New fossils of Eucladoceros boulei (Artiodactyla, Mammalia) from Early Pleistocene Nihewan Beds, China

摘要: Abstract Recent excavations at Shanshenmiaozui site in Nihewan Basin of North China uncovered a rich collection comb-antlered deer, which includes the first discovery yearling antler, complete upper and lower dentitions (both deciduous permanent), associated limb bones including longest metapodials ever recovered. Based on toothrow length dental characters as well postcranial bones, new fossil materials can be referred to Eucladoceros boulei that is estimated 350 kg represents largest Pleistocene cervid recovered China. Besides large size, E. also characterized by pronounced anterior cingulids entostylid ribs molars moderately pachyostosed mandibles. The present study shows body weight cervids metacarpal, with exception for Cervus elaphus, has larger length, but shorter metacarpal smaller size. typical element Early fauna northern early Villafranchian bottleneck period evolution China, following features: decrease diversity, disappearance archaic groups, rise medium large-sized three-tined cervini taxa. sudden appearance very and/or multi-tined Pliocene–Pleistocene transition may represent great migration event mammals. from are diverse, need more taxonomic work.