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The article focuses on a remarkable artifact discovered in the 1980s during an archaeological dig in Kentucky. Topics include the discovery of a small, finely crafted armadillo-like sculpture, the potential identification of the creature as a glyptodont or armadillo species, and the significance of the find in the context of Paleo-Indian artwork and prehistoric life.

Osteoderms are integumentary bones with high fossilization potential and their importance for functional morphology and phylogenetic research has been proven for years. Xenarthran osteoderm paleohistology pattern has been recently explored and has provided a high amount of data regarding cingulate paleobiology and phylogenetic relationships. Here we analyze six extinct cingulates (Glyptotherium, Holmesina, Pachyarmatherium, Pampatherium, Glyptodon, and Doedicurus). This work contributes to a more robust understanding of these taxa by elucidating their histological variability and their potential biological significance. A combination of several converging features can be interpreted as biomechanical adaptations for glyptodonts osteoderms, such as the increased thickness of the middle zone, the presence of both static and dynamic osteogenesis-derived bone tissues, and the level of organization of the mineralized collagen fibers. Our analysis also corroborates the hypothesis of multiple growth processes acting throughout the ontogenetic stages, with the classic idea of metaplastic ossification also taking part in osteoderm development. Systematic inferences can only be appropriately made if ontogenetic, taphonomic, and pathological features are carefully considered. Our analysis demonstrates that Pachyarmatherium brasiliense osteoderms' histology closely resembles what is expected for Dasypodinae/Dasipodini, indicating some affinity with this group. In addition, the diverse levels of development of the middle zone demonstrate the variability of cingulate osteoderm's microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on two places that acted as spaces of training or "scientific" sociability for archaeology and palaeontology in the nineteenth century: two hotels in Brittany and a small house in Montevideo, which were meeting points and places for the exchange of ideas among the fieldworkers of these disciplines in the making. The spaces discussed here have in common their being located in regions far from the main scholarly institutions: this is a phenomenon that occurs in the private sphere, at the crossroads of a literate and commercial culture that characterizes the scientific practices of Europe and Latin America, in spaces that are not necessarily linked to state or metropolitan infrastructures. The study of places that are removed from the metropolis reveals the great similarity between European and non-European provincial localities, which explains why Montevideo and Carnac are brought together in the same article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paleontological collection of the Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales "Carlos Ameghino" (MCA, Mercedes, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) includes hundreds of mammalian fossil specimens collected from the Luján Formation (Lujanian Stage/Age), bounded to the Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene. Among the specimens of the MCA collection, a caudal vertebra (MCA-117) of Glyptodon sp. (Xenarthra, Cingulata) with pathologies was identified, which are here characterized in order to perform a diagnosis. The main alterations in the vertebra consist of bone erosion and remodeling in the left transverse process, bone erosion in the vertebral centrum, and deformation in the neural arch affecting the prezygapophyses. The features identified in the transverse process were diagnosed as bone remodeling, alterations previously described for Pleistocene xenarthrans. The erosions observed in the vertebral centrum are comparable to spondylosis, Schmorl's node, intervertebral discopathies, or, alternatively, calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease. Nonetheless, these could potentially manifest as secondary complications arising from spondylosis. Regarding characteristics such as low bone density, it is concluded that they are indicative of modifications due to osteoporosis. The alterations present in the specimen can be compared with bone pathologies recognized in elderly individuals with large body mass. • Pathology on the sixth caudal vertebra of Glyptodon. • It shows pathological traits likely linked to spondylosis and osteoporosis. • Bone pathologies present in elderly individuals with large body mass. • Caudal pathologies in glyptodonts need to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoderms of Hoplophorus euphractus are historically mistaken by other glyptodonts osteoderms, such as Glyptodon, Glyptotherium and Neosclerocalyptus, which has created confusion regarding the proper identification of the remains. Recent revisions have granted a better taxonomic understanding of these taxa. In this work, we present a morphological description of a carapace fragment with four articulated osteoderms and other post-cranium bones. Morphological and histological information of an isolated osteoderm and a limb bone from Hoplophorus euphractus was combined, allowing some perception into their paleobiology. The combined paleohistological analysis of two bone elements, osteoderm and humerus, corroborates with the idea of how the pattern of bone microstructure is useful for making inferences about the functional morphology of extinct species. In the humerus, it is identifiable a bone tissue derived from dynamic osteogenesis, with elongated osteocytes lacunae and collagen fibre with a preferably transverse orientation (perpendicular to the long axis). In the superficial and deep layers of the osteoderm, a bone tissue derived from a combination of dynamic and static osteogenesis is seen. In the trabeculae of the osteoderm, a lamellar bone tissue is present, more organized than the ones present in the other regions of the bone. Both histological and morphological features of the osteoderm and humerus can be interpreted as a representation of a mature ontogenetic stage. The preferentially transversely fibre alignment found in H. euphractus bone could be indicative of good resistance of compressive forces, but a more extensive research with a broader sample is necessary for more definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palaehoplophorini is a tribe of glyptodonts represented by fragmentary specimens for which the oldest records occur in the Pedregoso and Río Mayo formations (middle–late Miocene) in Patagonia (Argentina). The mammal fossils from those formations were the basis for the recognition of the Mayoan fauna, placed between the Friasian sensu stricto/Colloncuran–Laventan and the Chasicoan faunas. The only identified glyptodont from Río Mayo Formation is Palaehoplophorus meridionalis represented only by its type material (i.e., caudal tube) and the precise provenance is unknown. We describe a new specimen of Palaehoplophorus meridionalis collected in the Río Mayo Formation represented by associated osteoderms of the dorsal carapace and postcranial elements, plus part of the type and assigned specimens that remain unpublished from the old collection. This is the first description of osteoderms from the dorsal carapace of this species and postcranial elements (the first for a Palaehoplophorini), and the first glyptodont with precise provenance from Río Mayo Formation. As result of improving the description and emending the diagnosis, we agree with previous authors about the basal position of Palaehoplophorus meridionalis within the tribe. Finally, we review the Glyptodontidae association of the Mayoan fauna, which are exclusively represented by Palaehoplophorini (Palaehoplophorus meridionalis and Palaehoplophoroides rothi) and Glyptodontidae indet. This association supports a greater affinity of this fauna with the younger Chasicoan than with the older Friasian sensu stricto/Colloncuran–Laventan faunas.

The genus Panochthus represents the last lineage of "Panochthini" recorded in the Pleistocene. This genus has a wide latitudinal distribution in South America, and in Brazil it occurs in the southern and northeastern regions. In this paper we describe new material (isolated osteoderms and caudal tube fragments) assigned to Panochthus from the state of Rio Grande do Sul (southern Brazil) and discuss some taxonomic issues related to Panochthus tuberculatus and Panochthus greslebini based on this material . The occurrence of P. greslebini is the first for outside the Brazilian Intertropical Region. In addition, we describe new diagnostic features to differentiate the osteoderms of P. greslebini and P. tuberculatus. Unfortunately, it was not possible to identify some osteoderms at the species level. Interestingly, they showed four distinct morphotypes characterized by their external morphology, and thus were attributed to Panochthus sp. Lastly, we conclude that in addition to P.tuberculatus registered to southern Brazil, there is another species of the genus, assignable to P. cf. P. greslebini. Our analysis reinforce the reliability of caudal tube characters for the classification of species of Panochthus.

The "Plohophorini" (Late Miocene – Pliocene of South America) constitute one of the more taxonomically complex groups within Glyptodontidae, with a monophyly questioned in recent phylogenetic analyses. The tribe is characterized by a poor representation of most of its species, several of which are described upon very fragmentary type specimens, with few referred specimens, even none, besides a remarkable shortage of recent systematic reviews. In addition to some fragmentary materials dubiously attributed to the Argentinian genera Plohophorus and Parahoplophorus , in Uruguay the record of the tribe traditionally offers a complex of endemic genera mostly known by partial remains of exoskeletons (mainly fragments of carapaces and/or caudal tubes). This complex basically presents a geographic distribution bounded to the Southwest of the country (San Jose and Colonia Departments), and a stratigraphic distribution bounded to the Camacho Formation (Huayquerian Stage/Age, Late Miocene). In light of the presence of new unpublished Uruguayan specimens referable to the tribe, a comparative analysis of them was made on the basis of qualitative and quantitative criteria (multivariate analyses of skulls and caudal tubes), using the "Plohophorini" from Uruguay and Argentina, and some Argentinian “Hoplophorini”, as a comparative group. The results obtained firstly show a greater similarity of the Uruguayan "Plohophorini" among themselves and to certain "Hoplophorini", rather than to most of the Argentinian "Plohophorini", which show a large morphological variability. Secondly, the analysis of all specimens allows postulating that several of the Uruguayan taxa involved were established under a purely descriptive morphotypical criterion, typical of an “Ameghinian” methodology popular at least through the first half of the twentieth century. A reduction of the list of Uruguayan genera up to two is herein proposed: Stromaphoropsis and Pseudoplohophorus (the latter including "Teisseiria" , Trabalia , Berthawyleria, and Asymmetrura ), while provisionally maintaining the identity of the species involved until new findings enable a better understanding of the probable intraspecific variability present in the taxa studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely held that, within the Cretaceous fluvial and marine deposits of North America, ankylosaur remains are typically preserved upside-down; however, this anecdotal observation has yet to be substantiated. Likewise, none of the various hypotheses that purport to explain the frequent occurrence of overturned ankylosaurs has been tested either. This study is the first to apply quantitative and modeling approaches to address these shortcomings. We find strong statistical support for the dominance of upside-down occurrences, and favour a “bloat-and-float” model to account for them. According to this model, ankylosaur carcasses become reworked into fluvial or marine settings where they bloat and overturn prior to their final deposition. Differential floating behaviour between ankylosaurids and nodosaurids may have implications regarding the occurrence of the latter in marine depositional environments. This consideration of ankylosaur taphonomy might similarly help to explain the purported frequency of overturned glyptodonts, which share a similar bauplan with ankylosaurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subfamily Glyptodontinae (Xenarthra, Cingulata) comprises one of the most frequently recorded glyptodontids in South America. Recently, the North American genus Glyptotherium was recorded in South America, in addition to the genus Glyptodon. It has been shown that both genera shared the same geographic distribution in central-north and eastern areas of South America (Venezuela and Brazil, respectively). Although some characters allow differentiation between adult specimens of both genera, the morphological distinction between these two genera is rather difficult in juvenile specimens. In this contribution, a detailed morphological, morphometric and histological survey of a juvenile specimen of Glyptodontinae recovered from the Late Pleistocene of northern Brazil is performed. The relative lower osteoderms thickness, the particular morphology of the annular and radial sulci and the distal osseous projections of the caudal osteoderms suggest that the specimen belongs to the genus Glyptotherium. In addition, the validity of some statistical tools to distinguish between different ontogenetic stages and in some cases between genera is verified. The osteoderm microstructure of this juvenile individual is characterized by being composed of a cancellous internal core surrounded by a compact bone cortex. Primary bone tissue mostly consists of highly vascularized, woven-fibered bone tissue. Unlike that observed in adult Glyptodontinae, both the Sharpey fibers and the fibrous and laminar parallel bone tissue as secondary bone are absent. This study enhances our knowledge about those morphological and histological changes that occur through the ontogeny in glyptodonts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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PanochthusandGlyptodonare the Pleistocene Glyptodontidae having the greatest range of latitudinal distribution and elevation in South America. The most recent revisions ofPanochthusrecognized its high taxonomic diversification mainly distributed in the Chaco-Pampean region of Argentina, Uruguay, southern Bolivia and southern and north-eastern Brazil, while the Andean records are poorly known. This contribution aims: (a) to describe a new species ofPanochthusfrom the Pleistocene of the surroundings of Potosi (Bolivia), which represents one of the highest known elevation records for fossil Xenarthra; (b) to carry out a phylogenetic analysis in order to test its location inPanochthusand relationship to some allied genera; (c) to discuss some palaeobiogeographical and morphological implications. The results show that, in agreement with previous studies,Panochthusis a natural group, beingPropanochthusthe sister taxa. This conclusion agrees, at least in part, with the original interpretation of Burmeister, who recognizedPr. bulliferas belonging toPanochthus. The generaNopachtusandPhlyctaenopygaare more closely related to some ‘Plohophorini’ than to the cladePropanochthus+Panochthus. WithinPanochthus, this new species occupies a relatively basal position as a sister taxon of the clade composed ofP. tuberculatus,P. intermedius, andP. greslebini.http://zoobank.org/lsid:zoobank.org:pub:5A766550-DBCA-4C4A-BDB8-602E500E4954 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Northwestern Argentina contains one of the most complete continental late Neogene (ca. 9–2.58 Ma) fossiliferous sequences in South America, especially in the current territories of the Catamarca, Tucumán and Jujuy provinces. More precisely in Jujuy Province several localities bearing mainly fossil mammals have been reported at the Quebrada de Humahuaca in the Uquía, Maimará and Tilcara formations, in which the clade Xenarthra (Mammalia) is well-represented. In this scenario, the fossiliferous potential of other localities of Jujuy Province are less known, especially in those areas located at the northwest end of Argentina, bordering Bolivia in the Northern Puna. A new late Neogene fossiliferous locality near Calahoyo (3639 m.a.s.l), Jujuy Province, is here reported. The materials, belonging to Xenarthra, were exhumed from the base of the Tafna Formation which was deposited in a sedimentary basin by alluvial and/or fluvial currents, undergoing transitions of various lacustrine episodes. The taxa include the Tardigrada Pyramiodontherium bergi (Megatheriidae) and the Cingulata Eosclerocalyptus sp. (Glyptodontidae) and Macrochorobates chapalmalensis (Dasypodidae). From a biostratigraphic viewpoint, this assemblage suggests a Late Miocene-Pliocene age for the base of the Tafna Formation, and partially contradicts the supposed Plio-Pleistocene age of this unit. Finally, the new specimens here described indicate that Xenarthra were taxonomically and ecologically diverse during the late Neogene in the northwest end of Argentina, since they are represented by at least three main lineages (sloths, glyptodontids and armadillos). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study entails descriptions of several well-preserved skulls from the pampathere species Holmesina floridanus, recovered from Pliocene localities in central Florida and housed in the collections of the Florida Museum of Natural History. Bone by bone descriptions have allowed detailed reconstructions of cranial morphology. Cranial foramina are described and illustrated in detail, and their contents inferred. The first ever description of an isolated pampathere petrosal is also included. Cranial osteology of Holmesina floridanus is compared to that of Pleistocene species of Holmesina from both North and South America (Holmesina septentrionalis, Holmesina occidentalis), as well as to the other well-known pampathere genera, to closely related taxa among glyptodonts (Propalaehoplophorus), and to extinct and extant armadillos (Proeutatus, Euphractus). This study identifies a suite of apomorphic cranial features that serve to diagnose a putative, progressive series of more inclusive monophyletic groups, including the species Holmesina floridanus, the genus Holmesina, pampatheres, pampatheres plus glyptodonts, and a clade formed by pampatheres, glyptodonts, and Proeutatus. The study highlights the need for further anatomical investigations of pampathere cranial anatomy, especially those using modern scanning technology, and for analyses of pampathere phylogenetic relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the Late Neogene Glyptodontidae of the Pampean region of Argentina, “ Urotherium antiquum ” was described on the basis of some associated osteoderms of the dorsal carapace, which in addition include a partial skull and left hemimandible. The diagnostic characters are located on the exposed surface of the osteoderms of the dorsal carapace which somewhat resembles those of the Pleistocene genus Neuryurus . Although the relationship of “ U . antiquum ” to the remaining Glyptodontidae has never been clarified, some cladistic analyses suggest a close phylogenetic affinity with the clade composed of Plohophorus + ( Glyptodon + Doedicurus ). A careful comparison of “ U . antiquum” to well-characterized taxa with similar stratigraphic and geographic provenance reveals that no significant skull differences are observed from Plohophorus figuratus Ameghino. It seems likely that the alleged ornamentation pattern that characterizes this species was produced by a taphonomic alteration of the exposed surface of the osteoderms, a process broadly distributed in glyptodonts having a “rosette” ornamentation pattern. Finally, some characters present in the osteoderms of the type specimen of “ U . antiquum ” suggest that it may be a juvenile specimen. In summary, “U . antiquum ” should be considered a junior synonym of P . figuratus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se presenta el segundo registro fósil de la familia Camelidae, y primero del género Palaeolama para Costa Rica, hallado junto a placas de Glyptotherium. Esta asociación proporciona nuevos datos del Gran Intercambio Biótico Americano. El fósil del Camelidae consiste de un metapodial posterior izquierdo. Con base en estudios anteriores de hallazgos de mamíferos fósiles en localidades cercanas se le asigna una edad Irvingtoniano Temprano.

Los Glyptodontidae del Neógeno tardío (Pisos/Edades Chapadmalalense-Marplatense; ca. 3.9-1.8 Ma) constituyen un grupo escasamente conocido, en tanto la mayoría de los registros están limitados a restos aislados de la coraza dorsal y/o caudal. Las únicas excepciones están representadas por Paraglyptodon chapalmalensis (Ameghino in Rovereto), un fósil guía para el Chapadmalalense superior, y el Plohophorini Plohophorus figuratus Ameghino. Por otro lado, los "Hoplophorinae" Hoplophorini son gliptodontes que tienen sus primeros registros durante los Pisos Huayqueriense (Mioceno tardío) y "Araucanense" (Mioceno tardío-Plioceno), pero están prácticamente ausentes durante los Pisos Chapadmalalense-Marplatense (Plioceno-Pleistoceno temprano). Posteriormente, los Hoplophorini (Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto) son, junto con Glyptodon Owen, los Glyptodontidae de registro más frecuente en el Pleistoceno de América del Sur. En esta contribución damos a conocer el primer registro de un Hoplophorini de antigüedad Chapadmalalense, asignado al género Eosclerocalyptus C. Ameghino (Eosclerocalyptus cf. E. lineatus). Este nuevo material, representado por una coraza dorsal, fue exhumado de la sección superior de la Fm. Chapadmalal, Mar del Plata, provincia de Buenos Aires. Desde una perspectiva morfológica, esta coraza presenta un tamaño intermedio entre E. tapinocephalus Cabrera, E. proximus (Moreno & Mercerat) y Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto. Junto con cf. Paraglyptodon chapalmalensis y Plohophorus figuratus Ameghino, estos registros representan los Glyptodontidae Pliocenos más completos que se conocen; a su vez, completa parcialmente la distribución estratigráfica de los Glyptodontidae Hoplophorini.The late Neogene (Chapadmalalan-Marplatan Stages; ca. 3.9-1.8 Ma) Glyptodontidae from southern South America are poorly known since most of the record are limited to remains of the dorsal and/or caudal armour. In this sense, the exceptions are represented by Paraglyptodon chapadmalensis (Ameghino in Rovereto), a fossil guide of the Upper Chapadmalalan Stage, and the Plohophorini Plohophorus figuratus Ameghino. On the other hand, the "Hoplophorinae" Hoplophorini are glyptodonts that have its first records during the Huayquerian (late Miocene) and "Araucanian" Stages (late Miocene-early Pliocene), but they are almost absents during the Chapadmalalan-Marplatan Stages (Pliocene-early Pleistocene). Later, the Hoplophorini (Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto) are, together with Glyptodon Owen, the most common South American Pleistocene Glyptodontidae. In this contribution we report the first record of a Chapadmalalan Hoplophorini, assigned to the genus Eosclerocalyptus C. Ameghino (Eosclerocalyptus cf. E. lineatus), coming from the Mar del Plata locality, Buenos Aires province (Argentina). This new material, represented by a complete dorsal carapace, was exhumed from the upper section of the Chapadmalalan Formation. From a morphological perspective, this dorsal carapace shows an intermediate size between E. tapinocephalus Cabrera, E. proximus (Moreno & Mercerat) and Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto. Together with cf. Paraglyptodon chapadmalensis and Plohophorus figuratus Ameghino those records represents the most entire Pliocene Glyptodontidae known and, in addition, it partially complete the stratigraphical distribution of the Glyptodontidae Hoplophorini.

The Palaehoplophorini is a tribe of glyptodonts represented by fragmentary specimens for which the oldest records occur in the Pedregoso and Río Mayo formations (middle-late Miocene) in Patagonia (Argentina). The mammal fossils from those formations were the basis for the recognition of the Mayoan fauna, placed between the Friasian sensu stricto/Colloncuran-Laventan and the Chasicoan faunas. The only identified glyptodont from Río Mayo Formation is Palaehoplophorus meridionalis represented only by its type material (i.e., caudal tube) and the precise provenance is unknown. We describe a new specimen of Palaehoplophorus meridionalis collected in the Río Mayo Formation represented by associated osteoderms of the dorsal carapace and postcranial elements, plus part of the type and assigned specimens that remain unpublished from the old collection. This is the first description of osteoderms from the dorsal carapace of this species and postcranial elements (the first for a Palaehoplophorini), and the first glyptodont with precise provenance from Río Mayo Formation. As result of improving the description and emending the diagnosis, we agree with previous authors about the basal position of Palaehoplophorus meridionalis within the tribe. Finally, we review the Glyptodontidae association of the Mayoan fauna, which are exclusively represented by Palaehoplophorini (Palaehoplophorus meridionalis and Palaehoplophoroides rothi) and Glyptodontidae indet. This association supports a greater affinity of this fauna with the younger Chasicoan than with the older Friasian sensu stricto/Colloncuran-Laventan faunas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among Glyptodontidae, Doedicurinae (late Miocene–early Holocene) includes the glyptodonts with the largest size and latest records. Doedicurinae is mainly characterised by a smooth surface of the osteoderms with large foramina, and a particular morphology of the caudal tube. All taxa except one (Doedicurus clavicaudatus) have been recognised and characterised on the basis of remains of caudal tubes and/or dorsal carapaces. This situation produced an evident overestimation of the real diversity of this group, and a taxonomic revision is needed. In fact, no Neogene skulls were known. We present and describe the first two Neogene skulls belonging to Doedicurinae (cf.Eleutherocercus antiquus). The materials come from the El Polvorín and Chapadmalal Formations, in the surroundings of Olavarría and Mar del Plata localities, respectively (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). A cladistic analysis was carried out in order to situate these materials among Glyptodontidae and inferring new synapomorphies at skull level in Doedicurinae. Cf.Eleutherocercus antiquusclusters with the Pleistocene speciesDoedicurus clavicaudatusshowing three unambiguous synapomorphies, which in turn represents the first skull synapomorphies for Doedicurinae. Finally, the presence of cf.Eleutherocercus antiquusin the El Polvorín and Chapadmalal Formations suggests that the stratigraphic distribution of this species could include the Montehermosan–Chapadmalalan interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various geological finding across the world. These include a metre-long shell that may be from a giant prehistoric armadillo, glyptodont, found on a riverbank in Argentina on December 2015, discovery of the world's largest Blue Star Sapphire in a Sri Lankan named as 'The Star of Adam' and waterfall found over Malham Cove in North Yorkshire, England, for the first time since 1824 on December 6, 2015.

Castellanos described and published about new genera of glyptodonts, according to a phylogenetic scheme mainly based on the evolution of the external surface of the dorsal carapace. Among these new genera, Castellanos proposed Paraglyptodon as the predecessor of Glyptodon , and included within Paraglyptodon all known species of Glyptodontinae recovered from “ horizontes pre-Ensenadenses ”, and within Glyptodon all known species from “ Horizontes pampeanos ”, restricting the latter to the Quaternary. All the species that belong to Paraglyptodon , that is Paraglyptodon chapalmalensis , Paraglyptodon uquiensis , Paraglyptodon dubius , and Paraglyptodon paranensis were established based on one, two or few osteoderms, mostly from the dorsal carapace. Regarding P. paranensis and P. dubius , Oliva and collaborators consider the first as a nomen vanum , representing an indeterminate Glyptodontinae, and the second as a synonym of P . chapalmalensis . Upon re-examination of the holotypes of P . chapalmalensis and P. uquiensis together with their comparison with other well-known specimens of glyptodonts, mainly with Glyptodon (of both juvenile and adult stages), we found the same ornamentation in different sections of the dorsal carapaces, particularly in P. chapalmalensis and in juvenile stages of Glyptodon spp. We could not identify features that would allow us to make a distinction between the holotype of P. uquiensis and Glyptodon spp. Therefore, we consider that a new taxon guide for naming the Upper Chapadmalalan biozone is necessary. The biostratigraphic range of Glyptodon could possibly be extended to the late Pliocene. However, new records and studies are needed to verify the existence of this taxon in the Chapadmalalan Stage/Age in its type locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MIS 3 (60–25 ka) corresponds to a long interstadial episode considered generally warmer than MIS 2 and 4, and including numerous and abrupt Dansgaard–Oeschger and Heinrich events, sometimes brief but very intense. The materials studied here, coming from the Late Pleistocene exposures in central-north Mesopotamia (Corrientes province, Argentina, Toropí/Yupoí Fm., MIS 3; ca . 52–36 ka), is characterized by the presence of a large and complex vertebrate assemblage, being the Cingulata (Xenarthra) one of the most frequently represented taxa. In this work we provide an updated list of cingulates from Corrientes province, referrable to the Late Pleistocene, after performing new collections in the area and revising previous determinations. This includes: a) Dasypodidae: Propraopus sulcatus Lund, Euphractus aff. Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus; Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest); b) Pampatheriidae: Holmesina paulacoutoi (Cartelle-Guerra and Mahecha-Bohorquez), Pampatherium sp., Pampatherium typum Ameghino; c) Glyptodontidae: Panochthus tuberculatus (Owen), Panochthus sp., Glyptodon reticulatus Owen, Glyptodon sp., Neosclerocalyptus paskoensis (Zurita), Neosclerocalyptus cf. N. paskoensis (Zurita), Neosclerocalyptus sp. The paleoenvironmental context that may be inferred from the palaeofaunal, particularly from the diversity of cingulates in the Quaternary of Corrientes province, is characterized by alternating cold arid or semiarid pulses and warmer humid ones. Generating new evidence related to MIS 3. Even though the taxa recorded are not new, the relative occurrence of each one shows evident differences with those in other areas. Using this information, the diversity of cingulates is compared to that of Late Pleistocene faunas described for sediments from areas currently located in the provinces of Formosa and Buenos Aires (Argentina), northern Uruguay and southern Brazil. Lastly, palaeoclimatic and palaeobiogeographic aspects that may be inferred from the study of this assemblage are discussed in the context of the MIS 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examines the presence of supernumerary teeth in a glytodont specimen from the Monkey Unit at Villavieja Formation in Brazil. The study uses cranial description to interpret the basal glyptodontinae and dental comparison. The study shows that it was the first record of supernumerary tooth after the review of glyptodont skulls from North and South America.

In North American glyptodonts, the identification of the genus Glyptotherium revolves primarily around characters of the carapace. However, previous studies suggest the possibility of a wide range of intraspecific variation. We report two glyptodont specimens from the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Tlaxcala. We offer a description of their skeletal and carapace elements as well as a brief review of glyptodont distribution in Mexico. Our initial analysis led us to conclude that the glyptodont from Tamaulipas bears similarities to Glyptotherium cylindricum whereas the Tlaxcala specimen resembles Glyptotherium floridanum. However, further study of previously unreported skeletal elements, in association with characters of the carapace, suggested similarity between the two species. Hence we assigned the two glyptodonts to the species G. cylindricum, which has nomenclatural priority. The addition of new morphological characteristics helped to discern synonymy of these two glyptodont species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Late Pleistocene, several possibly endemic cingulate species, known mostly from isolated osteoderms, carapace fragments, and caudal tubes, coexisted in the Brazilian Intertropical Region. Here, we describe the osteoderm micro-structure of Pachyarmatherium brasiliense, as well as the glyptodonts Panochthus greslebini, Panochthus jaguaribensis and Glyptotherium sp., in order to provide additional species-diagnostic characters and shed light on their evolutionary relationships. Pachyarmatherium brasiliense lacks several derived features shared by glyptodonts and pampatheres, such as extensive bone remodeling, fibers arranged in large bundles, and relatively poorly developed layers of compact bone, thus supporting its exclusion from glyptodonts as suggested by a recent cladistic study. The osteoderm histology of P. greslebini resembles that of other species of Panochthus (e.g., Panochthus frenzelianus). By contrast, the presence of relatively thick layers of compact bone, the configuration and size of resorption areas, the absence of randomly oriented lateral fiber bundles, and the absence of an intermediary region between the compact and trabecular bone potentially support the exclusion of Panochthus jaguaribensis from the genus. Finally, osteoderms of the Brazilian specimens of Glyptodontinae share histological features with Glyptotherium floridanus, rather than Glyptodon, thus reinforcing their assignment to Glyptotherium. These results highlight the relevance of histological osteoderm characters in cingulate systematics, ands call for further and more comprehensive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthritic lesions have been frequently diagnosed in the fossil record, with spondyloarthropathy (a type of erosive and pan-mammalian arthritis) being one of the most common types described to date for mammals, though not restricted to this group. Here, we identify spondyloarthropathy in fossil bones from the late Pleistocene in Brazil assignable to a large glyptodont individual. Bone erosions in the peripheral joints (viz., the ulna, radius, left femur and tibiae-fibulae) associated with osteosclerosis allow the diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy. The presence of osteophytes in seven bones of the forelimbs (viz., the ulna and radius) and hind limbs (viz., the tibiae-fibulae, left femur and patellae) and a subchondral cyst in one element (viz., the left femur) indicate secondary osteoarthritis. A calcified deposition on the articular surface of the left patella indicates the presence of calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, which, like the observed osteoarthritic alterations, likely represents a complication of spondyloarthropathy. This is the first report of spondyloarthropathy for xenarthrans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosclerocalyptus tapinocephalus (Cabrera) from the Huayquerian (Late Miocene) of the Pampean region, was known previously only from the type material. The recent finding of a well preserved specimen, mainly the caudal tube and limb bones, allows improved knowledge of its morphology and comparison with related forms, particularly Eosclerocalyptus proximus (Moreno and Mercerat) of the "Araucanian" (Late Miocene-Early Pliocene) from the northwest of Argentina, and Neosclerocalyptus Paula Couto (Pleistocene of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay). Our observations support the recent proposal of Perea to include Hoplophractus Cabrera within Eosclerocalyptus C. Ameghino. Morphologically, E. tapinocephalus is characterized by: a) the parieto-occipital region of the skull tilting posteriorly; b) the low zygomatic arch descending towards the orbital notch; c) the lateral osteoderms of the dorsal carapace, with anterior peripheral figures of greater development than the posterior ones; d) dorsal carapace of dorsal contour similar to the that of E. proximus; e) caudal tube similar to that of E. proximus but with less development of the small peripheral figures; f) femoral morphology intermediate between Propalaehoplophorus and Neosclerocalyptus. Finally, and from a palaeozoogeographic and stratigraphic point of view, Eosclerocalyptus tapinocephalus represents (together with E. proximus) the first certain species of the tribe Hoplophorini, limited to the Huayquerian Stage (Late Miocene; ca. 8.7-6.8 Ma) of the central area of the Buenos Aires province, characterized by the presence of open environments (savannas, grasslands and herbaceous steppes).

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The knowledge of northern South American Glyptodontidae (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Cingulata) is very scarce compared with that of southern South American taxa, which have been systematically studied since the 19th century. Recently, the northern taxa (originally assigned to the Glyptodontidae PropalaehoplophorinaeAsterostemmaandPropalaehoplophorus) have been reinterpreted as basal Glyptodontinae, belonging to the new genusBoreostemma. In this contribution, we present and describe the most complete Neogene Glyptodontidae from northern South America (middle Miocene of the Honda Group, La Venta, Colombia), and its main taxonomic, paleobiogeographic, and phylogenetic implications. This new material expands the morphological characterization ofB. acostaeand corroborates differences compared with Glyptodontidae from Miocene southern South America. A cladistic analysis corroborates the monophyly of the Glyptodontinae, thatB. acostaeandB. venezolensisbeing the sister group of the remaining taxa of Glyptodontinae. The traditionally recognized genera (e.g.,GlyptodonandGlyptotherium) constitute natural groups. Whereas the Miocene seems to represent a diversification period for Glyptodontidae in southern South America, the recorded taxa in northern South America are restricted with certainty only to the GlyptodontinaeBoreostemma. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Two-thirds of U.S. citizens do not understand the scientific process. There is a clear misunderstanding about what science is-- and is not--both in our society and in the classroom. Furthermore, students below basic proficiency are locked into an achievement gap. In response, the No Child Left Behind Act was passed in 2001. Since then, there has been some progress in decreasing the achievement gap. However, according to The Nation's Report Card, 34% of fourth grade and 43% of eighth grade students sampled by the National Assessment for Educational Progress still fall below a basic level of proficiency in science. To evaluate what is misunderstood about the scientific process, third through eighth graders were guided to discern science from pseudoscience, and form testable questions by using 45 animal skulls and design experiments, and to then collect and analyze data to answer their questions based on the graphs they developed. They were given a pre-assessment at the beginning and a postassessment the end of a 12-h unit to determine changes in learning. These data were analyzed by a paired Student's f-test. The results show that students gained significantly in memorizing facts and making objective observations about xenarthrans. Students were not able, however, to transfer the skills gained to make objective observations about dinosaurs. In addition, they had difficulty differentiating between scientific questions (objectively testable) from nonscience questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xenarthra represents an enigmatic clade of placental mammals that includes living tree sloths, armadillos, and their extinct relatives, yet certain aspects of the biology of this group remains poorly understood. Here, we use scanning electron microscopy to test the hypothesis that orthodentine microwear patterns in extant xenarthrans are significantly different among different dietary groups. In a blind analysis, microwear patterns were quantified at a magnification of 500× by two independent observers for extant species from four dietary groups (carnivore-omnivores, folivores, frugivore-folivores, and insectivores). Independent observers recovered the same relative between-group differences in microwear patterns. Insectivores and folivores have a significantly lower numbers of scratches and greater scar widths than frugivore-folivores and carnivore-omnivores, yet we were neither able to statistically distinguish insectivores from folivores, nor differentiate frugivore-folivores from carnivore-omnivores. Nevertheless, a clear distinction exists between taxa from the same trophic level and habitat, which suggests that orthodentine microwear reflects niche partitioning and habitat more than diet among related forms. We suggest that bite force and chewing mechanics have a strong influence on the formation of orthodentine microwear, which may explain some of the observed overlap between distinct groups (e.g. frugivore-folivores versus carnivore-omnivores). This study serves as a positive step forwards in our understanding of the ecological role of living xenarthrans, and serves as a foundation for using orthodentine microwear to reconstruct palaeoecology in extinct ground sloths, glyptodonts, and pampatheres. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ••, ••-••. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glyptodonts (Mammalia: Cingulata) are characterized by an exoskeleton comprising most notably an armored tail and an immobile dorsal carapace formed by a large number of osteoderms. In 1889, Florentino Ameghino published the first phylogenetic scenario for the glyptodonts, based on the sequential application of two transformation series related to the morphology of the tail armor and carapace osteoderms. From the early to mid 1900s, several authors used Ameghino's transformation series subordinated to a model of evolution in which derived glyptodont groups had arisen independently from separate pre-middle Miocene ancestors. This approach, in which the morphological states of Ameghino's series were considered analogous rather than homologous, provided different phylogenetic scenarios and the paraphyletic classification still in use. Two recent cladistic analyses based on cranial and postcranial (including caudal tube) characters support the monophyly of glyptodonts and suggest novel intra-clade relationships. However, neither analysis included the classic osteoderm characters used by earlier authors. Therefore, we propose new osteoderm and carapace characters and evaluate their performance in a new cladistic analysis. We found that: a) some osteoderm characters used by earlier authors to support ancestor-descendent hypotheses are in fact fully homoplastic autapomorphies (e.g., multiplication of the number of rows of peripheral figures); b) characters previously believed to have originated independently in several groups (e.g., presence of caudal tube) are synapomorphies at a wider hierarchical level; c) some ancestor-descendant pre-cladistic hypotheses are incompatible with the topology and synapomorphy distribution obtained; and d) there is no reason to favor exoskeletal characters in glyptodont systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze shape variation in the xenarthran femur to gain insights into their behavior and locomotion. Specimens of both Cingulata (armadillos and glyptodonts) and Pilosa (anteaters and sloths) were studied and within each group body mass varies by several orders of magnitude. The main focus of the analysis was allometric variation in femoral shape in the three groups studied, armadillos, glyptodonts, and pilosans. Three dimensional coordinates were recorded for 40 homologous landmarks on each of 51 xenarthran femurs. The data were analyzed by geometric morphometric methods, and form space analysis was used to identify the allometric variation in each of the three groups. Across all groups, larger specimens tended to have larger articular surfaces, more robust femora generally, and the shape of the femoral condyles was more suited to extended postures. In addition, in larger specimens the medial condyle was much larger than the lateral condyle and the third trochanter was located more distally. The larger armadillo femora had a greater trochanter located considerably proximal to the femoral head and this is thought to improve femoral extension, but in glyptodonts and pilosans the larger specimens had a greater trochanter that was far lateral to the femoral head and this is interpreted as enhancing femoral rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Values for δ13C and δ18O obtained from molar samples from three individuals pertaining to Glyptotherium sp. from Cedral (San Luis Potosí, México) are provided and are utilized to infer general aspects of glyptodont diet and habitat. On average this animal showed a C3/C4 mixed diet, with a high consumption of C4 plants. Comparisons of the δ13CVPDB and δ18OVPDB values for glyptodonts with horses, mastodons, mammoths and tapirs from the same locality show that glyptodonts from Cedral lived in an open habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Knowledge of the Early-Middle Pleistocene (Ensenadan Age/Stage ; ca. 1.8–0.4 Ma) South American Glyptodontidae (Cingulata) is still poor compared with the Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene taxa (Lujanian Age/Stage). This is especially true for the Glyptodontidae Panochthini, in which it is possible to recognize two Ensenadan species from the Pampean region of Argentina, Panochthus intermedius and P. subintermedius, known only by their type material. Prior to this contribution, the knowledge of P. intermedius, a taxon with biostratigraphic importance for being considered as a guide taxon of the Ensenadan Age/Stage of South America, was limited to a dorsal carapace. The finding of an exceptional almost complete specimen from the Early-Middle Pleistocene of Bolivia has allowed us to greatly improve the morphological characterization of this species, and discuss some taxonomic aspects related to the other Ensenadan Panochthini. This specimen represents the most completely known Panochthini and one of the most complete Glyptodontidae from the Early-Middle Pleistocene of South America. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on a research revealing the first record of a juvenile specimen of Glyptodon species from the Quaternary of Córdoba province in Argentina. The material being used comprises of 90 osteoderms of the dorsal carapace, 19 osteoderms of the caudal armor, and several post-cranial bones. The specimen principally demonstrates hexagon shape osteoderms, with high thickness and maximum diameter ratio as well as circular or subcircular central figure and elevated in relation with the peripheric surface, with central depression.

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We propose that the particular high latitudinal distribution of Neosclerocalyptus (Glyptodontidae) and the cyclic nature of the Pleistocene glacial-interglacial events were factors that probably stimulated morphological evolution of its fronto-nasal sinuses, a feature unique among glyptodonts. The distributions of the species, and the majority of its records, are associated with sediments related to arid and semiarid environments. Four species are recognized during the last million years in southern South America. The first record of Neosclerocalyptus (N. pseudornatus) coincides with the 'Great Patagonian Glaciation' and shows the lowest grade of pneumatization on its skull. Neosclerocalyptus paskoensis (the most derived species), limited to Oxygen Isotopic Stage 2, shows the greatest development of fronto-nasal pneumatization. The restricted geographic range of Neosclerocalyptus, the possible absence of geographic barriers during the Pleistocene, and the absence of cases of sympatry, allow us to speculate the existence of a single continuous lineage of successive species, showing an anagenetic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vizcaíno, S.F., Blanco, R.E., Bender, J.B. & Milne, N. 2010: Proportions and function of the limbs of glyptodonts. Lethaia, Vol. 44, pp. 93-101. This study examines the limb bone proportions and strength of glyptodonts (Xenarthra, Cingulata). Two methods are used to estimate the body mass and location of the centre of gravity of the articulated specimens. These estimates, together with measurements of the femur and humerus, are used to calculate strength indicators (SI). The other long bones of the limbs are used to calculate limb proportion indices that give an indication of digging ability, speed, and limb dominance in armadillos, the glyptodonts' living closest relatives. The results show that regardless of how the body mass and centre of gravity are calculated, the majority of the glyptodont's weight is borne by the hindlimbs. The SI calculations show that femora are sturdy enough to bear these loads. The fact that the femora have higher SI than the humerii indicates that sometimes the hindlimbs are required to bear an even greater proportion of the body weight, possibly when rising to a bipedal posture or pivoting on their hindlimbs to deliver a blow with their armoured tail. The analysis of limb proportions indicates that both the hindlimb and the forelimb have proportions that correlate strongly with body mass. This outcome supports the other results, but also shows that forelimbs must be also involved in manoeuvring the glyptodont body. □ Glyptodonts, Mammalia, Xenarthra, limbs, strength indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Knowledge of the main aspects of the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) concerning the glyptodontine Glyptodontidae (Xenarthra) is very scarce. A bidirectional dispersal process was recently proposed for this clade, with the presence of the North American genus Glyptotherium Osborn recognized in latest Pleistocene sediments of northern South America (Venezuela and Brazil). However, the earliest stages of this paleobiogeographical process remain poorly understood, mainly because of the limited fossil record on this clade in late Pliocene sediments. The goals of this contribution are: a) to present and describe the first record of a glyptodontine glyptodontid from the late Pliocene of northern South America, tentatively assigned to a new species of Boreostemma Carlini et al. (Boreostemma? sp. nov); and b) to analyze its paleobiogeographical implications with respect to the GABI. This new material was recovered from the San Gregorio Formation (late Pliocene, prior the GABI) in northern Venezuela, where it is represented by several osteoderms of the dorsal carapace. A comparison among the three known late Pliocene glyptodontine glyptodontids of a) southern South America (Paraglyptodon), b) northern South America (Boreostemma), and c) southern North America ("Glyptotherium"), reveals a series of shared characters between (b) and (c), not present in (a). The most important of these shared characters in (b) and (c) are: all the osteoderms present a great development of the central figure, which is always larger than the peripherals; the sulcus that delimits the central and peripheral figures is narrower and shallower; and all the osteoderms present are relatively thin. This evidence suggests that the lineage of Glyptodontinae which participated in the GABI and subsequently diversified in North America originated in northern South America. Moreover, the evident morphological differences between these glyptodontines with respect to the southern South American forms show a significant separation of both lineages since at least latest Miocene-early Pliocene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The anatomical and taxonomic knowledge of some groups of Glyptodontidae (Mammalia, Cingulata) is still very poor. In addition, a strict typological/morphological taxonomic criterion was used in recognizing many taxa, especially during the second half of the 19th century and the first of the 20th century. This particular situation resulted in a clear overestimation diversity, mainly with respect to the South American glyptodonts. In this scenario, this paper analyzes the taxonomic status of some Glyptodontinae through a precise comparative study with well characterized taxa. The main results show that the genera Pseudothoracophorus Castellanos (P. depressus) and Chlamydotherium Lund, one species of the genus “Boreostracon” Simpson (B. corondanus), and one species of the genus Glyptodon Owen (G. falkneri), actually represents juvenile specimens referable to Glyptodon Owen; the genus Neothoracophorus Ameghino (N. elevatus) could be related either to Glyptodon Owen or Glyptotherium Osborn. Another species, Heteroglyptodon genuarioi, presents an almost identical morphology compared with the recognized species of Glyptodon (e.g. G. munizi and G. reticulatus). In this sense, the diagnostic characters described for Glyptodon perforatus Ameghino, a taxon with biostratigraphic relevance since it is characteristic of the Lujanian Age/Stage (late Pleistocene-early Holocene), are also present in other species of Glyptodon, especially G. reticulatus and G. clavipes, very frequent taxa in southern South America. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]