First Juvenile Skeleton of Teleoceras aepysoma (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae) from the Gray Fossil Site, Tennessee
Abstract
The fossil rhinoceros (Teleoceras aepysoma) material recovered from the Gray Fossil Site (GFS) represents one of the latest known populations of Rhinocerotidae in North America. T. aepysoma is morphologically distinct from other members of the genus, characterized by pronounced supraorbital tubercles and longer, more gracile forelimbs, a feature that stands out in a genus typically characterized by robust, proximodistally shortened limbs. Recent recovery of a subadult skeleton of T. aepysoma (ETMNH 32999) from the Gray Fossil Site offers a new look into the development of this species’ unusual morphology, particularly in the cranium and forelimbs. Sex and age class are assigned to the specimen based on established methods. Comparisons with congeneric juveniles, adult T. aepysoma specimens, and extant rhinoceroses will be made to facilitate examination of ontogenetic and taxonomic differences in skull and limb morphology. These comparisons will further the understanding of this species’ development, as well as add to the scarce published literature describing juvenile fossil rhinoceroses. Results will also set the groundwork for understanding the ecological role of T. aepysoma in the Appalachian forests of the late Hemphillian: a habitat thought to be atypical of Teleoceras.
Start Time
16-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:30 AM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Science, Technology and Engineering
Student Type
Graduate Student - Masters
Faculty Mentor
Steven Wallace
Faculty Department
Geosciences
First Juvenile Skeleton of Teleoceras aepysoma (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae) from the Gray Fossil Site, Tennessee
The fossil rhinoceros (Teleoceras aepysoma) material recovered from the Gray Fossil Site (GFS) represents one of the latest known populations of Rhinocerotidae in North America. T. aepysoma is morphologically distinct from other members of the genus, characterized by pronounced supraorbital tubercles and longer, more gracile forelimbs, a feature that stands out in a genus typically characterized by robust, proximodistally shortened limbs. Recent recovery of a subadult skeleton of T. aepysoma (ETMNH 32999) from the Gray Fossil Site offers a new look into the development of this species’ unusual morphology, particularly in the cranium and forelimbs. Sex and age class are assigned to the specimen based on established methods. Comparisons with congeneric juveniles, adult T. aepysoma specimens, and extant rhinoceroses will be made to facilitate examination of ontogenetic and taxonomic differences in skull and limb morphology. These comparisons will further the understanding of this species’ development, as well as add to the scarce published literature describing juvenile fossil rhinoceroses. Results will also set the groundwork for understanding the ecological role of T. aepysoma in the Appalachian forests of the late Hemphillian: a habitat thought to be atypical of Teleoceras.