NEW DATA ON DIVERSITY OF NOTOHIPPIDAE FROM THE OLIGOCENE OF MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

Notohippidae (Notoungulata) specimens from the late Oligocene Quebrada Fiera locality (Mendoza, Argentina) were previously identified as a new taxon, Mendozahippus fierensis Cerdeno and Vera. New cranial, mandibular, and postcranial remains allow enhanced description of this species and its ontogenetic variation. The ectocuneiform corresponding to the holotype (MCNAM-PV 4004) of M. fierensis was discovered when reexamining a block belonging to the sediment surrounding the holotype. It corresponds with the metatarsal III that was associated with the holotype skull. On the other hand, MCNAM-PV 3851, a poorly preserved maxillary fragment, is recognized as a second notohippid taxon, which differs from M. fierensis in the different position and relative size of I3-C. The canine is placed labially to P1 and its section shows a similar size to that of the latter; ahead of the canine, the preserved root of I3 is also labially placed, and its section is clearly larger than that of the canine. This condition differs from other Deseadan notohippids. Enlargement of the muzzle at the level of I3-C and a developed paracone on premolars are present in Eurygenium and Pascualihippus; the convergence of the premaxillae anterior to I3 in MCNAM-PV 3851 is closer to the condition in Eurygenium. The incompleteness of this specimen, however, prevents its proper definition and it is considered as Notohippidae indet.