The emblematic Eurasian Villafranchian antelope Gazellospira (Mammalia: Bovidae): New insights from the Lower Pleistocene Dafnero fossil sites (Northern Greece)

摘要: Abstract A new sample of 65 specimens representing a minimum number 15 individuals the Eurasian antelope Gazellospira torticornis is described from Lower Pleistocene fossil sites Dafnero (DFN, N. Greece). The intrapopulation comparisons highlight that several cranial (frontal sinuses, inter-frontal sutures, longitudinal grooves, degree horn-cores torsion, and development anterior keel) postcranial features are likely subject to sexual dimorphism, suggesting mixed-herd DFN population both males females with social distribution estimated at ∼1:2 ratio (seven three presumed males). analysis also reveals elements G. subjected strong temporal linear regression during Villafranchian; this trend appears more evident in western than eastern European territories. Furthermore, for contemporaneous samples, metapodials show higher dimensions northern (above ca. 42.5° latitude) meridional latitudes. preliminary ecomorphological study suggests open landscapes plains quite homogeneous substrates was preferred habitat Dafnero. revision taxa referred genera species heteronymous spiral horned antelopes spanning Late Pliocene Early Pleistocene, allows us propose synonymizing gromovae Antilospira? zdanskyi, recognize Parastrepsiceros sokolovi as an early subspecies torticornis. Our morphological does not support recent results about close phylogenetic relationships either Antilospira or Spirocerus. biogeographic scenario proposed, which originates peri-Black Sea region radiation westwards eastwards Villafranchian.