The Structure of the Mammalian Predator Guild in the Santa Cruz Formation (Late Early Miocene)

摘要: The Santa Cruz Formation (late early Miocene, Santacrucian age) registers 11 species of mammalian predators (Metatheria, Sparassodonta). Together with large carnivorous flightless birds, they comprised the terrestrial predator guild. sparassodonts were diverse in body size, had different locomotory habits, and primarily hypercarnivores. objective this work is to analyze guild structure Formation, using variables mass, diet, locomotion as proxies. Furthermore, we interaction other potential prey. univariated test V Poole Rathcke multivariated Clark-Evans used construct models. In multivariate test, made a Principal Component Analysis resume standardize variables. With mass obtained an evenly spaced pattern segregation for sparassodont species, being non-significant significant, respectively. was aggregated significant only diet. analysis all together resulted pattern, which consistent character displacements (segregation throughout morphospace) that would help diminish interspecific competition during age allow selection prey sizes substrate specializations. When size birds plotted together, non-significant. Other factors, including locomotion, differentiate these their ecological niches.