New Records of Eutherian Mammals from the Goler Formation (Tiffanian, Paleocene) of California and Their Biostratigraphic and Paleobiogeographic Implications

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Goler Formation is the only rock unit on the West Coast of North America that has yielded a diverse assemblage of Paleocene vertebrates. Intense prospecting of strata representing member 4 of the formation over the past two decades has resulted in recovery of over 70 specimens of eutherian mammals, representing 18 species. All specimens were recovered from member 4a and the lower part of member 4b, except an isolated tooth referred to Phenacodus cf. P. vortmani from member 4d in the uppermost part of the formation. Three taxa are new, the plesiadapid, Nannodectes lynasi, and two hyopsodontid condylarths, Promioclaenus walshi and Protoselene ashtoni. Also present are four species of Phenacodus, two species of Protictis, and single species representing Goleroconus, Mimotricentes, Lambertocyon, Ignacius, Paromomys, Bessoecetor, Thryptacodon, Dissacus, and a taeniodont. The mammalian fauna from member 4a and the lower part of member 4b is collectively referred to as the Goler Assemblage because t...