Publication: Biostratigraphy and biochronology of the Monte Hermoso Formation (early Pliocene) at its type locality, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Date
2013
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Abstract
The Monte Hermoso Formation, cropping out at its type locality of Farola Monte Hermoso (Buenos Aires Province), is a classical fossiliferous unit of the South American Neogene, highlighted by the abundance and diversity of its vertebrate remains. However, its biostratigraphy and age have been largely debated, and numerous discrepancies and controversies have been stated. In this regard, the result of the analysis of new materials recovered from the different levels of this formation, following a strict control of stratigraphic provenance, is here reported. As well, the provenance of specimens of previous collections has been evaluated. The studied assemblage consists of Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia. These latter are the most numerous and belong to the Didelphimorphia, Polydolopimorphia, Rodentia, Notoungulata, Litopterna and Xenarthra. The recorded taxa suggest no important faunistic variations among the different levels of the Monte Hermoso Formation that would imply significant chronological differences, and hence, justify the recognition of two biostratigraphic units. The analysis of the first and last records as well as the taxa considered as exclusive, does not support the validity of the biozones of Trigodon gaudryi and Neocavia depressidens previously proposed. On this basis, a new scheme for the Monte Hermoso Formation at its type locality is proposed, including a new single biostratigraphic unit. This unit is the Eumysops laeviplicatus Range Zone, which represents the biostratigraphic base for the Montehermosan Stage/Age of the early Pliocene.
Description
Journal of South American Earth Sciences. 2013;48:31-42
Fil: Tomassini, Rodrigo Leandro. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina. Fil: Tomassini, Rodrigo Leandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientĂficas y TĂ©cnicas (CONICET); Argentina.
Fil: Montalvo, Claudia Inés. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa; Argentina.
Fil: Deschamps, Cecilia Marcela. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina. Fil: Deschamps, Cecilia Marcela. ComisiĂ³n de Investigaciones CientĂficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC); Argentina.
Fil: Manera de Bianco, Teresa. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina.
Fil: Tomassini, Rodrigo Leandro. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina. Fil: Tomassini, Rodrigo Leandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientĂficas y TĂ©cnicas (CONICET); Argentina.
Fil: Montalvo, Claudia Inés. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa; Argentina.
Fil: Deschamps, Cecilia Marcela. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo; Argentina. Fil: Deschamps, Cecilia Marcela. ComisiĂ³n de Investigaciones CientĂficas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC); Argentina.
Fil: Manera de Bianco, Teresa. Universidad Nacional del Sur; Argentina.
Keywords
Biostratigraphy, Monte Hermoso Formation, Eumysops laeviplicatus Zone, Early Pliocene, Argentina