Abstract
A carnivore skull from the Phosphorites of Quercy, France, is described herein. Its well-preserved basicranial structure, cat-like morphology, and dental reduction support the assignment of this specimen to the Nimravidae. This is the most primitive nimravid described and its overall morphology is the closest yet to the hypothetical ancestor of the Nimravinae as previously conceived. In addition, the monophyly of the Nimravinae is reinforced by the similar basicranium of the specimen described here compared to other nimravid genera. It suggests that this typical basicranial structure appeared well ahead the sabretooth features in this group. The early evolution and diversification of the Nimravinae occurred during the Late Eocene in the northern hemisphere but the precise geographic area is still unknown. A rapid evolution during the initial radiation of the group or an incomplete fossil record in Eurasia could both equally explain the rapid and worldwide distribution of the Nimravinae.
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