Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
5-2026
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Steven C. Wallace
Committee Members
Joshua X. Samuels, Blaine W. Schubert
Abstract
Recovery of an immature fossil rhinoceros (Teleoceras aepysoma) skeleton (ETMNH 32999) from the Gray Fossil Site in Tennessee offers the first insights into the ontogeny of the species. ETMNH 32999 is interpreted to be a subadult male in an age class equivalent to ~17-20% of potential lifespan. Comparative analyses support the hypothesis that subadults of related taxa are typically ~91% of average adult size in most dimensions. However, certain cranial dimensions are substantially lower than expected in ETMNH 32999, averaging only ~74% of the average conspecific adult. Such departure from typical growth rates is suggested to be attributable to early-life interruptions in physiological development. Enamel hypoplasia observed on the teeth indicates severe stress during tooth formation, which is proposed to have also disrupted growth during a critical developmental window. The co-occurrence of enamel hypoplasia, reduced dentition, and neotenous skeletal condition suggest a shared etiology.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Gajewski, Joe, "Ontogeny and the Effects of Perinatal Stress in the First Immature Skeleton of Teleoceras aepysoma (Perissodactyla, Rhinocerotidae)" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 4695. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/4695
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Evolution Commons, Paleobiology Commons, Paleontology Commons, Zoology Commons
