Evolution of bovid diversity in the Plio‐Pleistocene of Africa

Abstract

The diversity of the family Bovidae (Mammalia) in the Plio‐Pleistocene of Africa is estimated by several indices and rank‐abundance curves. The broad observed pattern in East and South‐Africa is an increase in diversity during the second part of the Pliocene, followed by a decrease in the latest Pliocene or earliest Pleistocene. These changes are diachronic in the various areas, as are other faunal changes (in successive order, in Lake Turkana basin: West Turkana, Omo, Koobi Fora). High diversity is associated with a higher number of abundant species, whereas the subsequent, less diverse, assemblages have only 1 or 2 very abundant species. The decrease in diversity might be a consequence of the latest Pliocene global cooling, resulting in a decrease in primary productivity and other related parameters. There is, however, some evidence that more favourable conditions were restored afterwards.