Abstract
ABSTRACT Maxillary fragments, rami, and postcrania referred to the hyaenid Chasmaporthetes ossifragus are recorded from two Florida faunas, Santa Fe River (probably late Blancan) and Inglis IA (early Irvingtonian). C. ossifragus with its reduced premolars, deep mandible, and long blade-like carnassials probably filled the ecologic role of an active predator occupied today by the spotted hyaena, Crocuta. The fore and hind quarters of the hunting hyaena were heavily muscled and its elongate limbs and feet suggest that it was well adapted for cursorial life. Review of the phylogenetic history of the group suggests that Asian C. kani, European C. lunensis, and North American C. ossifragus and C. johnstoni are all closely related. C. ossifragus is recognized as the most derived taxon. The fossil record suggests immigration of this genus from Eurasia to North America prior to 3.5 mya. Chasmaporthetes became extinct in Eurasia during the late Villafranchian and survived in North America into the early Irvingtonian.
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