Multi-aged social behaviour based on artiodactyl tracks in an early Miocene palustrine wetland (Ebro Basin, Spain)

摘要: We present a new locality with at least 880 vertebrate tracks found the top of limestone bed from lower Miocene Tudela Formation (Spain). The trampled surface was formed by artiodactyls that crossed muddy carbonate accumulated under influence water level variations in palustrine environment. reflect different types morphological preservation. well-preserved have tetradactyl digit impressions caused both manus and pes, are type series artiodactyl ichnotaxon, Fustinianapodus arriazui ichnogen. nov. ichnosp. rest tracks, which not as well preserved, didactyl were classified undetermined tracks. According to their preservation, morphology, size, arrangement orientation, we propose this tracksite is product social behaviour, particularly gregariousness, multi-age group ~19 Ma ago. morphologic palaeoecologic data presented here suggest trackmakers anthracotheres livelihood similar current hippos. They crossed, periodically, fresh area along some preferential pathways (trails).