MN 15b) is redescribed and supplemented by the description of so far unpublished fossil remains, including upper dentition (P4 and M3) and a humerus fragment as well as the enamel microstructure analysis of m2. Based on the critical evaluation of other fossil remains from sites in Romania, Hungary, and France, the Ivanovce fossils are so far the only unquestionable recorded finds of A. stenodus in Europe, which can be considered as a local early Pliocene (MN 15) endemic species. Its occurrence is connected with the forested karst area along a broad valley of “pre-Váh” River, ecologically and climatically resembling the environment of modern karst areas in south-eastern Asia. Based on enamel microstructure analysis and unique mandible and dentition morphological characters, a separate taxonomical status of the species is also discussed.

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Abstract

The enamel microstructure of molars in Mexican soricines Megasorex and Cryptotis is described and compared to the six types of schmelzmuster found in fossil and recent Soricidae. These types of schmelzmuster show a high correlation to the current systematics of Soricidae. In Megasorex, the relatively simple schmelzmuster is dominated by radial enamel. However, a very thin innermost layer of differentiated enamel indicates the beginning of a two-layered schmelzmuster. This corresponds to the Notiosorex-schmelzmuster. The teeth of Megasorex lack pigmentation, which is not reflected in its schmelzmuster. Similarities to the white-toothed Crocidura-schmelzmuster are superficial. Cryptotis has the typical two-layered enamel of derived Soricinae. The specific enamel type of the inner layer and the strong lateral inclination of its prisms represent a new modification of the highly derived Blarina-schmelzmuster.

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