Abstract
New cricetids (Eucricetodon wangae sp. nov., Eucricetodon sp. and Pappocricetodon siziwangqiensis sp. nov.) are reported from the lower and middle parts of the “Upper Red” beds of the Erden Obo section in Nei Mongol, China. Eucricetodon wangae is more primitive than other known species of the genus from lower Oligocene of Asia and Europe in having a single anterocone on M1, a single connection between the protocone and the paracone, the anterior metalophule connection in M1-2 and weaker anteroconid and ectomesolophid in lower molars. Pappocricetodon siziwangqiensis is more advanced than other species of the genus in permanently missing P4 and having posterior protolophule connection. These fossils suggest that the age of the “Upper Red” of the Erden Obo section is younger than the age of the Upper Eocene Houldjin and Caijiachong formations, but older than those containing the Shandgolian faunas; the “Upper Red” is most closely correlative to the Ergilian beds in age, and probably close to the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. Given the age estimate, Eucricetodon wangae provides the new evidence to support that cricetid dispersal from Asia to Europe occurred prior to the Eocene-Oligocene boundary.
Highlights
Cricetids belong to the Muroidea and constitute one of the most diverse families of Rodentia
The cricetid specimens that we report here came from the “Upper Red” beds of Erden Obo (Urtyn Obo), Nomogen Sumu, Siziwangqi, Nei Mongol, China
Pappocricetodon siziwangqiensis is more advanced than other species of Pappocricetodon in absence of P4 and having posterior protolophule connection
Summary
Cricetids belong to the Muroidea and constitute one of the most diverse families of Rodentia. Many new cricetids have been discovered from the Eocene and Oligocene continental deposits of Asia, such as Eocricetodon and Oxynocricetodon [6] from late Eocene of Nei Mongol, Ulaancricetodon [7] from early Oligocene of Mongolia, Eucricetodon [8,9], Bagacricetodon, Plesiodipus, and Witenia [8] from Oligocene of Nei Mongol, Paracricetops [10] from early Oligocene of Yunna. These discoveries have provided an important evidence for understanding the origin and early radiation of this family. Late Eocene cricetids in Asia are poorly known compared to their records in the Oligocene.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
