The Pleistocene Gomphotheres (Proboscidea) from South America: Diversity, Habitats and Feeding Ecology

Abstract

Gomphotheres were recorded in South America from the early-middle Pleistocene (Ensenadan
\nLand-mammal Age) to the late Pleistocene (Lujanian Land-mammal Age). They arrived in South America
\nduring the “Great American Biotic Interchange”. Only two genera are recognised: Cuvieronius, which has
\nonly one species, Cuvieronius hyodon; and Stegomastodon, which has two species, Stegomastodon waringi
\nand Stegomastodon platensis. The small Cuvieronius utilised the Andean corridor and it was almost exclusively
\nmixed-feeder. The large Stegomastodon dispersed through the east route and the coastal area, where
\nStegomastodon waringi shows an adaptive trend from mixed-feeder to grazer, and Stegomastodon platensis
\nshows a trend from mixed to browser feeding. Cuvieronius seems to have been adapted to a temperate-cold
\nclimate conditions, while Stegomastodon seems to have predominated in lower latitudes, and was better
\nadapted to warm or temperate climatic conditions.