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CT scanning analysis of Megantereon whitei (Carnivora, Machairodontinae) from Monte Argentario (Early Pleistocene, central Italy): evidence of atavistic teeth

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Abstract

CT scanning analysis applied to vertebrate palaeontology is providing an increasing number of data of great interest. This method can be used in many branches of palaeontology such as the investigation of all the fossilized elements in a hard matrix and the hidden structures in the bones. A large number of pathologies are “hidden”, completely or partially invisible on the external surface of the bones because their development took place within the bones. However, the study of these diseases and abnormalities plays a crucial role in our understanding of evolutionary and adaptive processes of extinct taxa. The analysis of a partial skeleton of the sabre-toothed felid Megantereon whitei from the Early Pleistocene karst filling deposits of Monte Argentario (Tuscany, Italy) has been carried out. The CT scanning analysis put in evidence the presence of supernumerary teeth (P2) and the absence of P3 in the mandible. The occurrence of P2 can be considered as an evidence of atavism. Such an archaic feature is recorded for the first time in Megantereon.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Massimiliano Danti and Prof. Sabino W. Della Sala (Ospedale M. G. Vannini) for making the CT scanning, Dr. Andrea Pessina and Dr. Pamela Gambogi (Soprintendenza per i beni archeologici della Toscana) and Dr. Ilaria Mazzini (IGAG) for her useful suggestions and help. This study has been supported by grants from the Sapienza University of Roma Progetto Università 2011, 2012 and 2013 (C26A11SNA3, C26A12PZA2 and C26A139K3A) to RS.

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  1. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Dawid Adam Iurino & Raffaele Sardella

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  1. Dawid Adam Iurino
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  2. Raffaele Sardella
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Correspondence to Dawid Adam Iurino.

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Communicated by: Sven Thatje

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Iurino, D.A., Sardella, R. CT scanning analysis of Megantereon whitei (Carnivora, Machairodontinae) from Monte Argentario (Early Pleistocene, central Italy): evidence of atavistic teeth. Naturwissenschaften 101, 1099–1106 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-014-1249-0

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