RT Journal Article
T1 Gregariousness in the giant sloth Lestodon (Xenarthra): multi-proxy approach of a bonebed from the Last Maximum Glacial of Argentine Pampas
A1 Tomassini, Rodrigo L.
A1 Montalvo, Claudia I.
A1 Garrone, Mariana C.
A1 Domingo Martínez, Laura
A1 Ferigolo, Jorge
A1 Cruz, Laura E.
A1 Sanz Pérez, Danae
A1 Fernández Jalvo, Yolanda
A1 Cerda, Ignacio A.
AB Megamammals constituted an important component in the Pleistocene faunal communities of South America. Paleobiological and paleoecological studies involving different megamammal taxa have increased significantly in the last years, but there are still several poorly-known issues of its life history. In this work, we analyze an assemblage composed of 13 individuals of different ontogenetic stages, and possibly different sex, belonging to the giant ground sloth Lestodon armatus (Xenarthra, Folivora), recovered from Playa del Barco site (Pampean Region, Argentina). A dating of 19,849 years Cal BP allows assigning this assemblage to a period of the MIS (Marine Isotope Stage) 2 related to the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Based on multiple lines of research (e.g. taphonomy, paleopathology, osteohistology, isotopy), we interpret the origin of the assemblage and diverse paleobiological and paleoecological aspects (e.g. social behavior, ontogenetic changes, sexual dimorphism, diseases, resource and habitat use, trophic relationships) of L. armatus. Evidence suggests that the assemblage was formed by a local single event of catastrophic mortality, which affected different members of a social group. This record represents the first accurate evidence of gregariousness for this ground sloth, providing new data on a poorly-known behavior among extinct Folivora.
PB Nature Research
SN 2045-2322
YR 2020
FD 2020
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/6424
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/6424
LA eng
NO Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN)
NO Universidad Complutense de Madrid
NO Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (UNLPam)
NO National Geographic- Waitt Foundation
NO CSIC-i-COOP
DS Docta Complutense
RD 19 may 2025