ISSN 1444-8939 MAGNT RESEARCH REPORT NO. 6 December 2000 MORPHOLOGY, SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION OF THE MARSUPIAL GENUS NEOHELOS STIRTON (DIPROTODONTIDAE, ZYGOMATURINAE) PETER MURRAY, DIRK MEGIRIAN, THOMAS RICH, MICHAEL PLANE, KAREN BLACK, MICHAEL ARCHER, SUZANNE HAND AND PATRICIA VICKERS-RICH Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory MAGNT RESEARCH REPORT No. 6, December 2000 MORPHOLOGY, SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION OF THE MARSUPIAL GENUS NEOHELOS STIRTON (DIPROTODONTIDAE, ZYGOMATURINAE) PETER MURRAY, DIRK MEGIRIAN, THOMAS RICH, MICHAEL PLANE, KAREN BLACK, MICHAEL ARCHER, SUZANNE HAND AND PATRICIA VICKERS-RICH No part of this report may be reproduced without the written permission of the Director, Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. The Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory Research Report series is a medium for the dissemination of the results of research undertaken by MAGNT staff in the fields of Natural Sciences, History and Culture. All contributions are reviewed internally by staff of the MAGNT. First printed 15 December, 2000 ISSN 1444-8939 © 2000 Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. No part of this report may be reproduced without the written permission of the Director, Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory. Arts n Museums MORPHOLOGY, SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION OF THE MARSUPIAL GENUS NEOHELOS STIRTON (DIPROTODONTIDAE, ZYGOMATURINAE) PETER MURRAY 1 , DIRK MEGIRIAN 2 , THOMAS RICH 3 , MICHAEL PLANE 4 , KAREN BLACK 5 , MICHAEL ARCHER 5 , SUZANNE HAND 5 AND PATRICIA VICKERS-RICH 6 1 Museum of Central Australia, PO Box 3521, Alice Springs NT0870, AUSTRALIA 2 Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, GPO Box 4646, Darwin NT0801, AUSTRALIA 3 Museum Victoria, PO Box 666E, Melbourne VIC 3001, AUSTRALIA 4 PO Gundaroo NSW2620, AUSTRALIA 3 University of New South Wales, School of Biological Sciences, Sydney 2052 NSW, AUSTRALIA 6 Monash University, Department of Earth Sciences, Clayton VIC 3168, AUSTRALIA FOREWORD The contents of this report were originally submitted to The Records of the Queen Victoria Museum in 1995. Subsequent to peer review and acceptance for publication in December 1996, certain aspects of the paper had been presented elsewhere, and at the point of going to press, some co-authors felt that significant parts of the manuscript had been superseded. Rather than re-circulate the manuscript for another lengthy round of editorial revision (a process that had already spanned the greater part of a decade), it was decided to withdraw it from The Records of the Queen Victoria Museum. However, because some of the findings of this study had influenced subsequent research, but were not in circulation in a citable form, or readily available to others wishing to verify details, it was decided to present the accepted version of the original manuscript as a MAGNT Research Report. The MAGNT Research Report series is not an ideal medium for publishing new taxa. Consequently, the manuscript has been minimally edited for present purposes so as not to introduce new taxonomic nomenclature. Three new Neohelos species are identified here only as Neohelos spA, spB and spC, and the text (but not the order of presentation) has also been adjusted so that scottorrorum remains in Nimbadon. Other taxa mentioned that were formally named after 1996 remain as they appeared in the original manuscript. l P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich INTRODUCTION Over the past three decades, since 1967 when R. A. Stirton first described Neohelos tirarensis, Australian vertebrate palaeontologists excavating at Bullock Creek, Northern Territory and Riversleigh, Queensland have recovered many additional specimens representing some new species of the previously rare Neohelos fossil material. As a result of our study, the genus Neohelos now incorporates four species: the type species N. tirarensis Stirton, and three new species informally designated Neohelos spA, Neohelos spB, and Neohelos spC. It is probable that Nimbadon scottorrorum also belongs in Neohelos. The excellent preservation and completeness of some of the material makes it possible to provide detailed descriptions of a Miocene zygomaturine genus previously known only from a few isolated teeth. The systematic framework for the Zygomaturinae established by Stirton and his colleagues is confirmed by new discoveries made since 1967. We interpret the structural succession within the genus Neohelos and its annectant genus Kolopsis, as a predominantly gradual evolutionary sequence. Three of the four species of Neohelos also provide a chronocline useful in biocorrelation. Neohelos Stirton. 1967a, was described from five isolated teeth collected in 1962 from the Wipajiri Formation (formerly known as the Wipajiri Channel Sand) on the eastern shore of Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia. Although the diagnostic specimen, a permanent upper third premolar (P 3 ) was missing its anterior half, Stirton inferred the presence of a parastyle on the type and then only known species, Neohelos tirarensis. from the basic similarity of its posterior half to those of complete specimens belonging to the diprotodontid genera Plaisiodon Woodbume, 1967a, Kolopsis Woodbume 1967a, Kolopsoides Plane, 1967, and Zygomaturus Owen, 1859. Stirton, Woodbume and Plane (1967) went on to analyse a representative collection of diprotodontids from all of the Australian and New Guinean localities known at that time, resulting in the formulation of the basic outline of diprotodontid phylogeny in current use. While they were unable to provide any details about the overall appearance of Neohelos tirarensis , their ‘stage-of-evolution’ analysis of the morphology of the cheek teeth of the various diprotodontid species established the phylogenetic position of Neohelos within the subfamily Zygomaturinae, newly erected by the authors to accommodate the genera possessing a large parastyle and posterolingual cusp or hypocone on the P 3 . The zygomaturines thus became established as one of the most useful lineages for stage-of-evolution correlation of fossiliferous deposits in Australia. In 1967 Neohelos fossils represented the oldest and most structurally primitive forms within the subfamily. The generic name Neohelos is derived from Greek equivalents meaning ‘new’ ( neo ) + ‘wart’ ( helos ) referring to the presence of a hypocone on the P 3 , specifically alluding to the evolutionary appearance of the structure. The remaining genera of diprotodontids that characteristically lacked a parastyle and a hypocone were assigned to either the Diprotodontinae (species with lophodont P 3 and divided parametacone) or the Nototheriinae (species with simple, bicuspid P 3 and an undivided parametacone). The only subsequent change in the classification of the diprotodontids proposed by Stirton et al. (1967) has been the inclusion of the nototheres with the Diprotodontinae by Archer (1977). Recent work on the Diprotodontidae has concentrated on filling in the details of the established higher systematic construct. Although several new diprotodontid genera and species (some yet to be named) have been found since Stirton et al. (1967) (i.e. Rich et al. 2 NEOHELOS 1978, Flannery and Plane 1986, Murray 1990a-b, Flannery 1992, Hand et al. 1993, Murray et al. 1993) the genus Neohelos, which was originally central to our understanding of the phylogeny of the Zygomaturinae, has remained more or less in obscurity until now. The initial reason for the lack of additional documentation for Neohelos was the rarity and fragmentary condition of Neohelos material from the type locality. In 1966, not long before Stirton et al. (1967) went to print, a new source of Neohelos fossil material was discovered at Bullock Creek, Northern Territory by C. Gatehouse (Plane and Gatehouse 1968). The newly found Neohelos material fully confirmed Stirton’s diagnosis, which he was unable to appreciate due to his death in 1966. M. Plane, then of the Bureau of Mineral Resources, prepared a draft manuscript describing the Bullock Creek Neohelos as a new species named in honour of his colleague and mentor. Meanwhile, more Neohelos fossil material was being recovered from Bullock Creek by T. and P. Rich, P. Murray and D. Megirian, and also from Riversleigh, Queensland by M. Archer and others, and from the type locality of Neohelos tirarensis at Lake Ngapakaldi by W. Clemens, M. Woodbume, M. Archer and others. The additional material seemed to show an unusually broad morphological range, some features of which could be attributed to a high individual variability, and some features of which seemed to indicate the presence of several species. On becoming aware of this new material and its variability, M. Plane withheld his manuscript from publication until the full range of available material could be examined and compared first hand. In March 1988, all of the available Neohelos cranial material from the collections in the Museum of Victoria and Monash University, BMR (now AGSO, Australian Geological Survey Organisation), University of New South Wales and the Northern Territory Museum was assembled for examination at the Bureau of Mineral Resources in Canberra. It soon became apparent that the Bullock Creek Neohelos was a single, though highly variable, species distinct from Neohelos tirarensis. Most of the Riversleigh material compared closely with Wipajiri Formation N. tirarensis, though some fragments hinted at the existence of a possible second morphospecies, an impression eventually confirmed by continued collecting. Here we describe three new species of Neohelos, add considerable information to the previously existing knowledge of Neohelos tirarensis, assess the morphological variability within the large sample from Bullock Creek, and discuss the evolutionary and biochronological significance of the new forms. The statistical analyses of Neohelos measurements (Appendix I) were prepared by T. Rich. The phylogeny of the Zygomaturinae, discussed in Murray (1991, 1992), Murray et al. (1993), and Hand et al. (1993), is extended from those studies in order to incorporate the new species and to develop a biochronological hypothesis for the Zygomaturinae that may continue to be useful in correlation. Following Luckett (1993), the molars are numbered Ml-4. The anatomical terminology follows the appendix in Stirton, Woodbume and Plane (1967). Additional terms are listed in the key to abbreviations (Appendix 2). ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We thank the Managers of Camfield and Riversleigh Stations for their hospitality and continued interest and support; and express gratitude to our excavation teams composed of 3 P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich numerous students and volunteers representing The Flinders University, University of New South Wales, The Riversleigh Society and Friends of Riversleigh. We gratefully acknowledge financial support from the National Estate Grants Program (Northern Territory), Australian Research Grant Scheme, Wang Australia, the Australian Geographic Society, National Estate Grants Program (Queensland), World Heritage Unit of the Department of Environment, Sports and Territories, Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, Waanyi People and Carpentarian Land Council, Century Zinc, Mt Isa Mines, Mt Isa Council, ICI Australia, Queensland Museum and Australian Museum. We are indebted to Drs William Clemens, Richard Tedford, Michael Woodbume and Tim Flannery for their valuable comments on the manuscript. We thank Lesley Kool and Michael Whitelaw (Monash University), Richard Brown (BMR), and Anna Gillespie (UNSW), for preparation of specimens. PHYSICAL AND GEOLOGICAL SETTING Wipajiri and Etadunna Formations, Lake Eyre Basin. The mid to late Cainozoic Lake Eyre Basin (sensu Wells and Callen 1986) lies in southern central Australia (Fig. 1). The oldest sediments comprise the late Oligocene / early Miocene Etadunna Formation, a 40 m thick succession of essentially lacustrine, but partly fluviatile origin. The Etadunna Formation rests unconformably on early Tertiary Eyre Formation of the Birdsville Basin. The Birdsville and Lake Eyre Basins are distinguished by contrasting structure, the older exhibiting greater deformation. The two basins are also separated by a long period of non¬ deposition, during which an extensive terminal weathered surface formed. Green claystones and mudstones with a smectite-dolomite-palygorskite mineralogy are dominant lithologies of the Etadunna Formation. Massive, thick to thin beds of pale, light- grey to light-green dolomitic mudstones are useful marker horizons in the formation. Together they represent the lacustrine facies. Interbedded, usually lenticular, arenaceous claystone and argillaceous to quartzose sandstones represent fluviatile phases of deposition. In some cases these units are scoured into the lacustrine facies. Within the formation are minor hiatuses marked in part by sub-aerial exposure facies. The Etadunna Formation is succeeded by erosional unconformity by the fluviatile channel- filling Wipajiri Formation, generally regarded as being of medial Miocene age. However, the Wipajiri Formation may be intraformational within the Etadunna: the duration of the hiatus between the two formations is not yet adequately established. Palaeomagnetic data suggest it may be of only short duration (Woodbume et al. 1993). The Wipajiri Formation is in turn succeeded by Pliocene and younger fluviatile, and ultimately in the Pleistocene, also by aeolian sediments, none of which contain Neohelos. Within the Eyre Basin, only the Etadunna and Wipajiri Formations contain Neohelos. The Etadunna material is fragmentary and not diagnosable to species level. In spite of unresolved geochronological problems, the Etadunna and Wipajiri formations and their contained vertebrate faunas stand as a reference for the base of Australian continental mammal biochronology (Rich 1991, Woodbume et al. 1993, Megirian 1994). Carl Creek Limestone, Karumba Basin. The Late Cretaceous to Holocene Karumba Basin covers the Gulf of Carpentaria region of Queensland and the Northern Territory (Fig. 2). Total sediment thickness is about 300 m, dominantly continental sand with minor silt 4 NHO HE LOS SIMPLIFIED GEOLOGY - T1RARI DESERT N 50 km AGE STRATIGRAPHY PliO- TQ undifferentiated ■ fluviafl aid Pleistocene aeodan sediments ?mid Miocono Tmb WIPAJRIFTH • Buvial conglomerates, sand* and clay* early Miocene • Tma ETADUNHA FTN • lacustrine lalo Odgocone clays and carbonate* minor fluvial sands Eocene- Paleocono Crotacoous To EYRE FTN • fluvial carbonaceous fine lo gravelly sandstones K undifferentiated - fluvial, marginal and shaflow marine sediments CRUSTAL UNIT LAKE EYRE BASIN BJRDSVILLE BASIN EROMANGA BASIN surface of L. Ngapakaldi stream channel light grey daystone dark grey claystonc tntrafcrmational breccia doJomittc mudstone intralormaOonaf breccia green claystone STRATIGRAPHY - LAKE NGAPAKALDI (UCMP V6213) Fig. 1. Tirari Desert, South Australia. The Wipajiri Formation contains N. tirarensis. Geological map after Wells and Callen (1968: fig. 1). Stratigraphic section at UCMP Vetebrate Locality V6213 ( N. tirarensis type locality), Lake Ngapakaldi, after Stirton et al. (1967: fig. 2). SIMPUHED GEOLOGY - RIVERSLE1GH AREA N AGE STRATIGRAPHY CRUSTAL UNIT ?P!iocene I | ARHRAYNALD BEDS • alluvial 1_1 day. said, congfamaaie and tramline KARUMBA BASIN Me Oftgocona -mid Miocene CARL CREEK LST ■ calcareous IH congtomerala. calcarertle. ralduie and tula Cambrian F^P~1 THORHTOtttA LST < BORDER ir n WATERHOLE FTN ■ etiaUow marine Imeitcne. dolomite. cheri and (Yroepnotle GEORGINA BASIN Prcrterozolc I-1 und«ererelated • ccngtomerale, 1_1 eanderene, eUttlone, carbonate and pboe(e«r«e LAWN HILL PLATFORM (MT ISA BLOCK) Recent CARL CREEK LST THORNTONIA LST BORDER WATERHOLE FTN Proterozoic □ coDuvium and alluvium fossil tfiany u ncon fam ily r a fossiliferous travertine and tula unconformity rer yjrA pa/e yellow calcareous conglomerate, caJcwacke and calcarenite rp-r-i motted calcareous conglomerate, feiHI calcwacke and cakarenite unconformity ||j||| || carbonate cemented chert conglomerate u nconform ity ) 1 massive coarsely crystalline white limestone dense laminated ?chert un conform ity j P | paid brown micaceous sandstone SIMPURED GEOLOGY - 'GODTHELP*S HILL' Fig. 2. Riversleigh area, northwestern Queensland. The Carl Creek Limestone contains three species of Neohelos plus Nimbadon scottorrorum. Four quarries at Godthelp’s Hill (Upper, Inabeyance, Camel Sputum and Mike’s Menagerie contain N. tirarensis. Riversleigh geology after Megirian (1992: fig. 3), Godthelp’s Hill geology after Megirian (1992: fig. 7). 5 P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer. S. Hand, andP. Vickers-Rich and clay, with some marine intercalations around the present onshore area. The development of the basin was cyclic, each cycle commencing with deposition, and finishing with an extended period of sub-aerial weathering, resulting in regionally extensive, deep-weathered profiles and terminal weathered surfaces. The late Oligocene to mid Miocene Carl Creek Limestone is a small fomiation cropping out as a series of poorly bedded mesas along the Gregory River drainage system at the southern margin of the basin. The sedimentology of the deposit has not yet been published in detail. Most of the formation is composed of very pale orange to greyish-orange, very coarse to fine clastic limestones, altered by diagenesis into a typically crystalline state. Volumetrically minor, but palaeontologically important, are chemically and/or biologically mediated precipitates, specifically travertines and various classes of tufa. Erosional unconformities, sub-aerial exposure facies, scour and fill structures and lenticular bedforms, ranging from small to large scale, are common. These features, together with a lack of useful marker horizons, have so far not led to a satisfactory resolution of the lithostratigraphy of the formation as a whole. Megirian (1992) interpreted the Carl Creek Limestone as a predominantly alluvial association composed of karst, tufa and calcareous lithoclastics (cf. the ‘calclithites’ of Folk 1959) deposited at or near the headwaters of a fluvial system. Others (Tedford 1967, Archer et al. 1989) favour a lacustrine environment of deposition for the bulk of the formation. Camfield Beds. No regional study of the kind compiled for the Lake Eyre and Karumba Basins (Wells and Callen 1985, Smart et al. 1980) has been produced for the Victoria River region of the Northern Territory (Fig. 3), although the foundations for such a work, including the formal definition of a comparable Cainozoic sedimentary basin, may be found in unpublished geological survey records (e.g. Randal and Brown 1967, Sweet et al. 1971), explanatory notes to the 1:250 000 geological map sheets for the area (Bultitude 1973) and Hay’s (1967) study of ancient land surfaces of the Northern Territory. Like the Carl Creek Limestone, the Miocene Camfield Beds are palaeo-valley fills. The Camfield Beds, which crop out along the Bullock Creek and Cattle Creek tributaries of the Camfield River, consist of calcareous siltstone, sandy siltstones, and silty sandstones conglomeratic limestone, calcimudstone, chalcedonic limestone and gypsiferous siltstone. Vertebrate fossils are concentrated in the limestone facies which Murray and Megirian (1992) interpret to have been deposited in fluviatile channels and associated billabongs: Randal and Brown (1967) postulated a normally saline lacustrine, lagoonal or estuarine environment of deposition, occasionally flooded by freshwater inflow. Common factors. While the geological histories of various Cainozoic basins differ in their detail, there was, at a broad scale of about 10 7 year magnitude, a pattern of cyclic deposition over most of the continent. The physiography of the Australian landscape was largely established by the time the early Cretaceous seas receded from the continent. Erosion and continental sedimentation varied in intensity. When rates were low, deeply weathered profiles and extensive duricrust land surfaces of considerable stratigraphic importance formed, as shown in interregional correlation charts (e.g. Smart et al. 1980). The sediments containing Neohelos consist of, or are interbedded with, carbonates (limestone, dolomite, or dolomitic limestone), which together comprise a subset of more extensively distributed limestone formations occurring in comparable depositional settings. 6 NEOHELOS SIMPUHED GEOLOGY ■ BULLOCK CREEEK AREA 10km AQE STRATIGRAPHY mid Miocene CAMFIELD BEDS - congkynaalic Imwlone. caldulit*. gypsiteraa iUMom UONTEJINNI LST - shafo* marine to rtertidal caiciMitn. calcarenile. dofamte and calcareou* illtton* □ ANTRIM PLATEAU VOLCANOS maw.vo and amygdakxial thotolic basal CRUSTAL UNTT M»ddto Cambrian Lower Cambrian WISO BASIN DALY RIVER BASIN 15 - 10 - LIMESTONE - dark grey, thick bedded LIMESTONE • bull, medium bedded ? up to 10m ot nco-cvlcropping strata CH6RTY LIMESTONE - maswo CHERTY LIMESTONE • medium ' bedded, with gaetropods GYPSFEROUS SILTSTONE • red grey, leached *Kty limeelora wth bone LIMESTONE - white, irth opaline slfca, gastropods and bone CALCAREOUS SANDY SILTSTONE • mottled red and grey CALCAREOUS SILTSTONE * red. possibly leached limestone unconformity BASALT (Antrim Plateau Volcanic*) CAMRELD BEDS STRATIGRAPHY (composite section along Bullock Creek) Fig. 3. Bullock Creek area. Northern Territory. Camfield Beds contain Neohelos spB only. Bullock Creek geology after Murray and Megirian (1992: fig. 1). Composite stratigraphic section along Bullock Creek after Randal and Brown (1967: 47). The geographic, and to the extent that they can be currently resolved, temporal distributions of these formations suggests common factors in their genesis (Lloyd 1965, Megirian 1992). By consilience of induction McGowran and Li (1994) have proposed a causal relationship of the Carl Creek Limestone, Camfield Beds and Etadunna and Wipajiri Formations to the southern Australian marine ‘Miocene oscillation’, a phase of deposition spanning the latest Oligocene to middle Miocene Marsupial biochronology is one means of correlating between sedimentary basins. While Neohelos has previously been used in inter¬ regional biochronological correlation, the details are presented here for the first time. SYSTEMATICS Superorder MARSUPIALIA Uliger, 1811 Order DIPROTODONTIA Owen, 1866 Family DIPROTODONTIDAE Gill, 1872 Subfamily ZYGOMATURINAE Stirton, Woodburne and Plane, 1967 The extinct Family Diprotodontidae to which Neohelos belongs, is a diverse group of vombatomorphian marsupials united by the possession of relatively simple bilophodont molars, a transversely lobate, minimally bicuspid, oval to triangular P and three upper and one lower incisor per quadrant (Fig. 4). Although subfamilial divisions of the Diprotodontidae were proposed in the late 1800s, the affinities of the various genera remained ambiguous until Stirton, Woodburne and Plane (1967) revised the family, recognising the subfamily Zygomaturinae as distinct from two newly ranked subfamilies, the Nototheriinae and the Diprotodontinae. 7 P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black., M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich Fig. 4. Outline drawings of representative diprotodontid marsupials (restored) for comparison of overall form: A, Zygomaturus trilobus', B, Kolopsis torus', C, Neohelos spA (composite restoration; D, Plaisiodon centralis', E, Alkwertatherium webbi', F, Diprotodon sp.; G, Euryzygoma dunense ; H, Pyramios alcootense; I, un-named ?zygomaturine species from Riversleigh, Queensland; J, Ngapakaldia tedfordi. Scale bars = 10 cm. G after photograph in Archer and Bartholomai (1978); F after photograph compliments of T. Rich; J after photograph in Archer et al. ( 1991 : 217). Stilton et al. (1967) considered the Nototheriinae to represent an intercalary lineage that gave rise to the Zygomaturinae through the addition of a large conical parastyle to the P 3 . The Diprotodontinae were distinguished from the Nototheriinae by the differentiation of the paracone and metacone from a single large buccal cusp on the P 3 , giving rise to a horseshoe-shaped lophodont pattern when the crown was worn. Because the P 3 of Euryzygoma dunense , a ‘notothere’, was structurally intermediate between the diprotodontine, Diprotodon and other nototheriines. Archer (1977) recommended suppression of the subfamily Nototheriinae. Other than the inclusion of the Nototheriinae within the Diprotodontinae, Stirton et aids original diagnoses remain valid; but to which we append the following observations. Unknown to Stirton at the time, an epitympanic fenestra in the superficies meatus area similar to that in Ngapkaldia tedfordi Stirton is present among the more primitive genera of both subfamilies. The structure is diminished and eventually lost in the later, more derived 8 NF.OHELOS species of which he was aware and upon which he based his observation. In addition to the presence of a parastyle on the P 3 (Fig. 5) the Zygomaturinae is also distinguished apomorphically from the Diprotodontinae by the development of the ventral surface of the tympanic process within the alisphenoid. In the Diprotodontinae, the tympanic process is formed entirely within the squamosal, as in the Vombatidae (Fig. 6). Fig. 5. Structural sequence depicting key evolutionary states of the P 3 leading to the Zygomaturinae: A, Palorchestes azeal (Palorchestidae); B, Pyramios alcootense (Diprotodontinae); C, Alkwertatherium webbi (Zygomaturinae). Fig. 6. Comparison of the tympanic wing structures in: A, Pyramios alcootense (Diprotodontinae); B, Alkwertatherium webbi (Zygomaturinae); C, Vombatus ursinus (Vombatidae). Stirton et al. (1967) described the primary distinguishing feature of the subfamily Zygomaturinae as a large, complex, bulbous-outlined P 3 with four or five cusps. A three-cusped zygomaturine genus, Alkwertatherium webbi Murray (1990a) is now known, as anticipated by the Stirton et al. (1967) reconstructed structural succession based on the initial development of a parastyle, then a hypocone ( Neohelos, Plaisiodon), followed by the division of the parametacone into a distinct paracone and a metacone ( Kolopsis, Kolopsoides, Zygomaturus ) (Fig. 7). The division or twinning of the parametacone arose independently in the Palorchestinae ( Palorchestes azeal) and in the Diprotodontinae (some individuals of Euryzygoma and Diprotodon spp.). 9 P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich Fig. 7. Structural sequence showing elaboration of P J crown morphology in Zygomaturinae: A, Kolopsis torus ; B, Neohelos spB; C, Alwertatherium webbi. a It is plainly evident from the morphology of the P that Neohelos is structurally intermediate between the simpler, somewhat diprotodontine-like three-cusped condition in Alkwertatherium and the five-cusped condition of Zygomaturus. However, the actual phylogenetic position of Neohelos is not quite as transparent as its structure suggests. Two other genera with four-cusped P 3 s are also present in the form of Plaisiodon centralis Woodburne 1967a and Nimhadon spp. (Hand et al. 1993). Moreover, it is probable that the division of the parametacone into two distinct cusps occurred more than once within the Zygomaturinae as indicated by Kolopsoides cultridens Plane, 1967, which shows closer affinity to Plaisiodon than to either Neohelos or Kolopsis (Murray 1990, 1992). Neohelos Stirton, 1967a Type species. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton, 1967a Additional species. Neohelos spA; Neohelos spB ; Neohelos spC. Revised generic diagnosis. Diprotodontids possessing a four-cusped P 3 with a distinct, isolated parastyle and hypocone; canines vestigial to absent. Trapezoidal M 1 with large parastyle and metastyle, crown approximately the same length as P 3 : upper molars with wide interproximal contacts. Lower incisor with distinct ventrolabial longitudinal groove; M 1 , paralophid strong; lower molars with weak metalophids and low, wide transverse valleys. All other zygomaturine genera are distinguished from Neohelos by the following character differences: unnamed (Riversleigh Gen. et sp. nov.) differs in having a feeble P 3 parastyle and in lacking a hypocone; Alkwertatherium differs in lacking a hypocone on P 3 ; Nimbadon differs in that the M 1 stylar comers are small and the interproximal contacts of molars are rounded and narrow; Kolopsoides differs in that the parastyle of P 3 is connected to the paracone by a high crest, the parametacone is divided and the hypocone is larger than the protocone; Plaisiodon differs in the absence of an anterolabial crest on the parastyle and absence of a mesostyle on P 3 ; Kolopsis differs in having fully differentiated paracone and metacone on P 3 and lacks a ventrolabial groove on f; genera Zygomaturus, Maokapia (and possibly Hulitherium , in which only a fragment of its P 3 is known) differ in that the P 3 parametacone is fully divided, the P 3 is much smaller than M 1 and the parastyle and metastyle of M 1 are reduced (Murray 1992) (Figs 8, 9; Table 1). 10 NKOHEWS CM Fig. 8. Upper permanent premolar (P 3 ) of Neohelos spB (NTM P8695-141) showing typical structures of the crown. A B Fig. 9. A, upper, and B, lower cheek tooth rows of Neohelos spB. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton, 1967a Holotype. Posterior part of left P 3 , South Australian Museum P13848 (Stirton 1967, fig. 1A-G). Type locality and age. Leaf Locality (UCMP Loc. V6213), poorly indurated Wipajiri Formation, consisting of ferruginous, conglomeratic sandstone interbedded with dark grey claystone, cut into the Etadunna Formation, Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia. Kutjamarpu Fauna, estimated to be latest Oligocene or early Miocene, as discussed below. Referred specimens and localities. N. tirarensis is known from the Leaf Locality, Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia and from several sites on Riversleigh Station Queensland. Leaf Locality, Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia: AM F87625, right P 3 ; AM F87626, left M 2 ; AR263, right M 2 ; AR456, M 1 ; AR3340,1 3 ; AR3358, I 3 ; AR3459, right M 2 ; AR3468, right P 3 ; AR4221 left M 3 ; AR5339, I 3 ; SAM/UC465, right M 1 ; UCMP 69977, left M 1 ; UCMP 69978, right M 2 ; UCMP 69979, M 3 . 300BR, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: NTM P91171-5, left I 1 ; NTM P91171-6, right I 3 ; NTM P942-1 M 4 ; NTM P91171-2 left P 3 parastyle, left M 2 ; NTM P91171-4, right M 4 . Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: NTM P91166-1, right maxilla, canine alveolus, P 3 ; NTM P91166-2, edentulous premaxilla; NTM P91166-6, crushed braincase, Zygomatic arch, palate missing; NTM P91166-7, left ft, NTM P91166-3, edentulous premaxilla. 11 P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich Table 1. Summary of diagnostic features of the genus Neohelos Stirton Neohelos Zygomaturus Maokapia Kolopsis Nimbadon Kolopsoides Plaisiodon Alkwertatherium New zygomaturine genus from Riversleigh h lanceolate with ventrolabial groove and lingual longitudinal crest tusk-like tusk-like V-L groove absent unknown spatulate V-L groove and lingual crest absent spatulate unknown ii mesially flattened, pointed crown tusk-like tusk-like =Neohelos unknown =Neohelos =Neohelos unknown =Neohelos |2 mesiodistally elongated, triangular occlusal surface with 1-2 vertical grooves labial ly =Neohelos =Neohelos =Neohelos unknown unknown elliptical occlusal surface unknown unknown |3 short triangular occlusal surface; shallow labial groove or sulcus =Neohelos =Neohelos =Neohelos unknown unknown =Neohelos unknown unknown Canine present or entirely absent absent absent absent present absent absent absent present P 3 4 primary cusps, variable mesostyle, medium-large parastyle with labial crest separated from paracone by transverse sulcus; cuspate PMC with loph connected to protocone, small hypocone connected to protocone by short lingual crest 5 cusps 5 cusps 5 cusps loph to cingulum 5 cusps, mesostyle, hypocone labial crest >protocone, absent parastyle conncected to paracone by crest hypocone absent parastyle incipient, hypocone absent length=P 3 , narrow, curved L>P 3 , protoloph, large parastyle and styles metastyle, wide IP contact reduced L>P 3 , styles reduced -Neohelos styles small, narrow IP contact L
M-j
anterior anterior
crest absent crest absent
unknown
Mi
narrow elongated trigonid,
protolophid narrower than
hypolophid; prominent
paralophid crest weak
metalophid
=Neohelos
=Neohelos
=Neohelos
distinct
protostylid
strong
metalophid
strong
metalophid
short
trigonid,
weak
paralophid
unknown
Upper Burnt Offerings, River sleigh Station, Queensland: NTM P91167-1 partial cranium
with complete right cheek-tooth row and left M 2 " 4 .
Sticky-beak, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR13795, right maxilla, canine alveolus, P 3 -
M 1 ; AR13994, left P 3 .
Bone Reef, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR17470, left P 3 ; QM F24137, left maxilla
M m .
Camel Sputum, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR9947, left P 3 ; AR10362, left M 3 ;
AR10641, right P 3 ; AR10706, right P 3 ; AR10726, right P 3 ; AR12120, left M 3 - 4 ; AR13360,
left M,; AR17443, left maxilla, M 1 * 2 ; AR24239, right M,; AR10841, P 3
D-Site, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: CPC 22558, right P 3 , M 2 ; AR1685, right dentary
P 3 ~M|_ 4 ; AR1686, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 4 .
Inabeyance, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: QM FI3088, palate, left P 3 -M 13 , right M 2 " 4 .
12
NEOHELOS
Jim’s Jaw Site, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR11858, right P 3 ; AR14393, M 3 .
Mike’s Menagerie, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR9925, left M 2 ; AR10668, left M 3 ;
AR10669, left M 3 ; AR15119, left P 3 ; AR16492 + AR15751, right maxilla, P 3 -M m .
Neville’s Garden, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR16656, left M 3 ; AR17291, right M 3 ;
AR24240, right M 3 ; QM FI2449, right M,.
Wayne’s Wok, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR10458, right dentary, Pi-M^;
AR15239, right M 3 ; AR16787, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 .
Species diagnosis. Small to medium-sized species, distinguished from Neohelos spA by
wider, more rectangular molars, more consistent presence of transverse crest from
parametacone to protocone on P 3 , postcingulum continuous horizontally with the lingual
cingulum of the metaconule on M 1 ' 2 ; anterobasal cuspid or faint cingulid usually present
on Pi, thicker, lower paralophid on Mi ; protolophid does not overhang mid-valley. Differs
from Ni. scottorrorum in having a horizontally continuous postcingulum on the
metaconule; distinguished from Neohelos spB by smaller size, wider palate in proportion
to molar crown size and presence of canine. Distinguished from Neohelos spC by smaller
size, shorter, broader P 3 with simple pyramidal parametacone, upper molars with less
overhang of lophs and by the presence of an anterior crest on P 3 .
Remarks. Stirton (1967a) described N. tirarensis from a small collection of material from
the Leaf Locality, Wipajiri Channel, on the eastern shore of Lake Ngapakaldi. His type
specimen (SAM PI 3848) is the posterior part of a left P 3 , supplemented by four paratypes:
a left I 3 (UCMP69976) a left M 2 (UCMP 69977) a right M 2 and a left M 4 . W. A. Clemens
and M. O. Woodburne of The University of California collected additional Neohelos
tirarensis material from the Leaf Locality in 1972. In 1982, more specimens were collected
from the same locality by M. Archer although, as with previous collections, these consist
only of isolated teeth. From these new collections we have selected four almost complete
molar teeth (Fig. 10A-F, I) a complete right I 3 (Fig. 10G-H) a complete enamel cap of a
right P 3 (Fig. 10J-K) and the posterior half of a right P 3 (Fig. 10L-N), all of which add
considerably to our previous knowledge of the Wipajiri material.
The Riversleigh sample of N tirarensis is more abundant and anatomically more
informative, as some complete upper and lower cheek-tooth rows, a complete dentary,
partial crania and fragments of maxillae have since been recovered. Despite the
considerable geographic separation of the two localities, there are no apparent differences
in the populations other than a greater size range in the larger and perhaps temporally more
extensive Riversleigh assemblage. Initially we were able to divide the Riversleigh
Neohelos specimens into what appeared to be two distinct species: a smaller form
distinguished by smooth, thin enamel, weaker crests and cingulae, straighter cheek-tooth
rows and weaker morphological and size gradient in the molars, from a somewhat larger
more robust form, which we assumed to be typical N. tirarensis. As more specimens were
added to the collection this distinction has become blurred to the extent that it is no longer
possible to differentiate populations within the sample.
Description. Incisors. Specimens include a complete I 1 (NTM P91171-5), a heavily worn
I 2 crown (NTM P91171-6), a complete I 3 (AR3340) and two heavily worn specimens
(ARS339, AR3358) and a left lower incisor (NTM P91166-7) (Fig. 11).
13
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 10. Leaf Locality, Wipajiri Formation Neohelos Fig. 11. Neohelos tirarensis, referred incisors: A-B,
tirarensis Stirton: A-B, right M 2 (SAM/UC 465); C-D, left I 1 labial and distal aspects (NTM P91171-5,
left M 3 ( AM F87626); E-F, right M 5 , G-H, right I 3 , I, 300BR, Riversleigh; C-D, right I 2 , labial and
right M 3 (AM F87626); J-K, right P 3 (AM F87625; occlusal aspects (NTM p91171-6, 300BR,
right P 3 . Riversleigh; E-F, left I| labial and occlusal (dorsal)
aspects (NTM P91166-7, Burnt Offerings,
Riversleigh).
l'. The I 1 is open-rooted, strongly curved and planoconvex in section, the internal surface
being flat (Fig. 11A-B). The posterior surface of the distal end of the crown is marked by a
deep occlusal notch. Enamel is present on the tip of the labial half of the tooth. It is
damaged on the dorsolingual surface, where enamel may have been present. The root is 8.5
mm thick and 12.5 mm wide at its mid-point. The tooth tapers very gradually towards the
tip, and again just slightly towards the root opening, being widest and thickest in the
middle. The tooth is 52.0 mm long with a maximum distance of 9.5 mm from the concave
side of the tooth perpendicular to a chord drawn between its ends. It does not differ, except
for its smaller size, from those of Neohelos spB or Neohelos spC.
1 2 . The I 2 crown is about half worn away, with a concave occlusal profile (Fig. 11 C-D).
The crown is transversely wide (10.0 mm) and tapers anteroinferiorly. The labial surface
bears a faint indication of a groove or shallow sulcus, but the enamel is also split and
eroded in this position. The enamel-dentine junction is a smooth curve, without a posterior
salient. The occlusal outline is an elongated (10.0 mm by 7.0 mm), rounded triangle. An
enamel thickening is present on its posterolabial comer. Except for its more feeble groove,
the I 2 closely resembles that of Neohelos spB.
1 3 . In occlusal pattern these teeth are very similar to Stirton’s (1967a) description. All
possess a well-defined lingual groove, a narrow, but well-defined, ridge anterior to the
groove, and a weak groove on the labial surface. The diameter of the root is variable when
measuring the largest dimension immediately above the crown (5.0, 6.3, and 8.6). The
occlusal outline of the crown is an equilateral triangular shape.
14
NEOHEI.OS
1]. The left ft (NTM P91166-7) bears a lanceolate crown, tapering anteriorly towards the
tip from its junction with the root (Fig. 11E-F). The tooth is deepest (11.5 mm) across the
root immediately behind the enamel-dentine junction. The tip and occlusal edge of the
crown is twisted perpendicular to the axis of the root. The dorsal longitudinal crest is only
slightly elevated and does not overhang the dentine exposure on the lingual side of the
crown. The labial side of the crown is fully enamelled. A shallow groove runs parallel to
the ventral labial border of the crown. On the lingual side, enamel is restricted to a narrow
ventral strip closely corresponding to a slender, flattened appression surface. The occlusal
facet is lenticular with a distal salient corresponding to a sharp, longitudinal dentine ridge
situated about one-third of the depth of the crown below the dorsal crest. A less prominent
ridge about 2.5 mm below, parallels the latter. The root is long, straight and elongated-oval
in section. It tapers slightly towards the distal end. The enamel blade of the lower incisor of
this species appears to be proportionally slightly narrower than in Neohelos spB.
Upper cheek teeth. P 3 . The Leaf Locality P 3 (AM F87625) (Fig. 10J-K, Table 2) is an
unworn enamel cap without roots. It is a little smaller than Stirton’s figured holotype, the
transverse basal width across the parametacone-protocone being 13.9 mm compared to
14.8 mm, while the height of the parametacone is exactly 11.0 mm. The posterior
morphology of the tooth agrees in every way with Stirton’s reconstruction. The parastyle is
low (4.6 mm from the base of the enamel) and bluntly rounded.
A narrow, sharp ridge ascends from the parametacone but terminates at a commisure on
the posterolabial side of the parastyle. A very small ridge ascends directly posteriorly from
the parastyle but also terminates at the commisure slightly lingual to the anterior ridge of
the parametacone. A slender cingulum connects the base of the protocone to the parastyle.
There is a well-marked emargination in the lingual outline of the tooth just anterior to the
protocone. In this specimen, the hypocone is small and directly behind the protocone, not
posterolabial to it as in Stirton’s (1967a) type specimen.
The P 3 of the Inabeyance specimen (QM FI 3088) is rather large in proportion to its molars
(Figs 12I-J, 13). It is strongly lobate in occlusal outline, with a low parastyle, a
well-developed mesostyle and a large hypocone. The parametacone and protocone are
typical for the genus. The transverse link between the protocone and parametacone is
strong and high; though the lingual emargination between the parastyle and the protocone
is not well-developed. In contrast, QM F23137 (=Nimbadon scottorrorum) from the Fig
Tree locality has a relatively small P 3 with a weak mesostyle, though the molars are very
similar in size and morphology to the Inabeyance specimen.
A heavily-worn right P 3 (CPC 22558) from D-Site, Riversleigh is also relatively short and
broad. The parastyle is low and transversely broad. The mesostyle is well-developed. The
hypocone is small and situated close behind the protocone. The remnant of the very worn
transverse link between the parametacone and protocone is robust, and the lingual
emargination between the parastyle and the protocone is wide and strong.
The P 3 of AR16492 (Mike’s Menagerie Site) is very similar to that of QM F13088 (Figs
12G-H, 14, 15). As in the latter, the parastyle is small. The lingual emargination and fossa
between the parastyle and protocone is well-developed. A labially prominent, leaf-shaped
mesostyle is nearly as large as the parastyle. P 3 s from Camel Sputum (AR9947, AR10726)
are both slightly larger, with more robust parastyles.
15
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 2. Measurements (millimetres) of upper and lower cheek teeth of Neohelos tirarensis Stirton
(estimations in italics).
UPPER CHEEK TEETH (mm)
SPECIMEN
SIDE
P 3
Ml
M 2
M 3
M^
L
W
L
AW
PW
L
AW
PW
L
AW
PW
L
AW
PW
AR 9947
L
16.6
14.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 10362
L
—
—
—
—
—
18.3
16.9
16.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 10706
R
16.5
12.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 10726
R
17.0
14.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 11858
R
15.8
12.9
AR 12120
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
18.4
17.8
15.6
19.4
16.5
13.5
AR 13792
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
16.5
20.1
19.5
17.2
20.5
19.1
14.5
AR 13795
R
—
12.3
14.8
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 13994
R
14.5
13.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 15119
L
16.8
13.6
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 15239
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
18.8
—
14.6
—
—
—
AR 16492/
R
15.6
14.8
16.4
14.7
15.4
17.2
16.4
15.4
19.6
16.8
15.5
19.0
15.9
13.0
15751
AR 17291
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.5
16.8
14.6
—
—
—
AR 17443
L
—
—
16.9
15.0
15.1
17.0
15.9
15.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 3459
R
—
—
—
—
—
18.5
17.3
15.8
—
—
_
_
_
_
AR 3468
R
15.8
13.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
_
—
—
AR 4221
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
20.9
18.9
15.2
_
_
—
AR456
R
—
—
18.7
16.6
16.9
—
—
—
—
_
_
_
_
_
AR 9925
L
—
—
—
—
—
18.1
16.4
15.5
—
—
_
_
_
_
AR 9947
L
16.5
14.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
_
_
_
_
CPC 22558
L
15.4
13.7
—
—
—
19.2
17.1
15.7
—
—
_
_
_
_
NTM P91166-1
R
15.1
14.2
NTMP91167-1
L
—
—
—
—
—
16.5
15.1
14.9
16.9
15.5
14.0
17.2
15.6
13.5
NTMP91167-1
R
13.8
12.4
15.4
—
14.4
16.7
15.1
14.7
17.1
15.2
14.1
17.0
15.0
12.1
NTM P91171-2
L
—
—
—
—
—
18.3
16.7
15.5
—
_
_
_
, - r --
_
NTM P942-1
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
_
20.0
16.5
14.5
QM FI 3088
L
16.4
14.3
17.2
14.6
14.9
17.3
16.2
16.0
17.1
16.7
15.0
_
_
_
QM FI 3088
R
—
—
17.2
14.5
14.8
17.0
16.0
15.8
—
_
_
_
_
_
SAM PI 3848
L
—
14.8
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
_
(TYPE)
SAM/UC 465
L
—
—
18.8
16.6
16.9
—
—
—
—
_
_
_
_
_
UCMP69977
L
—
—
17.0
15.5
15.6
—
—
—
—
_
_
_
_
_
UCMP69978
R
—
—
—
—
—
19.0
17.1
16.6
—
—
—
—
—
—
LOWER CHEEK TEETH (mm)
SPECIMEN
SIDE
P3
M 1
m 2
m 3
m 4
L
W
L
AW
PW
L
AW
PW
L
AW
PW
L
AW
PW
AR 10458
R
13.0
10.0
17.4
10.8
12.2
18.5
13.9
14.4
18.7
15.4
14.4
18.2
14.1
13.9
AR 10668
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.2
14.2
13.6
_
_
_
AR 10841
R
13.0
8.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
_
_ _
_
_
_
AR 13360
L
—
—
17.8
12.0
13.7
—
—
—
_
_
_
AR 13634
R
—
—
—
—
—
18.0
—
14.4
21.2
_
15.8
20.4
_
14.4
AR 13969
R
12.5
8.6
17.3
11.6
12.2
—
—
—
_
_
_____
AR 14393
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.6
14.1
14.2
_
_
_
AR 16656
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.6
14.1
12.9
_
_
_
AR 16787
L
11.5
8.1
16.5
10.5
11.8
—
—
—
—
_
_
AR 1685
R
12.0
8.4
15.3
10.5
11.6
16.0
12.3
12.7
17.0
13.0
12.2
16.2
12.1
10.5
AR 1686
L
11.7
8.1
15.3
9.5
11.5
16.2
12.0
12.5
17.0
13.4
12.6
17.3
12.7
11.9
AR 24239
R
—
—
17.0
10.8
11.3
—
—
—
—
_
__
AR 24240
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.7
14.9
13.8
_
AR263
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21.1
16.0
13.2
. ,
_
_
NTM P91171-4
R
—
—
—
_
_
_ .
14.3
QM FI 2499
R
—
—
16.5
10.8
11.9
—
—
—
—
_
__
UCMP69979
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21.0
15.8
14.7
—
—
—
16
Nr.OHEl.OS
A
G
i I 10
u
Fig. 12. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton, Riversleigh
P^M 1 specimens: A-B, occlusal and labial aspects
of left P 3 (AR9947, Camel Sputum, Riversleigh);
C-D, labial and occlusal aspects of left P 3
(AR15119, Mike’s Menagerie, Riversleigh); E-F,
occlusal and labial aspects of right P 3 (AR10726,
Camel Sputum, Riversleigh); G-H, occlusal and
labial aspects of right P 3 -M' (QM FI3088,
Inabeyance, Riversleigh).
Fig. 13. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton; occlusal
aspect of complete right tooth row, Mike’s
Menagerie Site, Riversleigh (AR16492)
Fig. 14. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton; occlusal
aspect of complete right cheek-tooth row, Mike’s
Menagerie Site, Riversleigh (AR 16492).
Fig. 15. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton; right
maxillary fragment (AR 16492, Mike’s Menagerie
Site, Riversleigh: A, lateral aspect; B, occlusal
aspect; C, internal aspect.
17
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
M 1 . M 1 SAM/UC 465 (Fig. 10A-B), while in general morphology, very similar to Stirton’s
(1967a) description, is considerably larger (anterior moiety 16.6 mm compared to 15.6;
posterior moiety 16.9 compared to 15.7). The lophs are slightly crescentic and nearly
transverse. The anterior loph is narrower than the posterior loph. There is a depression on
the posterior surface of both the protoloph and the metaloph immediately labial to the
longitudinal midline of the crown. The transverse median valley is V-shaped. A wide ridge
descends from the median valley to the paracone tip. The parastyle, situated on the
anterolabial comer of the crown is low, but well-developed, with weak crests anterior and
posterior to it.
The precingulum traverses the anterior end of the crown from the base of the parastyle to
the lingual base of the protocone. It commences again across the lingual mouth of the
interloph valley, being briefly interrupted at the metaconule. The postcingulum commences
at the tip of the metacone, below which, on the posterolabial comer of the crown, it is
interrupted by a low metastyle. From the metastyle it continues toward the lingual side to
terminate on the posterolingual base of the metaconule. The labial cingulum is absent.
AR16492 has a larger parastyle and metastyle imparting a more trapezoidal shape to the
crown (Fig. 12G). The lingual cingulum is strong and continuous horizontally around the
loph bases to meet the postcingulum.
M 2 . The M 2 (AMF87626) is larger than M' (Fig. 101). The parastyles and metastyles are
lower and smaller and the depressions on the posterior surfaces of the protoloph and
metaloph are situated slightly more lingually than in M 2 . The paraconal base is more
rounded and the metaconal base is shorter than on the previous molar. The posterolingual
cingulum rounds the base of the metaconule to make contact with a short lingual cingulum
that traverses the median sulcus.
The D-Site (CPC 22558) M 2 is from the same side and has the same degree of wear as the
P 3 with the same number, and probably represents the same individual. The crown is very
similar to UCMP69978 in size and morphology. The anterior margin, including the
parastyle, is abraded. The lingual cingulum traversing the mouth of the median valley is
strong and laterally flared to produce a shallow basin. The posterolingual cingulum is
strong where it swings around the base of the metaconule to meet the internal cingulum of
the median valley.
AR10362 (Camel Sputum) is a left M retained in a fragment of maxilla. It is slightly
shorter than the D-Site specimen (length 18.5 versus 19.0 mm) but resembles it closely
morphologically. AR10362 has a large parastyle which is separated from the paracone by a
deep notch.
The posterolingual cingulum is strong anterolateral to the metaconule base and nearly
contacts the median valley cingulum. The metastyle is also relatively prominent, being
visible as a small cuspule from the lateral aspect.
M 3 . M 3 is the largest and morphologically most variable molar in the series, sometimes
resembling either the preceding or following molar (Figs 13-16). The parastyle and
metastyle are smaller and lower than on the preceding molar. The protoloph is slightly
wider than the metaloph, while the metaloph is slightly more oblique; otherwise the crown
is typically more similar to M 2 than it is to M 4 . AR16492, a right maxilla containing P 3 -
M 1 4 (Figs 14, 15A-C) and a left maxilla fragment containing unworn M 3 ' 4 (AR12120)
show the size relationships and morphology of the otherwise isolated molar specimens
18
N 1:0 HI: LOS
I_i_I
Mil
Fig. 16. Neohelos tirarensis, right P 3 -M m of referred cranium from Burnt Offerings Site (NTM P91167-1
possibly representing an early chronomorph of the species.
representing the series. In these specimens the protocone and metaconule are more bulbous
near their tips than the paracone and metacone. The parastyle is low and pressed close to
the base of the paracone. The metastyle is low, scarcely more than a widening of the
postcingulum. The posterolateral lingual cingulum is weaker and interrupted at the loph
bases. The lingual cingulum of the median valley mouth is short.
NTM P91171-2 is an isolated M 3 , that while nearly identical to the previous description,
both Iophs are about the same width. A well-preserved isolated left M 3 (AR10669) is the
largest N tirarensis molar (20.3 mm long) in the collection. This molar also retains some
of the features normally confined to M 2 such as a well developed posterolingual cingulum
and a fairly high, though crest-like parastyle. It conforms to the M 3 morphology in having
more bulbous tips of the protocone and metaconule, distinctly narrower and more
obliquely oriented metaloph and feeble metastyle. NTM P942-1, AR17291 and AR12120
show more asymmetry of the crown, a narrower, more oblique metaloph and a short buccal
cingulum across the mouth of the median valley similar to, but expressed to a lesser degree
than in M 4 .
M*. M 4 is distinctly asymmetrical, with a bulbous paraconal base, strongly curved,
obliquely oriented lophs and with the protoloph being much wider than the metaloph (Fig.
14). The parastyle is reduced to a low cuspule rising just above the precingulum. The
metastyle is scarcely visible. A short buccal cingulum across the median valley is often,
though not always present. M 4 is usually about the same length as M 3 , but is slightly longer
in some individuals, e.g. AR12120.
A complete upper cheek-tooth row of NTM P91167-1 represents one of the smallest and
perhaps least derived examples of the N. tirarensis population sample (Fig. 16). It closely
resembles QM F24137 from Bone Reef in the proportions of its lophs and expression of its
cingulae and crests except it shows even less morphological differentiation of M 1 ' 3 from
front to back, and the molar row is almost straight. The smaller N. tirarensis with less
differentiation and curvature of the molar row may represent chronomorphs of the species.
19
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Lower cheek teeth. P 3 . The P 3 of N. tirarensis was previously unknown. Archer’s 1982
collection of Wipajiri specimens contains an un-numbered posterior half of an unworn
enamel cap which is a right P 3 (Fig. 10L-N, table 3). The tooth has a single high main
cuspid. A ridge descends posteriorly from the cuspid with a tight, dorsally convex curve,
then becomes vertical for 3.0 mm, at which point it turns through 90° to become
horizontal. There is usually no posterior cuspid at the termination of this ridge. Lingual and
labial crests descend from just below the end of the posterior ridge. The lingual crest forms
a weak cingulid which delimits the edge of a shallow posteromedian basin and terminates
anteriorly at a vertical ridge which descends from the main cuspid, while the labial crest
descends, curving anteriorly to the edge of the enamel midway between the back of the
tooth and a vertical line from the apex of the main cuspid. At this point it is joined by a
weak ridge, which descends vertically from the main cuspid but which curves posteriorly
over the last two millimetres.
Complete Riversleigh specimens confirm the identity of the Wipajiri P 3 fragment (Fig.
17A-B, E-F). The Camel Sputum specimen AR10841, differs from the Wipajiri example
in having a cuspid-like termination of the posterior crest. In all larger N. tirarensis
specimens (AR16787, AR10841 and AR10458) the anterior crest curves lingually and
ascends the crown base forming a short precingulid which encloses a small, tear-drop-
shaped fossa In smaller, possibly geologically older, less derived specimens such as
AR 1685-6 (D-Site) there is no precingulid.
CD G H
Fig. 17. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton; specimens of P 3 and Mj; A-B, occlusal and lingual aspects of left P 3
(AR16787 Wayne’s Wok, Riversleigh); C-D, occlusal occlusal and lingual aspects of left M) (ARI6787
Wayne’s Wok, Riversleigh); E-F, occlusal and lingual aspects of right P 3 (ARI0841, Camel Sputum,
Riversleigh); G-H, occlusal and lingual aspects of left M, (AR 13360, Camel Sputum, Riversleigh).
Mi. The M| trigonid of N. tirarensis is relatively shorter than in Neohelos spA and the
entire crown is slightly broader relative to its length (Fig. 17C-D, G-H). The protolophid
is narrower than the hypolophid. The paralophid originates from a short, strong, horizontal
precingulid that sometimes partially ascends the metaconid base to enclose a U-shaped
basin (e.g. AR 16787, QM FI2449). The paralophid is a thick, short crest, more steeply
inclined than in Neohelos spA. The protolophid crest is nearly vertical in unworn
specimens and does not overhang the interlophid sulcus. A short, rounded labial cingulid is
sometimes formed across the mouth of the interlophid valley as a continuation of the
postprotocristid and prehypocristid, which encloses a small basin in combination with the
cristid obliqua. The lingual cingulid is short and weak.
M 2 . In M 2 the lophids are about equal width, and as with M., the crown is broader relative
20
mOHFJJOS
to its length than in Neohelos spA. The tips of the protoconid and hypoconid are bulbous.
A faint labial cingulid is present, the lingual cingulid is poorly developed or absent. The
precingulid is wide and inclined labially. It is thickest at the base of the metaconid. The
postcingulid is elevated in the centre, and extends across the posterior lophid bases. In
AR14393, the posthypocristid and postentocristid meet the ends of the postcingulid,
emarginating the posterior face of the hypolophid.
M 3 . 4 . M 3 is the largest molar in the series. The transversely oriented protolophid is much
wider than the hypolophid. The entoconid is shifted posteriorly, resulting in a distinct
obliquity of the hypolophid, a feature sometimes even more marked in Neohelos spB in
which the M 2 hypolophid is also slightly oblique. Weak labial and lingual cingulids
traverse the interloph valley. M 4 is nearly identical to M 3 but slightly smaller. The
protolophid and the hypolophid show the same extent of obliquity and the hypolophid is
only slightly narrower than the protolophid. The metalophid or cristid obliqua is usually
more crisply defined on this molar.
Dentary. The dentary of N. lirarensis is known from two nearly complete specimens from
D-Site (AR1685, AR1686). The horizontal ramus is long and slender, tapering gradually
towards the incisor alveolus (Fig. 18A-C). The profile of the inferior border is smoothly
convex, with a weak digastric process. The depth of the ramus at the level of M 3-4 is 33.0
mm. The lateral surface of the horizontal ramus is rounded in the mid region, becoming
shallowly concave anteriorly below the diastema. A small posterior mental foramen is
present at the level of M 2 - 3 - A round, 4.0 mm diameter mental foramen is located 5.0 mm
anterior to the foremost P 3 root, 8.5 mm below the diastemal crest. The diastemal crest is
sharp and arcuate with a convex lateral profile.
The lower incisor is procumbent, essentially following the curvature of the inferior border
of the ramus to its tip. The coronoid crest is relatively straight and inclined posteriorly. The
condyle is approximately 33.0 mm wide transversely; flattened and broad laterally (16.5
mm) and more cylindrical internally (10.0 mm). The masseteric fossa is smooth and deep,
bounded posteroinferiorly by a low, thick masseteric eminence. A 3.0 mm diameter
masseteric foramen is located in the inferior basin of the masseteric fossa. Internally, the
surface of the horizontal ramus is flat. The symphysis is long, narrow and unankylosed.
The digastric fossa extends anteriorly to the level of M 2 - 3 , and is confluent with the
pterygoid fossa posteriorly.
AR10458 is a well-preserved horizontal ramus fragment of the dentary (Fig. 19, Table 3).
This specimen and its dentition are larger than AR1685-6. The jaw is 45.0 mm deep at the
symphysial eminence below P 3 / M|. The incisor alveolus is comparatively deep and oval
in section, with a shallow notch in the inferior margin, commencing immediately anterior
to the symphysial eminence. The incisor root is implanted about 20° from horizontal. The
mental foramen is situated immediately anterior to, and 12.5 mm below, the P 3 anterior
root exposure. The lateral surface of the dentary anterior to M 2 is gently convex, becoming
concave anterior to P 3 above the incisor root. The diastemal crest is slightly elevated with a
thick dorsal ridge. The internal surface is nearly flat. The sublingual fossa above the
symphysis is a shallow groove indicating that the fossa was narrow (Fig. 19C). The
symphysis is unankylosed; elongated, and oval-wedge-shaped. A large 5.0 mm diameter
genial pit is present on the posterointernal surface.
21
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich. M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer. S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 18. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton, referred left
dentary (AR1686) from D-Site, Riversleigh: A,
lateral aspect; B, occlusal aspect; C, internal
aspect. This is a small and apparently plesio-
morphous specimen, with similar attributes to the
small Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh, cranium.
Fig. 19. Neohelos tirarensis Stirton, right dentary
fragment (ARI0458) from Wayne’s Wok locality:
A, lateral aspect; B, occlusal (dorsal) aspect; C,
internal aspect. This more robust specimen is
similar in size and appearance to the Lake
Ngapakaldi material and is typical of the larger N.
tirarensis specimens from Riversleigh.
Table 3. Measurements of palate and dentary of Neohelos tirarensis Stirton.
MEASUREMENT millimetres
Width palate (QM F13088) 50.0
P 3 to canine alveolus (AR16492) 18.0
Diameter IOF1 (AR16492) 12.0 x 0.6
Length cheek tooth row (AR16492) 85.3
Dimensions lower incisor alveolus (AR10458) 9.0 x 15.6
Length (minimum) diastema dentary (AR10458) 31.5
Depth dentary at P 3 /M 2 (AR10458) 41.5
Estimated length of dentary symphysis (AR 10458) 66.2
Depth of dentary symphysis (AR10458) 22.6
Thickness (transverse section) of dentary at P 3 /M 2 (AR10458) 15.0
Cranium. NTM P91167-1 is a partial cranium with a complete ri^ht cheek-tooth row (Fig.
20, Table 4). It is missing most of the left side, on which only M i4 are preserved. The left
side of the palate is crushed. The right side of the neurocranium is preserved to just behind
the squamosal root of the zygomatic arch. The basicranium is missing up to the base of the
right pterygoid crest. The right premaxilla is fairly complete but broken in half
longitudinally between the orbit and the premaxillomaxillary suture.
22
NHOHEim
Fig. 20. Referred cranium of Neohelos tirarensis (NTM P91167-1) from Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh; A,
lateral aspect; B, ventral aspect; C, dorsal aspect; the posterior part of the cranium is sheared off behind the
squamosal root. Anteriorly the break follows the premaxillary suture. The upper half of the maxilla is crushed
downwards and the left half of the palate is crushed inwards, being considerably overlapped by the right half,
resulting in the illusion of a narrow palate, which is actually very wide in N. tirarensis.
In lateral aspect, the profile of the cranium is low and elongated (Figs 20A, 23). The
frontal crests are sharp, prominent ridges that ascend steeply towards their posterior
convergence to form a distinct vertex. A small portion of the anterior end of the sagittal
crest is preserved on the specimen, indicating that it was well developed. The frontal crests
are divided by a 10.0 mm deep, 50.0 mm by 25.0 mm oval median depression commencing
at the long, narrow V-shaped frontonasal suture and ending immediately anterior to the
frontoparietal vertex. A low, sharp postorbital eminence is present about 40.0 mm
posterodorsal to the orbital margin. A prominent, elongated lacrimal tubercle, about 12.0
mm long by 8.0 mm wide is situated on the anterodorsal comer of the orbit.
23
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 4. Measurements of the cranium of ?plesiomorphic chronomorphs of Neohelos tirarensis
used in the restoration sketch in Figure 2; specimens from various sites, Riversleigh.
MEASUREMENT millimetres
Dimensions of frontal fossa (NTM P91167-1) 25.0 x 50.0
Dimensions of lacrimal tubercle (NTM P91167-1) 08.0 x 12.0
Dimensions of suborbital fossa (NTM P91167-1) 15.0 x 20.0
Dimensions of infraorbital foramen (NTM P91167-1) 03.5 x 09.0
Dimensions of glenoid articular surface (NTM P91167-1) 30.0 x 35.0
Dimensions of postglenoid process (NTM P91167-1) 10.0 x 26.0
Length of squamosal-jugal suture (NTM P91167-1) 100.0
Depth (maximum) of zygomatic arch (NTM P91167-1) 30.0
Length of massteric process (NTM P91167-1) 11.0
With of submassteric notch (NTM P91167-1) 12.4
Distance anterior orbital margin to maxillary suture (NTM P91167-1) 48.0
Distance maxillary suture to postglenoid process (NTM P91167-1) 190.0
Distance maxillary suture to postalveolar process (NTM P91167-1) 115.5
Depth orbital margin to submasseteric notch (NTM P91167-1) 27.7
Estimated width of palate at M 2 /M 3 (NTM P91167-1) 48.0
Distance anterior P 3 to canine alveolus (NTM P91167-1) 15.3
Length cheektooth row (NTM P91167-1) 81.5
Estimated bizygomatic width (NTM P91167-1) 150.0
Dimensions canine alveolus (NTM P91167-1) 06.0 x —
Dimensions canine alveolus (AR 13795) 06.0 x 06.0
Dimensions I 1 alveolus (NTM P91166-3) 07.0 x 11.0
Dimensions I 2 alveolus (NTM P91166-3) 06.0 x 09.0
Dimensions I 3 alveolus (NTM P91166-3) 06.3 x 06.9
The missing nasal bones, delimited by the intact right maxillary margin, were slender, and
judging from our composite restoration, elongated. The anterior orbital crest is thick and
rounded, protruding anterolaterally into the facial region. It terminates in a prominent,
angular infraorbital tuberosity inferiorly and continues superiorly as a weak facial crest or
torus. The suborbital fossa is a 15.0 mm by 20.0 mm crescentic depression that extends
down the anterior face of the zygomatic process. The infraorbital foramen is situated above
the P 3 in the lower half of the maxilla. In N. tirarensis the foramen sometimes has two
separate, nearly confluent orifices. The main foramen is tear-drop-shaped, 9.0 mm by 3.5
mm. Below and behind the main infraorbital foramen is a large auxiliary which opens
immediately above the posterior root of P 3 . The auxiliary foramen is slightly smaller and
more separated from the main foramen in AR13795 (Fig. 2IE). The auxiliary foramen
appears to be absent in QM F24137, but this may be due to its slightly more anterior
position, as the foramen is visible in the broken section. It is present, but reduced, in
AR16492 (Fig. 15A). The facial fossa is broad and shallow, flaring slightly on its inferior
margin around the canine alveolus.
The maxillary palate is broad and flat with a wide, though shallow median sulcus. The
alveolar border is flush with the plane of the palate. The maxillopalatine suture is U-
shaped, extending anteriorly to between the level of M 2 ' 3 . The posterior palatine margin is
C-shaped and emarginated by a rugose pharyngeal crest (Fig. 20B). Small, elliptical
posterolateral palatine foramina are located in shallow clefts developed in the
posterolateral processes of the palatine. The pharyngeal or interpterygoid fossa is missing
on the specimen. The anterior portion of the pterygoid fossa is a shallow, elongated sulcus
perforated by a round, 5.0 mm diameter foramen of the transverse canal.
A
24
NliOHELOS
Fig. 21. Referred Neohelos tirarensis, premaxillae (A-D) and maxillae (E-G): A-B, lateral and palatal aspect
of incisor alveoli, NTM P91166-2 (Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh); C-D, lateral and internal views of apertual
process, NTM P91166-3 (Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh); E-F, fragment with labial halves of P 3 -M , AR
13795, (Sticky-beak, Riversleigh)—note canine alveolus (CAL); G, palatal view of fragment NTM P91166-1
(Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh) with P 3 and canine alveolus.
The glenoid articular surface is transversely wide (approximately 35.0 mm) and about 30.0
mm long anteroposteriorly, extending forward onto a transversely expanded (15.0 mm by
15.0 mm) jugal eminence. The articular surface is flat and slightly obliquely oriented
relative to the axis of the cranium. The postglenoid process is transversely wide (26.0 mm)
and 10.0 mm thick, being extensively invaded by squamosal sinuses. Its inferior margin
extends at least 18.5 mm above the glenoid surface. The posterior surface of the
postglenoid process is missing as are all elements and relations of the middle ear and the
medial glenoid eminence. A small fragment of bone preserves part of what appears to be
foramen ovale and the posterior half of the pterygoid fossa. If this is the structure in
question, the foramen ovale is formed entirely within the alisphenoid indicating that an
alisphenoid tympanic process was present.
The squamosal root of the zygomatic arch is dominated dorsally by a long, deep squamosal
sulcus. The squamosal zygomatic process is relatively thin and sharp on its dorsal margin.
The squamosojugal suture is long and only slightly curved over its 100.0 mm extent. The
maximum depth of the zygomatic arch (30.0 mm) is situated immediately anterior to the
glenoid articular surface of the jugal. A deep masseteric sulcus extends from immediately
anterior to the glenoid fossa to the posterior margin of the zygomatic process. A sharp
masseteric crest defines its dorsal margin. A low elevation of the anterior zygomatic
process of the squamosal immediately behind the rounded orbital margin, represents a
rudimentary postorbital eminence. The 13.0 mm long zygomatic process is slender and
conical, terminating inferiorly about 4.0 mm above the occlusal line of the cheek teeth. It is
composed predominantly of the maxilla. The subzygomatic notch is 14.0 mm wide.
AR13795 is a fragment of right maxilla with the labial halves of P 3 -M ! and M 2 protoloph
in place (Fig. 21 E-F). The specimen is assigned to Neohelos tirarensis on the basis of its
size and cheek-tooth morphology, including broad interproximal contact and large
parastyle and metastyle on M 1 . As in P91167-1, this specimen possesses a 6.0 mm
diameter canine alveolus located behind the premaxillomaxillary suture, though further
forward at about 20.0 mm anterior to P 3 . The diastemal margin between the canine
alveolus and the P 3 is more distinctly concave than in the type specimen. The alveolus is
25
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
strongly deflected anterolaterally. It also possesses an auxiliary infraorbital foramen and
shows a remnant of a strongly expressed suborbital tuberosity. NTM P91166-1 is a right
maxillary fragment containing P 3 . The 6.0 mm diameter canine alveolus is 15.0 mm from
the P 3 , closely matching the proportions of the type specimen.
AR16492 preserves part of the right maxilla, extending from the premaxillary suture to the
M 4 alveolus (Fig. 15, Table 3). The 38.0 mm long maxillo-premaxillary suture is nearly
vertical. The suture transects the proximal part of a canine alveolus, 20.0 mm anterior to
the P 3 root and extending obliquely 10.0 mm into the bone (Fig. 15A). The alveolus, which
is slightly curved and slanted inwards, is about 6.0 mm in diameter at the point of
intersection. Immediately above the alveolus is the superior alveolar nerve foramen. The
main infraorbital foramen, situated 13.0 mm above the anterior edge of the P 3 , is a large
13.0 x 6.0 mm, anteriorly-opening, teardrop-shaped fissure set within a shallow, oval 13.0
x 15.0 mm fossa. A small, 2.0 mm diameter, elliptical auxiliary infraorbital foramen is
located 9.0 mm behind the inferior margin of the former.
The 47.0 mm long maxillojugal suture obliquely transects the maxilla at an angle of about
30°. It is slightly curved with no indication of an infraorbital tuberosity as seen in NTM
P91167-1. The subzygomatic notch is 6.0 mm above the alveolar margin of M 2 . Only the
alveolar margin of the palate is preserved, indicating that the palate was flat and slightly
constricted at the diastema immediately anterior to P 3 . The Inabeyance specimen (QM
FI3088) preserves the mid-palatal region of N. tirarensis, which is about 50.0 mm wide at
the level of M 2 . The palate is flat with a pair of indistinct shallow grooves situated on
either side of the median suture (Fig. 13, Table 3).
NTM P9 1166-2 is an edentulous left half of the premaxilla (Fig. 21A-B) tentatively
assigned on the basis of its size and Neohelos -like morphology. The canine alveolus is
damaged. A fragment of I 1 is present in its alveolus. Although it is broken off nearly flush
with the alveolar margin, the section of tooth is enamelled, indicating that the crown had
not fully erupted. The section of the crown is 10.5 mm x 6.5 mm at the level of the
alveolus. Another indication of its subadult age is that I 2 alveolus (6.0 mm x 9.0 mm) is
larger than that of I 3 (6.3 mm x 6.5 mm). The occlusal or sectional shape of these partially
erupted crowns are clearly reflected in the outer margins of the sockets.
The premaxilla has a well-developed, conical median crest or eminence, accentuated
laterally by a smooth sulcus leading posteroinferiorly into the anterior palatal fenestrae.
The premaxillary crest is continuous posteriorly with the septal process. Laterally, the
apertural process, which is missing on the specimen, arises behind a small sulcus. The
interincisive fossa is narrow. The incisive foramina are elongated and elliptical, separated
by a stout septal process. In lateral profile, the inferior margin of the diastemal palate
appears to have been straight, though slightly decurving immediately behind the I 3
alveolus. A long, narrow spur of the premaxillomaxillary suture extends anteriorly to 6.5
mm behind the I 3 alveolus. Restored, the incisor arcade viewed in ventral aspect would
have been U-shaped with both halves present.
NTM P91166-3 is a left premaxilla fragment preserving the margin of the narial aperture
anteriorly and the pre-maxillomaxillary suture on its posteroinferior half (Fig. 21C-D).
The internal dorsal margin is greatly thickened (about 7.0 mm) along the nasal contact
zone. The walls of the narial aperture are contrastingly thin (about 3.5 mm) and smoothly
convex externally. The surface contour of the fragment indicates that the rostrum flared
laterally just behind the narial opening. The narial aperture is smoothly emarginated by a
26
NEOHEWS
rounded thickening. The 18.5 mm notch is C-shaped in lateral profile and the margin does
not seem to recede posterodorsally. The maximum distance perpendicular from a chord
across the narial notch is 5.5 mm.
NTM P91166-6 is the posterior half of a cranium missing the palate and rostrum,
preserving the ffontals, parts of the parietals, the occipital, cranial base and right zygomatic
arch (Fig. 22, Table 5). The specimen is crushed and compressed dorsoventrally. Lacking
dentition, the specific identity of the cranium is based on its similarity to NTM P91167-1
and specimens of Neohelos spB. Corresponding preserved elements of the cranium are
very similar to NTM P91167-1 except for their greater robusticity, particularly in the
development of the zygomatic arch and glenoid fossa which are larger relative to the
overall proportions of the rest of the cranium than in Neohelos spB. As in Neohelos spB
crania, NTM P91166-6 has a vertical, low, transversely broad occipital plane; an
ovo-rectangular foramen magnum; large, transversely narrow occipital condyles that
protrude posteriorly beyond the profile of the occiput; large sinus-inflated mastoids; low
rectangular entoglenoid eminence and tympanic bulla; ventral tympanic process composed
of the alisphenoid; transversely wide, oblique glenoid fossae; evidence of large,
sinus-inflated, obliquelyoriented postglenoid processes that partly displace or overlap the
epitympanic fenestrae and short, rugose, blunt superiorperiotic process of the petrosal.
Fig. 22. Zygomaturine neurocranium Neohelos tirarensis? (NTM P91166-6) Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh: A,
lateral aspect; B, ventral aspect. The specimen is similar to N. tirarensis referred cranium NTM P91167-1 but
is larger, has deeper zygomatic arches and larger epitympanic fenestrae. Based on analogy with sexually
dimorphic Bullock Creek Neohelos spB, this specimen might represent a male N. tirarensis.
27
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black. M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 5. Measurements of Neohelos tirarensis? (NTM P91166-6) cranium.
MEASUREMENT
millimetres
Width occiput
113.5
Estimated height of occiput
75.0
Dimensions of right occipital condyle
13.5x35.0
Dimensions of foramen magnum
18.5x23.5
Depth (maximum) of zygomatic arch
47.5
Length from convergence of frontal crests to lambdoid crest
130.0
Estimated bizygomatic width
170.0
Length squamosal-jugal suture
90.0
Dimensions entoglenoid eminence
13.3x29.2
Dimensions mastoid-paroccipital process
23.0x28.0
The cranium was probably elongated relative to its width, judging from the distance between
the convergence of the frontal crests and the back of the occiput (approximately 130.0 mm).
The transverse width of the occiput from squamosal to squamosal is 113.5 mm. The
posterior profile of the cranium is a low rectangle. The occipital condyles are large (35.0 mm
dorsoventrally) and narrow transversely (13.5 mm). They extend posteriorly about 20.0 mm
beyond the vertical profile of the back of the cranium. A single, large condylar foramen is
present in the condylar sulcus of each side. The foramen magnum is ovo-rectangular, with
dimensions of 23.5 mm by 18.5 mm. The mastoids are large, globular sinus-inflated
protuberances that terminate in small, conical mastoidparoccipital processes. The lateral
wing of the mastoid is confined to the posterior surface of the cranium and does not wrap
around the lateral side. The auditory arch of the squamosal is wide and rounded. Mesially, a
large, oval (17.5 mm x 12.5 mm) epitympanic fenestra opens into posterior (mastoid) and
anterior (squamosal) cavities of the epitympanic sinuses.
Only the bases of the postglenoid processes are preserved (Fig. 22B). The base of the left
postglenoid process flares ventrolaterally before a break exposes a large squamosal sinus. On
the right side, part of the anterolateral base of the process curves outwards and downwards
indicating that a large, sinus-inflated postglenoid structure, similar to that of Neohelos spB
was present. The large entoglenoid eminence (a crest-like swelling of the squamosal situated
at the medial end of the glenoid articular surface) is an elongated-oval swelling that extends
posteriorly to form the lateral wall of the ventral tympanic wing and a bullalike structure that
forms the anterior wall of the tympanic cavity. The ventral surface of the bulla is broken, but
a rugose sutural contact with the squamosal indicates that it was floored by an overlapping
alisphenoid process as in Neohelos spB. The entire structure is displaced anteromedially,
obscuring the relations of foramen ovale. Foramen ovale appears to have been arched by the
alisphenoid and pterygoid crest. The tympanic cavity is small and open ventrally. The
petrosal is tucked in over the basioccipital and is floored by a small process of the latter.
The ventrolateral surface of the petrosal is visible in lateral aspect. The petrosal is short,
broad and blunt with a flattened pars cochlearis surface. The ventral surface of the
promontory is rugose. The auditory fenestrae are situated on the posterodorsal portion of the
lateral surface of the petrosal. The 2.0 mm by 1.6 mm fenestra cochlearis is located 2.0 mm
posteroventral to the 1.5 mm by 1.0 mm vestibular fenestra. The facial foramen opens at
about the same level as, and 4.0 mm anterior to the vestibular fenestra. A 4.0 mm wide, 20.0
mm long facial nerve sulcus is inscribed on the posteroventral (mastoid) side of the acoustic
arch. A shorter groove above, and a low, rugose process below the facial sulcus, represent
the attachments for the posterior crus of the missing ectotympanic bone, which when present.
28
nhohkijos
would have completed the anterior margin of the stylomastoid foramen and the bony
auditory meatus.
The small, approximately 3.5 mm diameter, 2.5 mm deep epitympanic recess or attic, which
accommodated the auditory ossicles, is situated within the long, narrow tegmen tympani.
The 2.0 mm wide, 6.5 mm long incisura tympanica is situated about 1.0 mm lateral to the
margin of the tegmen and the attic. The crista tympanica forms the rounded internal margin
of the epitympanic fenestra. The distance from the tympanic crest to the lateral edge of the
superficias meatus is about 19.0 mm. Commencing immediately anterolateral to the
promontorium of the petrosal is a 7.0 mm wide, 29.0 mm long, gutter-like groove for the
internal carotid artery. A notch at the commencement of the internal carotid groove demarks
an irregularly-shaped middle lacerate foramen or pyriform fenestra. The internal carotid
foramina pierce the basisphenoid immediately mesial to the pterygoid crest. The
basisphenoid-basioccipital suture is not discernible on this specimen.
Part of the right glenoid fossa is preserved, indicating that it was transversely wide and
oblique. The anterior articular eminence is flat to slightly concave, extending anterolaterally
to a broad expansion (25.0 mm across) of the jugal. The zygomatic arch is deep and robust in
proportion to the relatively light construction of the rest of the cranium. The zygomatic arch
is 47.0 mm deep immediately anterior to the glenoid expansion of the jugal. The masseteric
crest of the jugal is prominent and deeply excavated below. Most of the bones of the cranial
wall are shattered. The parietals are partly intact. These were long and narrow, commencing
anteriorly from just behind the convergence of the frontal crests. A strong sagittal crest is
highest immediately behind the frontoparietal suture.
The appearance of the cranium of N. tirarensis has been restored in Figure 23 based
primarily on the small cranium NTM P91167-1 with information on the back of the cranium
taken from NTM P91166-6. The fragments of maxilla and premaxilla illustrated in Figure 21
were used to restore the rostrum. The dentaries are restored from the D-site specimens,
AR1685-6.
Fig. 23. Restoration of cranium of N. tirarensis. Key to components in the restoration: 1, cranial fragment
(NTM P91167-1 Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh); 2, premaxilla fragment (NTM P91166-3 Burnt
Offerings, Riversleigh); 3, premaxilla fragment (NTM P91166-2 Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh), 4, dentaries
(AR1685 D-Site, Riversleigh); 5, cranial fragment (NTM P91166-6 Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh). Canine
shape, dorsal nasal profile and I 3 are conjectural.
29
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
'-i
Comparisons with Nimbadon scottorrorum Hand, Archer, Godthelp, Rich and Pledge,
1993. [Nimbadon scottorrorum Hand, Archer, Godthelp, Rich and Pledge 1993 p. 204; fig.
5. Holotype: QM F23137, maxillary fragment with right P 3 -M m ; the labial sides of M 2 " 4
are damaged. Type locality and age: Fig Tree Site, adjacent to Godthelp’s Hill, Riversleigh
Station, north-western Queensland. Hand et al. (1993) interpret the Fig Tree assemblage to
be ?late Oligocene - early Miocene in age.]
Nimbadon scottorrorum differs from other species of Nimbadon and resembles species of
Neohelos in having broad, rectangular molars with wide interproximal contact and large
parastyles and metastyles on M 1 " 2 . It differs from Neohelos spA in having broader, more
rectangular molar crowns and less morphological and size differentiation along the tooth
row; though similar in having a vertical emargination of the metaconule by a continuation
of the postcingulum; differs from N. tirarensis in having a vertical emargination of the
metaconule by the postcingulum; differs from Neohelos spB and Neohelos spC in being
smaller and in those features that differentiate it from N. tirarensis.
The apparent closeness of Nimbadon scottorrorum to Neohelos is one of the casualties of
the merging of characters and character combinations resulting from the enlargement of the
Riversleigh sample. The type specimen QM F23137 seems to have little in common with
the other two species of Nimbadon and in most respects falls in more closely with small to
medium-sized Neohelos tirarensis specimens (Fig. 24; Table 6). However, QM F23137 is
unique among N. tirarensis specimens in having a weak, but clearly expressed upturn of
the postcingulum along the side of the metaconule; similar to, but not exactly as in
Neohelos spA (Fig. 25B), and its P 3 , while having a well-developed transverse crest from
the parametacone to the protocone, is small, has a weak mesostyle and exhibits a
distinctive thegotic facet on the parastyle that is also present in Neohelos spA. Its molars
are otherwise typical of Neohelos tirarensis in being broad, having wide interproximal
contact, the parastyle and metastyle is large, the paracone and metacone bases do not bulge
conspicuously, the meristic gradient and other details of the crown are almost identical to
Inabeyance (QM FI3088) and Camel Sputum (AR17443) specimens. The intermediate
character combinations and states expressed by this specimen compels us to align the Cleft
of Ages material within Neohelos, rather than to assign the Cleft of Ages specimens to a
species of Nimbadon (forcing the retention of Nimbadon scottorrorum ) or to assign both
species to a new genus (ignoring the intermediate and blended morphological states). The
practical implication of these remarks is that the smallest specimens of N. tirarensis
overlap with Neohelos spA and Ni. scottorrorum considerably in size and in many
morphological features. At the time of writing, Neohelos spA specimens were known only
from the Cleft of Ages locality, Riversleigh, Station. As the relative age of the Cleft of
Ages locality is in doubt, confusion of these species could result in an erroneous
biocorrelation or biochronological estimation.
Table 6. Measurements (millimetres) of upper cheek teeth of Nimbadon scottorrorum ; Fig Tree Site,
Riversleigh Station.
UPPER CHEEK TEETH (mm)
SPECIMEN
SIDE
P 3
M 1
M 2
M 3
M 4
L
W
L
AW
PW
L AW PW
L AW PW
L AW PW
QM F23157
R
14.3
13.4
17.1
15.0
15.8
17.9 — —
18.5 — —
18.1 — —
30
NliOHHl.OS
G H I
Fig. 24. Small Neohelos P 3 -M' specimens; Neohelos tirarensis , P 3 -M‘, A, occlusal and labial aspects of right
P 3 (NTM P91167-1) from Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh; B, occlusal and labial aspects of damaged
right P 3 of N. tirarensis (AR13795) from Sticky-beak locality, Riversleigh; C, N. tirarensis occlusal and
labial aspects of right P3 (NTM P91166-1) from Burnt Offerings locality, Riversleigh; D, N. tirarensis ,
occlusal and labial aspects of left P’ (AR17470) from Bone Reef, Riversleigh; E, Neohelos spA left P 3 (QM
F23247) Cleft of Ages, Riversleigh; F, Neohelos spA occlusal and labial aspects of right P 3 (QM F20584)
from Cleft of Ages Site, Riversleigh; G, N. tirarensis, occlusal aspect of right M 1 (NTM P91167-1) from
Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh; H, N. tirarensis occlusal aspect of left M 1 (QM F24137) from Bone
Reef, Riversleigh; I, occlusal aspect of right M 1 of holotype Nimbadon scottorrorum Hand el al. (1993) (QM
F23157) from Fig Tree, Riversleigh (drawn from a cast).
Neohelos spA
Reference specimen. QM F30878 left maxillary fragment with P 3 -M I j .
Type locality and age. Cleft of Ages locality Riversleigh Station. Cleft of Ages is a
fissure-fill deposit within poorly constrained strata ranging in age from late Oligocene to
early Miocene.
Referred specimens and localities. Cleft of Ages: AR16810, right M 3 ; AR16955, right
M,; QM F12432, left M 3 QM F12433, right M 4 ; QM F20488, left M 2 ; QM F20489, left M 3
QM F20584, right P 3 ; QM F20585, left M 2 ; QM F20709, right M 3 ; QM F22765, left
maxilla, M 2 ' 3 ; QM F22767, right M 3 ; QM F22771, right M 4 ; QM F22773, right P 3 ; QM
F22774, right P 3 ; QM F23274, left P 3 ; QM F23407, left M 1 ; AR16957, right M 1 ;
AR17453, right M 2 ; AR17454, left M 1 ; AR17469, left M 4 ; QM F12434, left M 1 ; QM
F20831, left M 3 ; QM F20852, right M 1 ; QM F22765, left M 2 ' 3 ; QM F23195, right M 1 ; QM
F23197, right M 1 ; QM F23408, right M 3 ; QM F23472, right M 1 ; QM F24270, left M 1 ' 3 ;
QM F24731, right M 1 ; QM F29739, right M 1 ; QM F29740, right M 1 ; QM F30305, left
maxilla, M 1 ' 3 ; QM F30556, left M 1 ; QM F30558, right M 1 ; QM F30734, right P 3 ; QM
31
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich. M. Plane, K.. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
F24230, left dentary, M 2 ' 3 ; QM F24298, right P 3 6 =; QM F24299, right M 3 ; QM F24300,
right P 3 ; QM F24433, right M 3 ; QM F24435, left M,; QM F24741, left M 3 ; QM F29738,
left P 3 ; QM F30231, left dentary, M,. 3 ; AR16596, left M,; QM F20486, left M,; QM
F20490, right M 3 ; QM F20491, right M,; QM F20830, right M 2 ; QM F20832, left M 3 ; QM
F20838, left M,; QM F22766, right M 2 ; QM F23198, right P 3 ; QM F23199, right P 3 ; QM
F24432, right M 2 ; QM F24440, left M 4 ; QM F24667, right P 3 ; QM F30306, right M 2 ; QM
F30554, right M,; QM F30560, right M,.
Species diagnosis. Differs from Nimbadon species in larger size, broader molars, large
stylar cusps on M 3 . Cheek teeth range from slightly smaller than, to about equal in size to
the smaller specimens of N. tirarensis', differs from Ni. scottorrorum and N. tirarensis in
having proportionally longer upper and narrower lower molar crowns with much narrower
M 1 protoloph, which is more deeply cleft on the posterior surface; differs from N.
tirarensis in having a strong continuation of the postcingulum up the posterolingual flank
of the metaconule to the apex of the cusp; and from Ni. scottorrorum and N. tirarensis in
that the margins of the paracone and metacone are more convex and the posterior moiety
of the crown is distinctly elongated and tapered towards the back. Differs from other
Neohelos species in its smaller size, proportionally more elongated M ; narrow, deeply
defied protoloph; conspicuous emargination of the metaconule by the postcingulum and
the tapering posterior moiety of crown (Figs 25A, 26; Table 7).
Remarks. Though we initially recognised many of the specimens from Cleft of Ages as
being subtly different from the smallest specimens of N. tirarensis, our determinations
were based entirely on isolated cheek, teeth, some of which, particularly P and M ,
seemed indistinguishable from the latter. As only the M 3 consistently differed we were not
sure whether one or two species were represented.
Newly discovered partial toothrow QM F30878 (Fig. 26) provides the information
necessary to distinguish Neohelos spA from other small species ot Neohelos. The
recognition of this species is biochronologically important because of its similarity with
smaller N. tirarensis and Ni. scottorrorum specimens. Only the upper molars, particularly
M 1 ' 2 , can be consistently distinguished from those of small N. tirarensis or Ni.
scottorrorum. At present, we cannot provide infallible distinctions for the P or for the
lower cheek teeth for these species which means that any critical determinations of these
forms should be made on specimens of M 1 ' 2 .
Description of reference specimen, QM F30878. Cheek-tooth row with slight curvature
and fairly strong meristic and morphological gradient in the molars; enamel thick and
marked by numerous vertical ridgelets and shallow grooves. P 3 small, short and broad
(length 14.4 mm, width 12.9 mm); parastyle low, erect, separated from parametacone by
deep transverse cleft; transverse crest from parametacone to protocone absent; protocone
separated from parametacone by a deep anteroposterior cleft; pair of strong ridges extend
down anterior face of the parametacone to the base of the parastyle; hypocone small; faint
mesostyle represented by a series of low vertical ridges. M 1 elongated (length 15.4 mm,
anterior width 12.7 mm, posterior width 13.5 mm) distinct trapezoidal outline with large
parastyle and metastyle set low on the crown; protoloph narrow and deeply clefted on its
posterior surface; lingual cingulae ascend protocone and metaconule bases on either side of
the midvalley; postcingulum continuous ventrolingually to the apex of the metaconule;
32
NEOHliWS
Fig. 25. Oblique views (inverted) comparing the course of the postcingulum in M 1 ' 3 of A, Neohelos spA (QM
F30878) Cleft of Ages, Riversleigh; B, Nimbadon scoltorrorum (QM F23137) Fig Tree (reversed),
Riversleigh; C, N. tirarensis, (QM FI3088) Inabeyance, Riversleigh; D, N. tirarensis (AR16492) Mike’s
Menagerie, Riversleigh (reversed). A, shows the typical condition in Neohelos spA in which the
postcingulum ascends the lingual side of the metaconule to the apex of the cusp on M 1 ' 3 ; in B, Nimbadon
scoltorrorum. the postcingulum ascends the side of the metaconule but fades out about half-way up to the
cusp. In N. tirarensis examples C and D, the postcingulum courses anteriorly around the base of the
metaconule in a horizontal plane.
Fig. 26. Neohelos spA. Left P^M'' 3 from Cleft of Ages, Riversleigh (reference specimen, QM F30878).
33
NHOHISI.OS
Table 7. Measurements (millimetres) of upper and lower cheek teeth of Neohelos spA, Cleft of Ages Site,
Riversleigh Station (estimations in italics).
UPPER CHEEK TEETH (mm)
SPECIMEN
SIDE
p3
L
W
M 1
L
AW
PW
M 2
L
AW
PW
M 3
L
AW
PW
M 4
L
AW
PW
AR 16957
R
_
_
16.9
13.8
14.2
AR 17453
R
—
—
—
—
—
17.4
15.3
14.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR 17454
L
—
—
16.9
13.7
13.3
AR 17469
L
19.1
16.9
13.4
AR 17470
L
14.3
13.4
QM FI 2433
R
17.6
15.0
12.0
QM FI 2434
L
—
—
17.1
14.0
14.0
QM F20488
L
_
_
_
_
_
17.6
15.8
14.5
_
—
—
—
—
—
QM F20584
R
14.8
13.4
QM F20585
L
—
—
—
—
—
17.0
15.3
14.9
—
—
—
—
—
—
QM F20831
L
18.3
16.3
14.2
—
—
—
QM F20852
R
—
—
16.8
13.1
13.1
QM F22765
L
—
—
—
—
—
17.0
14.5
14.0
17.5
15.0
13.5
—
—
—
QM F22765
L
_
_
—
—
—
17.1
14.7
14.3
17.8
15.2
13.8
—
—
—
QM F22767
R
17.4
15.9
13.7
—
—
—
QM F22771
R
17.5
14.6
11.5
QM F22773
R
14.1
12.6
QM F23195
R
_
—
17.3
14.1
14.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
QM F23197
R
—
—
16.7
14.0
13.9
QM F23274
QM F23407
QM F23408
QM F23472
QM F24137
QM F24270
QM F24299
QM F24731
QM F24741
QM F29739
QM F29740
QM F30305
QM F30556
QM F30558
QM F30734
QMF30878
L
L
R
R
L
L
R
R
L
R
R
L
L
R
R
L
14.6 12.6
16.0 13.8 14.1
16.0 13.2 13.3
16.8 14.5 14.8
16.1 14.0 13.9
17.5 15.9
17.2 15.7
— 17.5 15.0
— 18.1 16.1 14.2
15.0 18.7 16.0 14.0
14.0
14.6
17.2 15.5 13.6
15.5 12.9 12.4
— 18.3
14.4 —
— 17.7 15.0
— 16.0 13.1
— 16.7 13.9
— 15.7 13.5
— 16.9 14.3
14.7 — — —
13.7 — — _
14.0 16.9 15.5 14.3
13.8 — — —
14.2 — — —
18.1 15.3 13.7
15.5
14.4
13.8
12.9
15.4 12.7 13.5 16.7 14.3 15.6 17.2 15.5 13.6
LOWER CHEEK TEETH (mm)
SPECIMEN SIDE P 3 M 1 M 2 Mj M 4
L W L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW L AW PW
AR 16955 R — — 17.1 10.2 11.4 — — — — — — — — —
AR 16956 L — — 17.1 10.3 11.6 — — — — — — — — —
QM F20830 R — — — — — 17.1 12.1 12.0 — — — — — —
QM FI 2432 L — ___ — — — — 18.5 12.6 12.2 — — —
QMF20486 R — — 14.8 08.8 10.3 — — — — — — — — —
QMF20489 L — — — — — — — — 16.8 13.0 12.8 — — —
QMF20490 R — — — — — — — — 18.8 13.9 12.7 — — —
QMF20491 R — — 14.7 09.7 10.3 — — — — — — — — —
QMF20709 R — — — — — — — — 17.8 13.3 12.2 — — —
QMF20832 L — — — — — — — — 18.0 12.0 11.2 — — —
QMF20838 L — — 16.0 10.4 12.0 — — — — — — — — —
QMF22766 R — — — — — 17.6 12.7 12.5 — — — — — —
QMF22774 R 13.5 9.4 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QMF23198 R 14.1 9.1 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QM F23199 L 12.9 8.3 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QMF24230 R — — — — — — — — 17.2 12.5 12.0 — — —
QMF24298 R 10.5 7.0 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QMF24300 R 12.0 8.5 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QMF24432 R — — 15.7 09.2 10.8 — — — — — — — — —
QMF24433 R — — — — — — — — 17.2 12.2 12.0 — — —
QMF24435 L — — 16.0 9.5 10.7 _______ — — —
QMF24440 L — — _ — — ____ — 11.8 17.4 13.3 10.7
QMF24667 R 11.0 07.4 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QM F29738 L 12.0 9.5 — — — — — — — — — — — —
QMF30231 L — — 16.8 10.2 11.3 17.3 12.6 12.5 _ 14.4 — — — —
QMF30306 R — — — _ — 17.0 11.8 11.5 — — — — — —
QMF30554 R _ _ 17.0 10.0 11.7 _____ — — — —
QM F30560_L — — 15.4 09.8 10.5 — — — — — — — — —
34
n!-:ohi-:i.os
paracone and metacone bases expanded labially, postcingulum expanded posterolabially
lengthening the crown and narrowing the interproximal contact with M 2 . M 2 distinctly
wider crown, protoloph much wider than in M 1 ; parastyle and metastyle reduced (length
16.7 mm, anterior width, 14.3, posterior width 15.5 mm). M 3 protoloph wider than
metaloph; posterior margin of the crown more squared-off (length 17.2, anterior width
15.5, posterior width, 13.6). Maxillary palate flat, nearly horizontal, not conspicuously
wide.
Infraorbital foramen large (9.5 x 4.5 mm), single; suborbital crest rounded with no
evidence of a distinct tuberosity. With 16.5 mm of the diastema present, there is no
indication of a canine alveolus.
Extended description and comparisons. Lower incisor. Three lower incisors (QM
F69257, QM F20828, QM F30557) belonging to Neohelos are known from Cleft of Ages.
These are similar in size and morphology to those of N. tirarensis (NTM P91166-7 and
AR1686) having slender (12.0 mm deep) lanceolate crowns and possessing a shallow but
distinct longitudinal ventrolabial groove (Figs 11, 18). As no undoubted specimens of N.
tirarensis are known from Cleft of Ages, we have assigned these incisors to Neohelos spA.
Upper cheek teeth. P 3 . The P 3 of Neohelos spA is small and variable. The transverse crest
from the protocone to the parametacone appears to be absent or poorly developed. The
posterolabial cingulum and mesostyle also appears to be weak or absent. In QM F30734,
the parastyle is represented by a tiny conical cuspule developed on an anterior cingulum,
whereas in other Cleft of Ages specimens, the parastyle is well-developed, though varying
from small to large-sized (Fig. 24; Table 7). The hypocone is poorly developed on the type
(QM F30878) whereas it is large on QM F20584, and high and conical on QM F23274.
M 1 . M 1 exhibits the diagnostic features of the species. However, all of the discriminating
features are rarely present on a single specimen The most consistent character is the overall
form of the crown, which is usually smaller, slightly narrower, lower, and more trapezoidal
in outline, with a more elongated posterolabial comer in the region of the metastyle than in
N. tirarensis (Fig. 26). In the majority of the specimens the postcingulum ascends the
lingual side of the metaconule fomiing a strong vertical crest extending to the tip of the
loph (Figs 25, 26). In some individuals the crest is poorly developed (QM F20852, QM
F23197), but the posterior surface of the metaconule is somewhat flattened to produce a
sharp posterolingual ridge. The points of the individual cusps appear sharper and more
angular than in iV. tirarensis. The protoloph is very short, with a deep posterior fossa or
cleft (QM F23197). The unworn loph has a shallow V-shaped profile. The postprotocrista
and postmetaconulecrista are strongly developed and sometimes sharply accentuated by
thegotic facets (QM F30305). The styles are conspicuously developed. These are set
slightly lower than on N. tirarensis and the metastyle is often distinctly conical and offset
from the postcingulum by a sulcus (QM F20852, QM F23197). No examples of N.
tirarensis M's appear to be present in the Cleft of Ages assemblage.
M 2 . M 2 differs from M 1 in having a wider protoloph and weaker ascending postcingulum.
There is one specimen of M 2 from Cleft of Ages that seems to resemble N. tirarensis more
than it does Neohelos spA. QM F20585 lacks the characteristic Neohelos spA features, but
also differs from typical N. tirarensis in having slightly more overhanging lophs and
thinner loph bases. Although considerably smaller, QM F20585 closely resembles AR9925
(Mike’s Menagerie) in other morphological details. QM F20488 is a rather large specimen,
hut otherwise resembles the type Neohelos spA more than N. tirarensis.
35
NEOHEWS
Af 3 . In M 3 the protoloph is usually wider than the metaloph and the styles are greatly
reduced. Neohelos spA shows a stronger gradient in molar size and morphology than do
some specimens of N. tirarensis. However, three specimens of M 3 from Cleft of Ages
cannot be discriminated from N. tirarensis on the characteristics available (QM F24741,
QM F24299, AR16810). QM F24741 is similar in size and basic form to QM F 23137 (Fig
Tree) and AR17443 (Camel Sputum), lacking the ascending postcingulum and having a
squared-off posterior margin. QM F24299 also lacks the ascending crest of the
postcingulum and otherwise appears indistinguishable from N. tirarensis.
M f . Species discrimination with M 4 is even more difficult with four equivocal specimens
(AR17469, QM F23408, QM F20831, QM F2271). It is, therefore, possible that N.
tirarensis specimens are present in the Cleft of Ages assemblage. However, given that
none of the M's from the Cleft of Ages sample could be undoubtedly assigned to N.
tirarensis, it seems more likely that these specimens of M 3 ' 4 represent Neohelos spA and
consequently we have assigned the entire Cleft of Ages Neohelos sample to the latter
species.
Lower cheek teeth. Pj. The main cuspid of the P 3 of Neohelos spA is short with a steep
convex anterior profile. The anterior crest is low and slightly sinuous, and as in the smaller
N. tirarensis specimens, it does not terminate in a basal cuspid, cingulid or pit. The
posterior crest is high and sharp with a slightly concave profile. The lingual fossa is large,
bordered posterolabially by a steeply ascending cingulid that meets the posterior crest on
the midline of the crown where the confluence of the structures forms a cuspid-like
thickening. The labial fossa is shallow. Though sometimes smaller, there are no obvious
features that distinguish these P 3 S from those of N. tirarensis (Fig. 27).
Mj. As in the smaller specimens of N. tirarensis, the trigonid is elongated and narrow with
a high paralophid crest (Fig. 27). In unworn specimens, the paralophid crest may be
slightly thinner and higher than in N. tirarensis. The tips of the protolophid are curved
backwards and overhang the mid valley. The hypolophid is wider and straighter than the
protolophid. The hypolophid in this species may be slightly narrower in proportion to the
protolophid than in N. tirarensis comparing AR1685-6 (D-site) with QM F30231 (COA4).
M 2 - 4 . M 2-4 closely resemble those of N. tirarensis, except that they appear to be slightly
narrower in proportion to their length comparing AR1685, and AR1686 (D-site) with QM
F24230 (COA1) and QM F30231 (COA4). Given the known range of variation in
Neohelos species, these proportional observations are probably not adequate for consistent
differentiation of Neohelos spA from N. tirarensis.
Other Cleft of Ages specimens. Among the Cleft of Ages specimens is a zygomaturine P 3
(QM F20713) with an elongated parametacrista, incipiently divided at the tip by shallow
longitudinal labial and lingual sulci, and lacking a mesostyle and labial cingulum; all
apparently derived states (Fig. 28). While the incipient division of the parametacrista is
considered to be an advanced condition, the state is not unique to the genus Neohelos, but
is also present in Kolopsoides cultridens (Plane 1967) and Plaisiodon centralis. Though
the size of the specimen (length, 16.0 mm; width, 13.8 mm) is within the range of N.
tirarensis, and generally resembles the P 3 of Neohelos species, it shares several characters
with Plaisiodon and Kolopsoides. These include the distinctive form of its hypocone which
consists of a low, broad, posteriorlyinclined elevation of the posterolingual comer of the
longitudinal valley, with no development of a distinct cusp. We cannot absolutely rule out
36
NEOHELOS
Fig. 27. Small Neohelos P 3 -M, specimens; A-B, N.
tirarensis, occlusal and lingual aspects of left P 3
(AR1686) from D-Site, Riversleigh; E-F, Neohelos
spA occlusal and lingual aspects of right P 3 (QM
F24300) Cleft of Ages, Riversleigh; C-D, small N.
tirarensis occlusal and lingual aspects of left M 1
(AR1686) D-Site, Riversleigh; G-H, occlusal and
lingual aspects of right M 1 (AR16955) Cleft of
Ages, Riversleigh. In Neohelos spA the anterior
cristid of P 3 fades into the base of the crown. The
paralophid crest of M 1 is high and flange-like and
the protolophid crest overhangs the interlophid
valley more than in other Neohelos species.
mt tv
MM
Fig. 28. Unassigned zygomaturine right P 3 crown
(QM F20713) from Cleft of Ages Site,
Riversleigh showing divided parametacone and
parastyle connected to the paracone by a crest.
This is an advanced character in zygomaturines
equivalent in stage-of-evolution to that of
Plaisiodon centralis, Kolopsoides cultridens or
Neohelos spC, i.e. mid Miocene to early
Pliocene.
the possibility that QM F20713 is a dP 3 . However, if so, it would suggest an even more
derived state of the P 3 .
As in Kolopsoides , there is a high preparacrista which, in conjunction with the longitudinal
crest of the parametacone forms a long ectoloph. A similar crest occurs in a few specimens
of Neohelos spB but is always accompanied by a strong labial crest on the parastyle,
which, as in Plaisiodon , is absent on QM F20713. Some Plaisiodon specimens also
possess a low crest from the parametacone to the parastyle. While QM F20713 consists of
a partially encrypted enamel cap, there is no indication along its labial margins that a labial
cingulum and mesostyle were present. These features suggest that QM F20713 most likely
represents a close relative of Plaisiodon and Kolopsoides. It seems to represent an
advanced state of development and, therefore, provides an interesting possible stage of
evolution age estimation for the Cleft of Ages material.
37
NEOHELOS
Neohelos spB
Reference specimen. CPC 22200 cranium with complete right and left cheek-tooth rows;
parts of the right squamosal, parietal and zygomatic arch, and right and left I are missing
(Fig. 29).
Reference specimen locality and age. Small Hills Locality, 26 km east south-east of
Camfield Station Homestead on Bullock Creek, Northern Territory (approximately
Latitude 17° 07’ S, Longitude 131° 31’E). Tertiary limestones of the Camfield Beds are
considered to be mid Miocene on the basis of stage-of-evolution biochronology as
discussed below.
Fig. 29. Cranium of Neohelos spB reference specimen (CPC F22200, Blast Site, Bullock Creek);
A, dorsal aspect; B, lateral aspect; C, ventral aspect.
38
NEOHUMS
Referred specimens and localities. Neohelos spB is known from localities in
north-western Queensland and north-western Northern Territory.
Gag, Riversleigh, north-western Queensland: AR3878, right maxilla, P^M 1 ' 3 ; AR 4294,
maxilla, M 1 ' 2 .
Henk’s Hollow, Riversleigh, north-western Queensland: AR5896, left P 3 ; AR3850, left P 3 ;
AR7726, right P 3 ; AR6685, right M 3 ; AR13791, right dentary, M 1 - 4 .
Sticky-beak, Riversleigh, north-western Queensland: AR138791, right dentary, M 2 - 4 ;
AR13969, right dentary, P 3 -M 1 .
Blast Site, Bullock Creek, north-western Northern Territory: CPC 34301, left dentary, P 3 -
M 1 . 3 ; CPC 34302, left maxilla, P 3 -M N2 ; CPC 34300, left dentary, P 3 -M,. 3 ; CPC 22189,
right dentary, M 1 . 2 ; CPC 22190, right dentary. P 3 -Mm; CPC 22191, cranium with right
and left P 3 -M 14 ; CPC 22192, crushed cranium with right and left P 3 -M m ; CPC 22193,
right half of cranium and maxilla, P 3 -M'' 4 ; CPC 22194, right and left premaxilla and
maxilla, I 1 , P 3 ; CPC 22188, anterior half of cranium, left and right P 3 -M 1-4 ; CPC 22196,
edentulous premaxilla; CPC 22199, right dentary, M m ; CPC 22525, braincase and latex
endocast; CPC 22526, cranium with top sheared-off, right and left P 3 -M m ; CPC 22529,
right maxilla, M 2 CPC 22530, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 3 ; CPC 22537, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 - 2 ;
CPC 22539, palate and rostrum, right and left I 1 ,1 3 , P 3 -M m ; CPC 22540, left premaxilla,
I 1 ; CPC 22541, left dentary, M 3 ; CPC 22542, right dentary, M 3 - 4 ; CPC 22544, palate and
posterior half of cranium, right M m , left P 3 -M 14 ; CPC 22545, right dentary, P 3 -Mm;
CPC 22546, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 4 ; CPC 22549, left dentary, M 3 - 4 ; CPC 22551, left dentary,
P 3 -M m ; CPC 22552, right M 1 ; CPC 22555, left dentary, M 2 - 3 ; CPC 22556, right dentary,
M 3 - 4 ; CPC 22557, left maxilla, P^M 1 ; CPC 22987, right maxilla, P^M 1 - 2 ; NMV PI79368,
right dentary, P 3 -M 1 ; NMV P179862, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 4 ; NMV P187283, cranium, left
and right P 3 -M m ; NMV P194537, left M 3 ; NMV P198541, left dentary, M 3 ; NMV
P198542, left dentary, Mm; NMV P201031, left dentary, M 3 - 4 ; NTM P862-1, right I 3 ;
NTM P862-6, right dentary, M m ; NTM P862-25, right I 2 ; NTM P868-1, right M 4 ; NTM
P868-2, right maxilla, P 3 -M m ; NTM P869-4, right P 3 ; NTM P8551-13, cranium, left and
right P 3 -M 3-4 ; NTM P859550, left premaxilla, I 1 ' 2 ; NTM P8610-1, left dentary, P 3 -MM
NTM P8612-1, left premaxilla, I 1 ; NTM P8612-3, right P 3 ; NTM P8619-1, right dentary,
M m NTM P8645-1, left I 3 ; NTM P8675-1, right I 2 ; NTM P8689, left maxilla, P 3 -M 1_2 ;
NTM P8690, maxillary palate, left P 3 -M'* 2 , right P 3 -M m ; NTM P86911, left I 3 ; NTM
P8691-23, left maxilla, M 1 ' 2 ; NTM P8694-2, right maxilla, P 3 -M m ; NTM P8694-3, left
maxilla, orbit, jugal, P 3 -M’' 3 ; NTM P8694-43, right I 1 ; NTM P8695-2, right I 1 ; NTM
P8695-2, right I 3 ; NTM P8695-4, right dentary, P 3 -M 1 M 3 - 4 ; NTM P8695-38, cranium
missing left zygomatic arch, left P 3 -M ! 4 , right P 3 -M 4 ; NTM P8695-39, left maxilla, P 3 -
M 1 * 3 ; NTM P8695-41, left maxilla, P 3 -M‘‘“; NTM P8695-42, left maxilla, M 1 ' 3 ; NTM
P8695-43, right maxilla, P 3 -M 13 ; NTM P8695-44, right maxilla, P 3 -M ! ; NTM P8695-45,
right M 2 ; NTM P8695-46, right maxilla, P 3 -M'' 2 ; NTM P8695-47, left premaxilla, I 1 ;
NTM P8695-49, juvenile premaxilla, I 1 ; NTM P8695-51, left and right edentulous
premaxillae; NTM P8695-52, left and right premaxillae, I 1 ; NTM P8695-53, left and right
edentulous premaxillae; NTM P8695-61, right P 3 ; NTM P8695-63, left P 3 ; NTM
P8695-64, right M 2 ; NTM P8695-67, right dentary, P 3 -M 14 ', NTM P8695-69, right
dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 2 ; NTM P8695-70, right dentary, M 34 ; NTM P8695-71, left dentary, P 3 -
M|. 3 ; NTM P8695-72, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 4 ; NTM P8695-73, left dentary, M 3 . 4 ; NTM
P8695-74, left dentary, P 3 -M m ; NTM P8695-76, right P 3 ; NTM P8695-78, maxilla. M 3 * 4 ;
39
NHOHM.OS
NTM P8695-141, left P 3 ; NTM P8695-211, left ft; NTM P8695-218, right I 2 ; NTM
P8695-221, right I 3 ; NTM P8695-222, left I 1 ; NTM P8695-223, left I 1 ; NTM P8695-224,
left I 2 ; NTM P8695-225, left I 2 ; NTM P8695-226, left I 3 ; NTM P8695-269, left edentulous
premaxilla; NTM P8695-286, right premaxilla, broken l 1 ; NTM P8695-, left scapula, left
femur, left innominate, left tibia, left epipubic bone; NTM P8695a-e, three right and two
left isolated petrosals; NTM P8711-9, left half of anterior part of cranium; NTM P8792-9,
right I 3 ; NTM P8792-15, braincase and latex endocast; NTM P8792-16, edentulous left
premaxilla; NTM P8792-17, left dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 4 ; NTM P8792-18, left dentarv, M 2 - 4 ;
NTM P8792-19, cranium, left P 3 -M m , right P^M 1 - 2 ; NTM P8792-20, right M 2 ; NTM
P9295, braincase and cranial base; NTM P87103-20, right M 2 ; NTM P87103- left ulna.
NTM P87104-27, right premaxilla, I 1 ; NTM P87108-1, cranium missing rostrum, right M 2 *
4 , left M 3-4 ; NTM P87108-6 left premaxilla, I 1 ; NTM P87108- ( ), left humerus, sacrum;
NTM P87108a, right premaxilla, I 1 , I 3 ; NTM P87110, right dentary, P3-M1.3; NTM
P87111-16, left and right premaxillae, l 3 ; NTM P87113-5, right I 3 ; NTM P87113-11, left
dentary, P 3 -M m ; NTM P87115, right dentary, P 3 -M m ; NTM P87115-8, left maxilla, P 3 -
M 1 ; NTM P87115-16, left dentary, P 3 -M m .
Camp Quarry, Bullock Creek, north-western Northern Territory: NMV PI87289, right
dentary, P 3 -M m ; NMV PI87290, left dentary, M 2 - 4 ; NMV PI94538, right maxilla, P 3 -M l_
3 and left P 3 -M'; NMV PI94539, left dentary, M2-3; NMV PI94541, right M 2 ; NMV
PI97896, maxillae, left M J and right M 4 ; NMV PI98543, left maxilla, P 3 -M .
Horseshoe West, Bullock Creek, north-western Northern Territory: NMV PI79244, right
P 3 ; NMV PI79369, left dentary, M,. 2: NMV P194364, right maxilla, P 3 -M ! ; NMV
PI94530, right maxilla, M 2 ' 3 ; NMV PI94532, left maxilla, P 3 -M m ; NMV PI94540, left
M 3 ; NMV PI94546, right dentary, M 2 - 4 ; NMV PI94547, right M 4 ; NMV PI94548, right
maxilla, P 3 -M'' 2 ; NMV P194549, right dentary, P 3 -M 1 . 3 ; NMV P194551, right maxilla,
P^M 1 ; NMV P194552, left maxilla, P 3 -M'; NMV P194553, left maxilla, P^M 1 ; NMV
PI94554, right M 1 ; NMV P194555, left M 3 ; NMV P194556, left maxilla, P^M 1 ; NMV
P194557, right M 3 ; NMV P194558, left P 3 ; NMV P194565, right M 3 .
Top Quarry, Bullock Creek, north-western Northern Territory: NMV PI79106, left P 3 ;
NMV PI79159, right P 3 ; NMV PI79857, left dentary, M 2 -i; NMV PI87284, right maxilla,
M 2-4 ; NMV PI87285, left maxilla, P 3 -M m ; NMV PI87286, left maxilla, M 3 - 4 ; NMV
PI87287, left maxilla, P^M 1 ; NMV PI94533, right M 3 ; NMV PI94534, left M 4 ; NMV
P194535, right M,; NMV P194536, right M 4 ; NMV P194544, right M 4 ; NMV P194545,
right P 3 ; NMV P194559, left M 3 ; NMVP197892, cranium, left and right P 3 -M m ; NMV
P197893, left dentary. Mm; NMV P197894, left maxilla, M 1 ' 2 ; NMV PI97895, right
maxilla. M 2 " 4 ; NMV P201027, right maxilla, M 2 - 4 ; NMV P201028, left dentary, P 3 -M,;
NMV P201029, right dentary, M 4 ; NMV P201030, left maxilla, M 2-4 ; NMV P205129, left
maxilla, M 2 " 4 ; NMV P205130, right maxilla, M 2 " 4 ; NMV P205131, right dentary, M 2 - 4 ;
NTM P8662-9, left maxilla, M , NTM P8694-1, rostrum fragment; NTM P8697-1,
cranium, left and right P 3 -M n2 .
Species diagnosis. Molars larger than Nehelos spA and N. tirarensis\ P 3 parametacone
cusp blade-like rather than conical or pyramidal; canine absent. Loph bases thicker and less
overhanging, P 3 parametacone less acute, and anterior crest of P3 stronger than in Neohelos
spC.
Remarks. Some specimens of Neohelos spB are among the best preserved Tertiary
vertebrate fossils in Australia (Figs 29, 30). Because of the completeness of the material.
40
NKOHF.I.OS
we have endeavoured to provide as detailed an anatomical study of the species as seems
practical within the confines of a predominantly systematic paper. Unfortunately, we have
not completed the study of the manus and pes, the addition of which would have
considerably improved our restoration of the skeleton (Fig. 51).
Fig. 30. Neohelos spB. Left juvenile dentary (CPC F23025 Blast Site, Bullock Creek); A, internal aspect; B,
occlusal (dorsal) aspect.
Description. Incisors. The labial outline of the upper incisor series is C-shaped or U-
shaped with the I 3 alveolus situated posterolateral to the I 2 alveolus (Fig. 31). The I 2 and I 3
have a horizontal wear surface while the I 1 is worn on its Posterior surface; consequently
its tip extends below the occlusal plane of the other two teeth.
/. The I 1 was an ever-growing tooth with roots that remained open throughout most, if not
all of the animal’s lifetime (Fig. 32A-C). In a few highly worn examples, the apex of the
root is partially closed, presumably indicative of extremely old individuals. The tip of I 1
bears a marked occlusal notch in all but the youngest specimens. Enamel is confined to the
anterolateral surface of the tooth and to the distal one-fourth of the tooth in mature
individuals. The mesial surface of the tooth is flat, the lateral surface concave and a section
drawn midway between the tip and the root opening is D-shaped. A typical I 1 is 14.5 mm
wide and 9.0 mm thick. When both first incisors are in place they converge at the tip, both
emerging from the premaxilla in a ventromesial direction with a small gap between them.
f. I 2 is the least well represented of the incisors in the collection (Fig. 32D). Only one
specimen of premaxilla retains an I 2 in its socket. The 13.5-13.8 mm wide I 2 crown is
about a quarter to a third wider transversely than the I 3 . In lateral aspect the crown is an
asymmetrical trapezoidal shape with the anterior angle being acute and the posterior angle
being obtuse. The pointed anterior margin of the I 2 crown slightly overlaps the
posterolateral side of I 1 , leaving a triangular gap between the contact and the alveolus
above. The lateral surface of the crown is inscribed by one or more longitudinal grooves.
The occlusal surface is lozenge-shaped with a slight lingual thickening just behind the
midpoint. The entire crown has an enamel perimeter.
41
NEOHELOS
Fig. 31. A-C, Neohelos spB left premaxilla (NTM
P87108-6, Blast Site, Bullock Creek); A, lateral
aspect; B, ventral aspect; C, internal aspect.
Fig. 32. Neohelos spB; incisors; A-C, mesial,
distal and labial views, respectively of I 1 (NTM
P8695-2 Blast Site, Bullock Creek); D, labial and
occlusal aspects of right I 2 (NTM P862-25 Blast
Site, Bullock Creek); E, labial and occlusal aspects
of right I 3 (NTM P87113-5 Blast Site, Bullock
Creek); F-G, labial and dorsal (occlusal) aspects
of 1 1 (NTM P8695-211 Blast Site, Bullock Creek).
f. The 9.0-10.5 mm wide I 3 crowns have an elongated triangular occlusal surface with the
apex directed posterolaterally (Fig. 32E). A wide, shallow longitudinal groove divides the
lateral surface of the crown into approximate halves. The crown is transversely narrow and
tapers rapidly to the tip of the root. Enamel is developed on both labial and lingual surfaces
and curves forward onto the anterior surface of the tooth.
//. The single paired lower incisors are broadly lanceolate (Figs 30A-B, 32F-G). The
appression facet indicates that these incisors converge and touch only at their tips. They
42
NEOHEWS
curve gently upward and forward and bear enamel on the distal third of the tooth. The
enamel is mainly confined to the ventrolabial surface but does curve around onto the lower
third of the mesial surface near the tip. In little worn specimens, a ridge of dentine parallels
the labial curve of the enamel. A deep, longitudinal groove is present on the internal dorsal
surface. The ventral margin of the labial side of the crown also has a conspicuous
longitudinal groove situated about 2.0 mm to 3.0 mm above a rounded enamel crest (Fig.
32F). The lower incisors occlude with all of the upper incisors meeting the posterior
surface of I 1 and the horizontal occlusal surfaces of the I 2 ' 3 . Older individuals developed a
marked occlusal notch. The root is ovate to subrectangular in cross-section, with the dorsal
surface broader than the ventral. The tooth root does taper, but appears to have remained
open, even in old individuals.
Upper cheek teeth. P_. The P 3 is a four-cusped tooth consisting of a protocone,
parametacone, parastyle and hypocone (Figs 9A, 33A-H; Table 8). A mesostyle is
developed at the base of the parametacone. The crown is widest across the protocone,
parametacone and mesostyle and tapers both anteriorly and posteriorly from this plane.
The parametacone is the highest cusp and is distinctly pyramidal in shape. One plane of the
pyramid is approximately labial, the anterior plane is transverse, and the posterior plane
runs obliquely from the posterolabial comer of the tooth to, or just labial of, the protocone.
The protocone is conical and in unworn specimens has a transverse labial link of variable
strength to the base of the parametacone. The parastyle is also conical and is lower than the
parametacone and protocone. In some specimens three ridges ascend from the apex:
labially, lingually and posteriorly; while in other specimens the labial and lingual ridges
become cingulae. In some examples, the posterior ridge links with a ridge which ascends
anteriorly from the parametacone. The hypocone is the smallest and lowest cusp, situated
approximately midway between the protocone and the back of the tooth. It is conical with
well-developed lingual cingulae anterior and posterior to it. In some specimens it is located
slightly posterolabial to the protocone.
Fig. 33. Neohelos spB P 3 and M 1 specimens: A-B, occlusal and labial aspects of left P 3 -M' (NTM P8695-41
Blast Site, Bullock Creek); C-D, occlusal and labial aspects of right P s -M' (NTM P8695-44 Blast Site,
Bullock Creek); E-F, occlusal and labial aspects of right P 3 -M' (NTM P862-2 Blast Site, Bullock Creek);
G-H, occlusal and labial aspects of right P 3 -M' (AR3878) from the Gag Site, Riversleigh.
43
NliOHHLVS
Table 8. Measurements (millimetres) of the upper cheek teeth of Neohelos spB (estimations in italics).
SPECIMEN
SITE
SIDE
P3
L
W
Ml
L
AW '
PW
M2
L
AW
PW
M3
L
AW
PW
M4
L
AW
PW
AR 3850
Gag Site
L
17.5
16.1
—
AR3878
Gag Site
R
17.1
14.4
17.8
15.6
16.3
20.2
18.0
18.2
22.2
21.2
18.6
—
—
—
AR4294
Gag Site
?
—
—
15.3
13.0
12.9
16.3
14.3
13.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
AR5896
Henks Hollow
R
19.2
CPC 22188
Blast Site
L
19.2
15.3
19.6
16.6
17.5
20.9
19.4
18.6
22.3
20.7
18.4
—
—
—
CPC 22188
Blast Site
R
19.4
15.8
18.8
16.7
17.5
21.0
19.0
19.1
22.0
20.2
18.3
—
—
—
CPC 22191
Blast Site
L
18.5
16.8
20.6
19.8
17.7
22.1
20.0
18.5
23.6
21.7
18.7
23.1
20.2
15.4
CPC 22191
Blast Site
R
17.8
17.6
19.6
18.0
17.9
21.8
20.6
19.0
24.2
21.7
19.6
23.5
20.0
15.1
CPC 22192
Blast Site
L
19.1
17.8
—
—
—
21.7
20.0
19.7
22.4
21.0
—
—
—
—
CPC 22192
Blast Site
R
—
—
20.0
—
—
21.5
—
—
22.4
—
—
22.1
—
—
CPC 22193
Blast Site
R
20.2
16.6
20.0
18.5
18.7
21.3
—
19.7
23.6
22.1
—
21.8
—
—
CPC 22200
Blast Site
L
19.4
16.3
20.4
19.4
20.2
22.1
21.9
21.5
24.4
22.3
20.5
24.2
20.0
16.9
CPC 22200
Blast Site
R
18.8
—
20.4
19.1
—
22.1
20.8
21.4
24.0
22.4
20.4
25.0
20.2
16.8
CPC 22525
Blast Site
L
23.9
—
15.9
CPC 22525
Blast Site
R
_
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.2
23.4
—
—
22.9
—
—
CPC 22526
Blast Site
L
17.9
15.5
20.5
16.3
17.6
23.0
19.6
18.7
24.6
21.0
18.6
23.8
20.1
15.0
CPC 22526
Blast Site
R
19.6
15.1
20.2
16.1
17.5
—
—
—
—
22.2
18.8
25.0
20.0
14.9
CPC 22529
Blast Site
R
_
—
19.8
18.0
17.9
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
CPC 22539
Blast Site
L
16.2
14.2
19.6
17.2
17.6
19.4
20.0
18.9
22.4
21.0
17.8
22.2
19.5
14.4
CPC 22539
Blast Site
R
18.3
15.5
19.6
17.5
17.9
21.0
19.4
CPC 22539
Blast Site
R
—
_
19.1
17.1
17.4
20.6
20.0
18.9
23.4
21.1
17.9
21.8
19.2
14.6
CPC 22552
Blast Site
R
22.7
20.6
CPC 22557
Blast Site
L
18.1
15.6
—
17.3
CPC 22987
Blast Site
R
18.0
16.8
20.5
18.6
19.6
22.1
20.7
19.9
—
21.1
—
—
—
—
CPC 34302
Blast Site
L
16.8
14.9
19.0
18.4
19.5
21.0
19.7
NMVP179106 Top Quarry
L
16.2
14.4
NMv Pi 79159 Top Quarry
R
18.3
16.6
—
—
NMVP179159 Top Quarry
R
19.2
17.2
NMV PI 87283 Blast Site
L
16.2
15.4
17.4
16.4
17.0
—
NMV PI 87283 Blast Site
R
17.6
15.2
17.2
16.1
16.4
19.6
18.0
18.5
21.0
19.3
18.0
21.9
18.2
—
NMV PI 87284 Top Quarry
R
_
—
—
—
—
20.1
19.7
19.3
22.5
21.3
18.0
22.1
19.1
14.1
NMVP187285 Top Quarry
L
16.6
14.8
17.8
15.9
18.0
21.2
19.0
19.4
23.1
20.9
18.5
21.5
—
14.9
NMVP187286 Top Quarry
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21.9
20.3
17.8
21.5
18.8
15.5
NMVP187287 Top Quarry
L
16.8
15.0
17.9
16.4
16.8
—
NMV PI 94364 Horseshoe W
R
18.1
16.1
18.9
18.1
19.0
NMVP194530 Horseshoe W
L
_
—
—
—
—
22.7
21.6
20.3
25.1
22.3
—
—
—
—
NMV PI 94530 Horseshoe W
R
_
—
—
—
—
22.9
21.7
19.9
—
20.7
—
—
—
—
NMV PI 94532 Horseshoe W
L
17.0
16.4
18.1
17.0
18.0
21.7
19.7
19.1
22.4
21.0
18.2
22.4
18.2
14.0
NMV PI 94534 Top Quarry
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21.6
18.9
14.7
NMV P194536 Top Quarry
R
23.0
19.6
17.1
NMVP194537 Top Quarry
L
21.3
19.0
17.7
—
—
—
NMVP194538 Camp Quarry
L
16.4
14.7
19.0
17.1
18.5
NMVP194538 Camp Quarry
R
16.5
14.3
18.9
17.0
18.5
20.5
19.7
19.1
21.4
20.0
—
—
—
—
NMVP194540 Horse-shoe W
L
_
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
25.2
20.6
22.4
—
—
—
NMV PI 94544 Top Quarry
R
—
—
27.5
19.4
15.4
NMV P194545 Top Quarry
R
16.7
14.6
NMV P194548 Horseshoe W
R
—
—
19.0
17.5
17.6
20.1
18.0
18.4
NMV PI 94551 Horseshoe W
R
—
—
21.3
18.4
19.9
NMV PI 94552 Horseshoe W
L
—
—
19.5
16.8
17.7
The labial stylar cusp or mesostyle is variable in its development ranging from a small,
sharp conical prominence to a larger, blunt swelling. A posterolabial cingulum is present in
all specimens. The development of an anterolabial cingulum appears to be completely
random. Lingual cingulae are always present between the bases of the protocone and
hypocone. In most cases a posterior cingulum ascends from the posterior base of the
hypocone across the back of the tooth and joins the postparametacrista or posterior
shearing ridge.
44
ni:ohi;u)s
Table 8 (cont). Measurements (millimetres) of the upper cheek teeth of Neohelos spB (estimations in italics).
SPECIMEN SITE
SIDE
P3
L
W
Ml
L
AW
PW
M2
L
AW
PW
M3
L
AW
PW
M4
L
AW
PW
NMV PI 94553 Horseshoe W
L
—
—
19.2
16.9
17.5
NMV PI 94554 Horseshoe W
R
—
—
19.1
16.5
16.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
NMV PI 94556 Horseshoe W
L
—
—
19.3
16.0
17.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
NMV PI 94558 Horseshoe W
L
17.8
15.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
NMV P194565 Horseshoe W
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
18.8
21.5
—
—
—
—
NMV PI 97892 Top Quarry
L
16.4
14.4
19.9
17.7
18.6
20.6
20.7
19.5
22.6
22.3
19.2
23.5
20.3
15.1
NMV P197892 Top Quarry
R
16.7
14.6
20.1
17.9
18.7
21.3
20.8
19.5
22.7
22.1
18.6
22.8
20.1
15.0
NMV PI 97894 Top Quarry
L
—
—
20.6
18.1
20.1
22.2
20.8
21.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
NMV PI 97895 Top Quarry
R
—
—
—
—
—
23.4
22.4
20.5
23.2
22.3
19.1
22.4
20.3
15.1
NMV P197896 Camp Quarry
L
—
—
23.0
20.1
17.4
—
—
—
NMV P197896 Camp Quarry
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
18.6
—
—
NMV P198543 Camp Quarry
L
16.7
14.8
18.6
17.9
18.8
20.9
20.2
18.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
NMV P201027 Top Quarry
R
—
—
—
—
—
20.4
21.3
19.7
22.4
22.1
18.8
22.4
20.5
15.8
NMV P201030 Top Quarry
L
—
—
—
—
—
19.4
18.4
18.0
21.1
19.4
17.5
21.1
18.7
14.8
NMV 205129 Top Quarry
L
—
—
—
—
—
18.9
19.0
17.9
21.5
20.8
—
21.2
18.9
13.8
NMV 205130 Top Quarry
R
—
—
19.2
17.9
18.2
21.0
20.3
18.4
22.5
21.0
18.1
21.2
19.6
14.8
NTM P8551-13 Blast Site
L
17.5
16.2
19.9
18.7
19.8
22.0
22.1
21.0
25.5
23.0
21.4
24.2
22.2
17.9
NTM P8551-13 Blast Site
R
17.6
16.3
19.4
18.0
18.9
21.9
20.9
19.2
24.2
20.1
19.0
24.1
20.6
15.6
NTM P8612-3 Blast Site
R
20.2
16.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8662-9 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
20.1
—
18.0
22.3
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P868-2 Blast Site
R
18.7
16.7
21.7
19.1
20.2
21.9
20.6
21.0
22.0
20.8
20.3
—
20.5
—
NTM P8689 Blast Site
L
15.8
14.5
18.6
16.9
17.8
20.5
19.3
18.4
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8694 Blast Site
R
16.0
—
18.5
NTM P8690 Blast Site
L
—
—
19.0
16.1
16.9
20.5
18.9
18.4
NTM P8690 Blast Site
R
16.0
15.4
18.2
16.2
17.1
20.3
19.0
18.4
21.9
20.1
17.9
—
18.7
—
NTM P8691-23 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
20.7
—
—
22.8
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8694-2 Blast Site
R
18.2
15.7
19.4
17.5
17.9
21.2
20.0
18.8
23.4
21.1
18.0
23.5
18.8
14.4
NTM P8694-3 Blast Site
L
18.7
—
18.4
—
—
20.2
—
—
21.6
19.3
—
—
—
—
NTM P8695-38 Blast Site
L
20.4
17.6
19.7
17.8
18.1
22.7
20.6
19.3
24.5
22.0
19.7
24.6
21.9
15.9
NTM P8695-38 Blast Site
R
19.6
16.2
—
—
—
_
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
16.2
NTM P8695-39 Blast Site
L
—
—
19.7
—
17.9
21.0
19.3
—
23.5
—
18.6
22.5
—
—
NTM P869540 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
_
—
—
24.0
7.0
19.0
7.0
21.0
1.0
NTM P869541 Blast Site
L
20.2
17.0
19.2
17.5
18.9
21.4
20.0
19.8
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P869542 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
21.6
—
—
24.0
22.0
—
—
—
—
NTM P869543 Blast Site
R
18.3
16.0
19.4
17.3
17.9
22.0
20.0
19.0
23.6
21.2
18.4
—
—
—
NTM P869544 Blast Site
R
18.7
15.3
19.8
17.0
17.9
22.1
—
NTM P869545 Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
21.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P869546 Blast Site
R
19.2
17.0
20.9
18.5
18.6
22.2
21.3
19.8
NTM P8695-61 Blast Site
R
17.6
15.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8695-63 Blast Site
L
18.6
15.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8695-64 Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
22.9
20.6
18.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8695-65 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21.3
19.3
15.6
NTM P8695-78 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
19.0
23.7
20.3
16.4
NTM P8697-1 Blast Site
L
17.5
15.3
20.0
—
18.3
21.8
20.3
20.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8697-1 Blast Site
R
17.6
15.0
19.5
17.8
19.4
21.2
20.4
20.1
NTM P87108-1 Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
23.8
23.0
21.0
22.8
21.8
17.5
NTM P87108-1 Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
21.0
22.6
22.0
16.9
NTM P8792-19 Blast Site
L
15.1
—
19.0
19.0
19.1
21.4
19.9
19.1
23.0
21.6
19.0
22.3
—
—
NTM P8792-19 Blast Site
R
18.8
15.3
19.2
18.3
18.6
21.6
20.1
19.3
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8792-20 Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
20.7
18.9
18.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
M 1 . The M 1 is slightly longer than it is wide in all specimens (Figs 33, 34D-E; Table 8).
The transverse lophs of both moieties are slightly curved or convex towards the front of the
tooth. The convexity of the lophs increase with wear, and in some specimens the
depression on the posterior surface of the protoloph form well-defined circular basins in
the median valley. The protoloph is transversely narrower than the metaloph and the tooth
45
NEOHEWS
0 1 2 3 4 5
CM
Fig. 34. Neohelos spB cheek tooth rows from the Blast Site, Bullock Creek: A-B. labial and occlusal aspects
of left lower cheek teeth (CPC 22530); C, occlusal aspect of left lower cheek teeth (CPC 22551) D, occlusal
aspect of left upper cheek teeth (CPC22525); E, occlusal aspect of left upper cheek teeth (CPC 22195).
tapers slightly towards the front. Anterior to the paracone is a strong parastyle, connected
to the protoloph by a curved ridge. The parastyle also sends a ridge forward, ascending to
the anterior cingulum. When viewed from the labial side of unworn specimens, the
parastyle is separated from the protoloph by a deep, narrow commissure, and it is obvious
that the parastyle forms a functional shear with the postparametacrista of P 1 .
A small metastyle is found on the posterolabial comer of the metaloph. In most specimens
it is a small cusp with an anterior and posterior ridge. The front ridge descends to the tip of
the metacone while the back ridge rises in a posterolingual direction and continues across
the base of the tooth to a lingual position above, and just lingual to the metaconule. In
some cases a secondary cusp is found on the anterior ridge, halfway between the metastyle
and the metacone. A weak link ascends from behind the paracone into the median valley
46
NEOHElXXt
where it meets an even weaker ridge ascending forward from a point below and just lingual
to the metacone on the anterior face of the metaloph. These weak crests merge just labial to
the midline of the loph. A second, weak ridge ascends from the paracone to the labial edge
of the median valley. At the lingual end of the transverse valley a cingulum connects the
base of the protocone with the base of the metaconule. This is a variable feature, being
predominantly developed in specimens with strong ridges up onto the lingual ends of the
proto- and metalophs, whereas in others, these ridges are totally absent. If the ridges are
present, they are always strongest on the two anteriormost molars.
M 2 ' 4 . The posterior molars are generally similar to M 1 . In M 2 , the protoloph is slightly
wider than the metaloph, the parastyle is reduced in size and does not have such well
developed anterior and posterior ridges, nor does it form a functional shear plane with the
posterior ridge on M 1 (Fig. 34D-E). The metastyle is considerably reduced as are the
ridges in front of, and behind the metacone. In M 3 ' 4 , the protoloph is considerably wider
than the metaloph, and in M 4 the metaloph is lingually offset, with the metaconule directly
behind the protocone and the metacone considerably lingual to the paracone. In M 3 the
metastyle is very small and lacks an anterior ridge, while in M 4 the metastyle is either
completely missing or minute. The posterior cingulum is diminished in M 3 and often only
faintly discernible in M 4 .
Lower cheek teeth. P 3 , The sectorial lower P 3 is oval in occlusal outline and is dominated
by the large main cuspid or protoconid (Figs 34A-C, 35A-D; Table 9). The apex of the
protoconid is situated in the center of the crown. In lateral aspect the anterior profile of the
crown is convex and the posterior half, which forms a shearing blade, is concave. A sharp
anterior blade extends to about three-quarters of the distance to the base of the crown.
Anterolingually, a shallow, narrow longitudinal furrow that corresponds with a thegotic
facet parallels the anterior crest, terminating inferiorly in a dimple emarginated by a short
cingulid or cuspid. The posterior blade is formed by a steeply descending postprotocristid
that unites with short labial and lingual basal cingulids to define a low posteromedial facet
or ledge.
A B CD
Fig. 35. Neohelos spB; P 3 and M, specimens; A-B, occlusal and lingual aspects of right P 3 -M, (NTM
P87103-26 Blast Site, Bullock Creek); B, occlusal and lingual aspects of right P 3 -M) (NTM P8695-69 Blast
Site, Bullock Creek). Note small cuspid (ACD) and short, low cingulid developed at the base of the anterior
median cristid of P 3 in this species.
47
mommas
Table 9. Measurements (millimetres) of lower cheek teeth of Neohelos spB (estimations in italics).
SPECIMEN
SITE
SIDE
L
P3
W
L
Ml
AW
PW
L
M2
AW
PW
L
M3
AW
PW
L
M4
AW
PW
AR13791
Sticky-beak
R
—
—
—
—
—
20.0
—
—
22.0
—
15.6
21.0
—
14.3
AR13969
Sticky-beak
R
12.5
8.6
17.3
11.6
12.2
AR 6685
Hente Hollow
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
22.2
16.7
16.4
—
—
—
AR 7726
Henks Hollow
R
14.0
10.5
CPC 22189
Blast Site
R
—
—
20.8
13.6
14.8
23.2
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
CPC 22190
Blast Site
R
14.8
10.6
19.8
15.1
15.6
22.5
17.9
—
24.4
—
—
23.1
18.5
16.0
CPC 22199
Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
22.1
—
18.9
24.3
19.3
18.2
22.9
19.6
—
CPC 22530
Blast Site
L
14.6
11.6
19.1
14.3
15.8
21.9
18.3
17.0
23.9
20.1
18.0
—
—
—
CPC 22537
Blast Site
L
16.3
11.7
21.0
13.8
16.0
23.3
18.0
19.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
CPC 22541
Blast Site
L
17.4
—
—
—
CPC 22542
Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
26.2
—
20.0
26.0
20.8
—
CPC 22545
Blast Site
R
13.1
—
8.9
—
—
20.1
—
—
22.3
—
—
22.9
—
CPC 22546
Blast Site
L
_
—
20.2
—
—
23.9
—
—
24.6
—
—
—
20.0
—
CPC 22549
Blast Site
L
_
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
25.1
18.9
17.4
24.9
18.5
—
CPC 22551
Blast Site
L
15.0
11.9
20.1
14.5
15.7
22.6
17.7
17.3
23.9
18.5
18.3
22.2
18.5
18.3
CPC 22555
Blast Site
L
_
—
—
—
—
22.4
—
18.0
23.8
—
—
—
—
—
CPC 22556
Blast Site
R
_
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
22.0
16.7
16.1
22.0
17.1
15.9
CPC 34301
Blast Site
L
13.8
19.7
13.3
15.6
22.1
18.1
17.3
24.4
18.8
17.8
—
—
—
CPC F34300
Blast Site
L
14.2
9.7
18.7
13.2
13.7
21.5
16.8
16.3
23.0
17.7
17.3
—
—
—
NMV PI79244
Horseshoe W
R
17.9
13.0
NMV PI79368
Blast Site
R
13.5
9.0
19.1
13.0
14.9
NMV P179369
Horseshoe W
L
—
—
19.8
12.9
14.9
21.9
16.9
NMVP179857
Top Quarry
L
—
—
—
—
—
21.8
17.8
24.4
19.9
18.6
25.0
20.3
—
NMVP179862
Blast Site
L
11.5
10.7
17.3
13.3
14.6
19.1
17.2
16.3
—
—
—
25.0
18.3
17.1
NMVP187289
Camp Quarry
R
13.0
9.3
17.4
12.5
14.0
19.6
16.0
15.9
22.4
18.1
17.6
22.7
—
—
NMVP187290
Camp Quarry
L
—
—
—
—
—
17.9
20.0
18.1
26.6
21.7
20.7
28.0
21.3
19.8
NMV P194533
Top Quarry
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
24.5
17.0
17.0
—
—
—
NMV P194535
Top Quarry
R
—
—
18.5
14.0
15.7
NMVP194539
NMV P194541
NMV P194546
NMV PI94547
NMV PI94549
NMV P194555
NMV P194557
NMV PI 94559
NMV P197893
NMV P198541
NMV P198542
NMV P201028
NMV P201029
NMV P201031
Camp Quarry
Blast Site
Horseshoe W
Horseshoe W
Horseshoe W
Horseshoe W
Horseshoe W
Top Quarry
Top Quarry
Camp Quarry
Blast Site
Top Quarry
Top Quarry
L
R
R
R
R
L
R
L
L
L
L
L
R
L
— — 16.5
21.2 16.9 15.7
19.7 14.6 16.1 22.7 18.6 12.8
23.9 18.8 18.7 —
20.8
24.8
25.5
22.3
23.9
19.7
19.1
16.7
18.2
16.5
18.7
18.7
15.9
16.6
23.5 —
23.5 18.4
— — 19.9
13.7
16.4
24.2
17.7
— — 21.2
13.9
15.6
23.2
17.3
25.9 19.1 19.3
NTM P8695-75
NTM P8695-76
NTM P87103-20
NTM P87110
NTM P87113-11
NTM P87115-116
NTM P87115-7
NTM P8792-17
NTMP8792-18
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
Blast Site
L
R
R
R
L
L
R
L
L
13.9
15.2
14.9
15.0
15.0
14.5
10.3
10.4
10.3
10.1
10.4
15.5
27.0 19.2 19.1
22.5 16.3
23.3 17.8
14.8
14.9
NMV P205131
Top Quarry
R
—
—
—
—
—
21.7
17.3
16.9
23.5
17.8
17.2
23.5
17.7
NTM 8695-71
Blast Site
L
—
—
22.7
16.7
18.7
—
—
194
25.5
21.4
19.7
—
—
—
NTM P8610-1
Blast Site
L
—
—
17.8
12.5
13.5
19.4
15.6
15.0
22.7
17.0
16.1
22.0
—
—
NTM P8612-2
Blast Site
L
14.1
10.3
NTM P8619-1
Blast Site
R
_
—
—
—
—
22.0
—
17.3
24.2
—
18.6
24.6
—
17.9
NTM P862-5
Blast Site
R
_
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
23.0
—
17.9
22.3
17.2
16.5
NTM P862-6
Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
21.2
17.1
16.8
22.5
17.5
16.9
22.0
16.5
15.0
NTM P868-1
Blast Site
R
—
25.6
18.7
18.6
NTM P8695-4
Blast Site
R
14.2
10.4
18.8
13.6
14.8
—
—
—
23.3
17.6
16.4
24.2
17.7
16.3
NTM P8695-67
Blast Site
R
14.6
10.5
19.5
13.4
14.7
22.4
17.6
16.5
24.6
18.8
17.9
22.0
18.4
17.4
NTM P8695-69
Blast Site
R
16.8
11.3
20.6
13.8
15.1
21.4
17.1
16.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
NTM P8596-70
Blast Site
R
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
15.1
21.1
17.1
—
NTM P8695-72
Blast Site
L
_
—
18.1
12.4
13.2
21.3
16.4
15.1
24.0
17.6
16.4
23.5
17.8
159
NTM P8695-73
Blast Site
L
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
24.3
19.1
18.2
25.1
18.9
18.2
NTM P8695-74
Blast Site
L
14.7
10.7
19.7
13.7
15.0
21.4
16.4
16.1
23.2
18.0
17.0
24.3
_
16.0
20.3
14.5
15.9
22.0
18.0
17.0
23.7
19.0
17.3
—
—
—
18.2
13.3
14.7
20.2
16.5
16.0
22.7
17.9
16.8
22.0
17.5
16.0
20.4
14.5
16.0
23.0
18.0
17.6
24.3
19.0
17.9
24.5
18.5
16.6
20.0
14.0
16.4
23.3
18.0
17.8
25.6
20.1
19.7
25.4
—
17.1
19.2
_
15.6
21.7
_
—
23.6
18.0
16.9
22.7
17.2
16.5
—
—
—
—
—
15.7
24.3
17.8
17.4
25.2
17.5
17.4
48
NHOHI:U)S
On worn specimens there is an illusion of a posteromedian cuspid, but unworn specimens
demonstrate the apparent cuspid is an artefact or residual left when wear takes place on the
crest that descends from the central cuspid. The posterolingual surface of the crown is a
parabolic cavity extending from the apex of the protoconid down to a low, thick,
obliquely-oriented lingual cingulid that emarginates a short, rounded posterolingual shelf.
The labial posterior surface is also distinctly, though less concave. The posterolabial
cingulid is divided by a vertical crease or furrow into posterior and anterior components.
The posterior segment is longest and thickest. It ascends steeply towards the
postprotocristid. The anterior segment is very short and usually less prominent. It is
horizontal or may ascend towards the labial cristid of the protoconid. The posterolabial and
posterolingual cingulids of P 3 terminate at the anterior margin of the posterior root in
Neohelos spB. An anterolabial cingulid is present on some individuals.
M/. Mi is a rectangular-crowned tooth, a little longer than it is wide (Figs 34A-C, 35A-D).
The protolophid is narrower than the hypolophid. The tooth narrows to a blunt, steep
interproximal face. A long, blade-like paralophid crest descends obliquely from the
protoconid to a point between a third, to halfway from the labial edge of the tooth, to
where it bends sharply onto the anterior cingulid. The anterior cingulid terminates at the
anterolingual comer of the crown and is stronger on the lingual side of the tooth than on
the labial. The paralophid crest extending from the protoconid to the anterior cingulid
forms a functional shear in line with the postprotocristid of P 3 . The metalophid is only
weakly developed and descends anterolingually from the hypoconid.
A labial cingulid is present at the labial end of the transverse valley, and a very small
cuspid on this cingulid is the origin of two slight ridges, which ascend towards the
protoconid and the hypoconid. Similar ridges are present at the lingual end of the
transverse valley. They meet at the base of the valley, the anterior ridge ascending towards
the metaconid, but fading out approximately halfway up the lophid; while a similar ridge
ascends posterodorsally towards the entoconid. A small posterior cingulid crosses the
bottom of the tooth from the base of the hypoconid to the base of the entoconid. There is a
slight thickening of the cingulid at the midline, and it terminates at the lingual end in a very
small cuspid, only visible in lightly worn specimens. From the lingual view, the floor of
the median valley is V-shaped, while in labial view it is more U-shaped.
M% 4 . The M 2 is similar to Mi, as are M 3 _ 4 . However, the protolophid is wider than the
hypolophid and the paralophid crest is short, descending only one-third the way down the
crown (Fig. 34C). The lingual crests which ascend the entoconid and metaconid are weaker
and do not meet in a sharp V, but rather are U-shaped, and the median valley when viewed
from the lingual side is also U-shaped. M 3 is very similar to M 2 except that the protolophid
is markedly wider than the hypolophid and both the protoconid and metaconid are more
inflated and bulbous. A slight metalophid is apparent on unworn teeth. M 4 is similar in that
the hypolophid is less wide than the protolophid, but not greatly reduced as in the metaloph
of the uppermolars.
Cranium and dentary. General morphology of the cranium . Adult Neohelos spB crania
range between 300 mm and 450 mm in condylobasal length, longer than any specimen of
Kolopsis torus Woodbume (1967a) and smaller than, but also similar in appearance to
Plaisiodon centralis Woodburne (1967a). The structural relations of the cranium of
Neohelos spB are fundamentally wombat-like, though its elongated, narrow shape contrasts
strongly with the dorsally flattened, rectangular crania of living wombats (Figs 29, 36;
Tables 10, 11).
49
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 36. Cranial anatomy of Neohelos spB (NTM P8551-13 Blast Site, Bullock Creek); A, lateral aspect; B,
ventral aspect; C, dorsal aspect.
50
NEOHELOS
Table 10. Cranial measurements of Neohelos spB.
CPC 22200
NTM P8697-1
CPC 2252
CPC22526
CPC 22192
CPC 22188
NTM P8551-13
NTM P8695-78
NTM P87108-1
NTM P8695-38
Width across masseteric processes
148
172
_
165
152
148
149
184
__
Width (minimum) between diastemal crests
17
20
—
26
21
—
25
—
—
24
Width of diastema between I 3 alveoli
23
27
—
30
22
—
24
—
—
29
Length diastema (ant. P 3 alveolus-post. I 3 alveolus)
66
65
—
72
60
67
61
—
—
84
Width of palate across posterolateral pal. for.
44
44
47
41
42
—
32
42
42
40
Length of basioccipital at midline
51
58
51
55
45
—
49
50
60
56
Length basicranium (pharyng. crest to for. magnum)
153
180
169
175
147
—
149
—
165
186
Width of glenoid fossa (entogl. pr. to lateral edge)
42
38
50
37
—
—
41
55
47
58
Length of glenoid fossa
28
22
—
27
22
—
21
22
23
23
Width between entoglenoid eminences
83
84
93
—
—
—
86
94
88
76
Length anterior palatal foramen
22
28
—
—
—
31
24
—
—
—
Width interpterygoid fossa
53
58
—
58
56
—
46
—
51
—
Length of palate (pharyngeal crest to P 3 alveolus)
176
181
—
—
170
—
166
—
—
207
Width (minimum) of rostrum at infraorbita Iforamen
49
62
—
46
—
47
53
—
—
—
Length of nasals
131
129
—
—
—
118
122
—
—
152
Width across postorbital constriction
76
68
61
53
—
—
58
62
54
48
Width cranium (maximum) across zygomatic arches
182
182
—
178
—
—
175
—
207
224
Width cranium across occiput (at lambdoid crests)
128
129
156
—
136
—
127
152
143
—
Dorsal length of temporal fossa
169
184
176
137
157
—
162
183
182
207
Ventral length of temporal fossa
101
108
122
—
114
—
91
120
106
122
Width of temporal fossa
45
—
—
54
—
—
42
—
41
—
Width posterior cranium across glenoid fossa
65
72
76
—
—
—
62
80
67
83
Width rostrum at narial aperture
55
65
—
—
—
61
59
—
—
76
Width narial aperture
47
51
—
—
—
53
48
—
—
66
Height narial aperture
36
42
—
—
—
—
41
—
—
55
Height rostrum (dorsal surface nasals to I 1 alveolus)
70
86
—
—
—
—
72
—
—
100
Cranial length (maximum) condyles to 1' alveolus
358
394
—
—
—
—
338
—
—
436
Height (maximum) of zygomatic arch
41
—
—
—
—
—
39
60
56
—
Cranial height (basioccipital suture to sagittal crest)
85
—
88
—
—
—
90
—
113
—
Length of masseteric processes (orbital margin - tip)
51
73
—
63
59
62
61
76
65
81
Projection of masseteric processes below tooth row
09
15
—
06
11
19
12
—
16
—
Occipital height (dorsal edge for. mag. - lambdoid cr.)
78
—
—
—
—
—
56
—
93
—
Diameter of orbit
30
31
—
—
—
26
31
—
35
—
Cranial length (dorsal) tip nasals - lambdoid crest
325
355
—
373
—
300
—
—
—
386
Height foramen magnum
19
—
22
—
21
—
22
25
26
—
Width foramen magnum
32
44
36
—
31
—
34
40
35
52
Height occipital condyle
34
41
40
—
34
—
34
39
35
47
Width occipital condyle
10
18
21
—
17
—
15
19
19
20
Length of cheek tooth row (P 3 to M 4 )
108
107
—
108
102
—
103
—
—
110
Width of palate at hypoloph of M 2
47
46
58
50
45
47
44
—
54
48
The braincase of Neohelos spB is elongated, constituting over half of the total cranial
length and overall, the cranium is relatively narrow transversely across the zygomatic
arches (Figs 29A, 36B-C; Table 10). The cranial vault is convex in lateral profile and
dome-like in the posterior aspect with prominent, inflated frontal bosses separated by a
deep cleft that converge posteriorly into a low but stout sagittal crest. The broad occiput is
outlined by smoothly arcing lambdoid crests. The zygomatic arches are elongated and
fairly deep, flaring outward in smooth curves in dorsal aspect, whereas in ventral aspect
they appear to be flat-sided and angular.
51
P. Murray, D. Megirian. T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 11. Measurements of dentaries of Neohelos spB
NTM P8695-74 /
P87103-I
NTM P8695-67
NTM P8695-72
P8695-168
NTM P862-4
NTM P8695-71
NTM P 8695-4
NTM P8619-1
NTM P87112-2
Length of diastema
37
8
—
3
—
38
46
—
59
Width ofjaw behind M 3
26
28
24
27
28
33
26
27
28
Transverse width of condyle
42
44
—
—
—
40
—
—
...
Anteroposterior width of condyle
13
17
—
—
—
16
15
...
...
Length from mandibular canal-postalveolar pr.
25
33
29
31
35
16
29
43
33
Length from behind condyle to edge asc. ram.
70
—
—
—
...
75
85
—
88
Depth of horizontal ramus below M 3
43
61
46
50
47
51
48
56
56
Depth horizontal ramus below M|
45
63
45
45
47
55
48
55
54
Depth horizontal ramus at P 3
17
28
—
20
—
26
18
—
25
Distance ant. root P 3 to mental foramen
01
04
—
05
—
03
04
...
00
Length rear of symphysis to digastric process
76
114
96
91
93
111
80
100
87
Distance behind P 3 to behind condyle
186
229
—
—
—
206
201
—
220
Distance P 3 to mandibular canal
135
161
136
142
136
153
137
161
155
Distance P 3 to postalveolar process
114
134
112
117
109
138
117
125
125
Length tooth row P 3 -M 4
105
107
101
102
98
111
102
103
106
Length from dorsal l ( alveolus-behind condyle
225
280
—
—
...
246
248
...
278
Length from dorsal I ( alveolus-postalveolar proc.
155
186
...
157
...
180
162
...
186
Length from dorsal I ( alveolus to behind M 4
147
159
—
144
153
151
...
167
Length of symphysis
70
—
—
—
—
—
73
...
95
The masseteric processes are well-developed and elongated, though slender compared to
Plaisiodon and Zygomaturus. The temporal fossae are large, egg-shaped vacuities, defined
posteriorly by long squamosal sulci and anteriorly by the slight constrictions behind the
posteriorly open orbits. The small orbits are situated about midway up the base of the
rostrum. The snout is tubular, slightly flattened on the dorsal surface, gradually narrowing
from anterior to the orbits to the infraorbital foramina, then gradually expanding anterior to
the infraorbital foramina to flare out behind the narial opening. The floor of the narial
aperture extends slightly anterior to the blunt termination of the nasal bones. The nasal
bones are elongated, widest at their anterior and posterior extremities.
The cranial base is straight and only slightly elevated above the cheek-tooth row. The
maxillary palate is flat, moderately expanded posteriorly and shallowly depressed in the
midline. The median palatal sulcus becomes bounded on either side by sharp, parallel
diastemal crests on the premaxillary palate, progressively deepening into a gutter-like
interincisive fossa. In side view, the premaxillary alveolar process for the incisors is
moderately to strongly decurved.
The interpterygoid fossa is a large, oval cavity that dominates the mid-region of the
basicranium. Anteriorly, it is emarginated by rugose pharyngeal crests developed on the
transverse palatal processes. Greater palatine fenestrae are absent. The glenoid fossae are
rectangular, obliquely-oriented planoconcave surfaces bounded posteriorly by enormous,
flap-like, sinus-inflated postglenoid processes and mesially by entoglenoid eminences and
52
NEOHHl.OS
bulla-like, sinus-inflated structures (Fig. 36B). The auditory arch is relatively small. The
mastoidparoccipital processes are massive and sinus-inflated. The occipital condyles are
large and protrude directly backwards, parallel to the basicranial axis. The lateral profile of
the occiput is abruptly vertical, ascending to a low lambdoid crest dorsally and wrapping
around the sides of the cranium to expose the mastoid surfaces in lateral aspect.
Braincase, cranial sinuses, endocranial casts. Cranial walls . The dorsal profile of the
elongated braincase is a gently inclined convex surface dominated anteriorly by the large
frontals and posteriorly by the long, narrow parietals. The frontal is expanded by large
sinuses into a pair of smooth crests or tori, each of which are about 27 mm wide and
separated by an 8 mm deep, 33 mm long median sulcus surrounded by an oval nasofrontal
fossa. In lateral view, the anterior process of the frontal projects above the orbit and makes
contact with the lacrimal about 15 mm behind the anterointernal rim of the orbit. The 84
mm long orbitofrontal suture passes obliquely posteroinferiorly to contact the alisphenoid.
The posterior process of the frontal is wedge-shaped, dividing the squamosal and the
parietal over a distance of about 50 mm (Fig. 37A). The descending posterior margin of the
frontal is crescent-shaped, accommodating the low infratemporal process of the
alisphenoid. The ventral border follows the dorsal margin of the infraorbital sulcus of the
palatine to the orbital canal, to where it ascends up towards the lacrimal.
Fig. 37. Orbital fossa, cranial side wall and occiput of Neohelos spB (NTM P8551-13 Blast Site, Bullock
Creek): A, lateral aspect showing structures within the orbit and lateral cranial wall; B, dorsolateral aspect
showing structures in and around the infraorbital sulcus; C, occipital aspect.
53
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
The 120 mm long, narrow parietals contact the squamosal along a straight, obliquely
oriented suture over a distance of 75 mm. The anterior processes terminate bluntly at the
midline in a short, sinuous transverse suture line about 10 mm long. The squamosal lamina
extends high up the braincase, comprising about three-fourths of the vertical extent of the
lateral surface. The anterior process extends anteriorly to about the same level as the
anterior process of the parietal. The squamosoalisphenoid suture parallels the parietofrontal
suture, resulting in a Z-shaped sutural inscription. The anterolateral surface of the
squamosal is slightly convex, steepening near the zygomatic root and deflecting inwards
anteriorly to form the posterior margin of the infratemporal fossa. Continuous with the
squamosal infratemporal crest is the anterior edge of a deep, wide 45 mm long squamosal
sulcus that shallows posteriorly and grades into the posterolateral surface, where in
combination with the parietals and interparietals, the braincase becomes widely gabled and
slab-sided.
Posteriorly, the squamosal develops a low crest, the continuation of the lambdoid crest,
which runs downwards to form the posterolateral margin of the auditory arch. The
squamosal-mastoid contact is exposed on the lateral side of a wide, crescentic, rugose
surface that grades inferiorly into the mastoid-paroccipital process. The squamosomastoid
suture is highly irregular over much of its extent. Above and at the base of the zygomatic
root are a pair of small foramina that lead into the vascular network associated with venous
sinuses of the braincase.
Infratemporal and orbital fossae . The ascending process of the alisphenoid is poorly
developed in Neohelos spB, the anterior margin of which terminates abruptly in an oblique,
complex ffontoalisphenoid suture that parallels the anteroinferior trend of the frontoparietal
suture (Fig. 37A). The pillar-like descending process forms the anterior crest and dorsal
half of the deep, oval pterygoid fossa posteriorly and the posterior crest of the foramen
rotundum and sphenorbital fissure anteriorly. The posteroventral process of the alisphenoid
extends a broad, posteriorly tapering lamina under a bulla-like structure that is situated
immediately anterior to the middle ear cavity.
The squamosoalisphenoid suture follows the crest of the entoglenoid eminence (the lateral
wall of the hypotympanic bulla) then ascends the wall of the infratemporal fossa at about a
45° angle, consequently bordering the inferior margin of the squamosal over a distance of
about 80 mm. A 33 mm long by 17 mm wide and 11 mm deep pterygoid fossa is
developed within the alisphenoid, encompassing the foramen of the transverse canal. The
floor of the cavity is composed of the pterygoid. Opening posterolateral to the pterygoid
fossa is the large 8.0 mm diameter foramen ovale.
The foramen rotundum is situated immediately posterolateral to the 30.5 mm long
sphenorbital fissure (confluent lacerate and optic foramina). The orbitosphenoid suture is
not discernible on any specimen of Neohelos spB. The orbital process of the palatine
emerges along the anteroinferior margin of the sphenorbital fissure and continues
anteriorly as a narrow strip in the base of the orbital wall, adjacent to the shelf-like
extension of the maxilla, along which nerves and vessels emerging from foramen
rotundum are conducted in a series of grooves. The anterior orbital process of the palatine
appears to terminate at the sphenopalatine canal on the left side of NTM P8551-13 but
forms part of the mesial wall of the infraorbital canal on the right side. In the type, CPC
22200, the infraorbital canal is entirely within the maxilla. The lacrimal is confined to the
anteromesial comer of the orbit, extending dorsally to encompass the prominent lacrimal
54
NUOHHWS
tuberosity, the lacrimal foramen situated immediately anteroinferior to the tuberosity and a
thumbnail-sized corner of the anterodorsal orbital margin.
The suborbital shelf is about 13 mm wide and about 25 mm deep from its dorsal margin to
the molar alveoli (Fig. 37B). The dorsal surface of the shelf is inscribed with a series of
narrow grooves, foramina and a wide sulcus for the infraorbital artery and nerve that
passes through the large, 11 mm wide infraorbital canal. A more posteriorly positioned
foramen appears to represent the posterior palatine that transmits the descending branch of
the palatine artery and alveolar nerve. Lateral to the infraorbital sulcus are a pair of deep,
narrow grooves that terminate in foramina at various points along the shelf. These relate to
the blood supply of the alveolar region. A more medial, attenuated groove which does not
terminate in a foramen probably conveyed the lacrimal nerve. The sphenopalatine canal
which transmits the posterior nasal nerve, an artery and a branch of V 2 , opens about 25 mm
behind the infraorbital canal within the infraorbital sulcus.
Endocranial sinuses . An interesting feature of the neurocrania of the larger diprotodontid
marsupials is the development of large sinuses that surround a thin inner table that actually
encases the brain (Fig. 38). The extent to which these sinuses are developed appears to be
partially size related, apparently as an allometric adjustment to provide additional external
surface area for the attachment of the jaw muscles (Murray 1992). The neurocranial
sinuses of Neohelos spB consist of two principle midline groups and three lateral groups.
Anteriorly, the dorsolateral surfaces of the inner braincase are separated from the outer
table by a series of frontal sinuses. Deep anterolateral sinuses encircle the lateral portion of
the frontal lobes of the brain.
PAS IN
CM
Fig. 38. Drawing of natural section through the neurocranium of Neohelos spB (CPC F23038 Blast Site,
Bullock Creek) showing extent of endocranial sinus development (hachures) around the endocranial cavity
(black).
The frontal sinus group is divided from the paired parietal sinus areas by a posteriorly
curving transverse septum. The two parietal sinus groups, which are also subdivided, are
separated by a short sagittal septum. The posterior parietal group is separated from the
anterior parietals by a secondary transverse septum which curves in the opposite direction
from the frontal septum, and in conjunction with the occipitomastoid septa, forms a large
rhomboidal chamber in the posterior midline of the braincase. The squamosomastoid group
form an interconnected network of chambers and passages surrounding the middle ear
cavity and invading the zygomatic root. Particularly in the back of the cranium, these
sinuses are closely associated with the endocranial venous circulation.
55
P. Murray, D. Megirian. T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Endocranial casts . Two latex endocranial casts (Fig. 39A-B) were prepared from broken
specimens (NTM P8792-15 and CPC F23038). Latex endocast CPC F23038 extends just
anterior to the temporal lobes. NTM P8792-15 terminates immediately behind the frontal
lobes. In dorsal aspect, the cerebellar outline is rectangular, with low, but broad oval
protuberances of the paraflocculus. The cerebral cortex is broad transversely with little
relief. The poles of the temporal lobes project laterally, suggesting a relatively thin
neocortex. The brain is compressed dorsoventrally and roundly rectangular in transverse
section immediately anterior to the temporal lobes. The endocranial surface representing
the neocortex shows faint convolutions trending predominantly anteroposteriorly. In
contrast to the strongly convoluted, gyrencephalic cortex of living vombatids, it is more
similar to the lissencephalic Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus ) in this respect. The frontal
lobes and olfactory stalks and bulbs are not preserved on these endocasts.
OA-ON
HYC
OPC
Fig. 39. Drawings of endocranial casts of Neohelos spB; A, lateral aspect (CPC F23038); B, dorsal aspect
(NTM P8792-15).
The descriptive terminology below follows Haight and Murray (1981). The faintly visible
rhinal fissure transects the lower third of the temporal lobe. Commencing dorsally from the
sagittal sinus, a clearly defined interbrachial sulcus (IB) curves forward to isolate an
elongated central gyrus on either side of the midline. A pair of dimples immediately
anterior to the central gyri are interpreted to represent sulci a. The posterior part of the
Jugular sulcus (J) is indistinctly present on both endocasts. Sulcus p for the middle cerebral
artery is well defined. A short, straight sulcus L is present on CPC F23038. Sulcus 8 is a
shallow, rounded depression in the posterior portion of the temporal lobe and sulcus p is
represented by a smaller depression above and posterior to the former.
56
NEOHELOS
The morphology of these endocasts resembles that of living vombatids and phascolarctids.
In basic outline shape, the resemblance is closer to that of Vombatus than Phascolarctos,
while in terms of the sulcal morphology of the cerebral cortex, they are more like
Phascolarctos. In terms of basic shape, proportions and sulcal development, the endocasts
of Neohelos spB show a closer resemblance to Vombatus and to endocasts of the
palorchestid Propalorchestes novaculacephalns than to the superficially phalangerid-like
endocast of Wynyardia bassiana (Haight and Murray 1981).
Occipital region. The occiput of Neohelos spB is low and broad in posterior aspect and
nearly vertical in lateral view (Fig. 37A, C). Its posterior surface is dominated by a large
fossae for the attachment of the rectus capitus muscles. A median crest separates the two
main surfaces, both of which are perforated by the supraoccipital emissary foramina. A
small, shallow supracondylar fossa is present, in contrast with palorchestids, for example,
in which the structure is large. The condylar sulcus is wide and deep, grading into a distinct
lunate depression on the medial surface of the paroccipital process. This fossa may
correspond to the insertion of the rectus capitus lateralis muscle. The occipital condyles are
large and prominent but narrow transversely relative to their length. The foramen magnum
is rectangular in shape and wider (35.0 mm) than high (23.5 mm). Large hypoglossal
foramina are just visible in posterior aspect within the lateral walls of the foramen
magnum.
A small median foramen opens posteriorly in the floor of the basioccipital. The
paroccipital processes are stout, rectangular structures which have a mastoid contribution
on the lateral side. The paroccipital-supraoccipital suture appears to course obliquely
across the occiput from the median dorsal margin of the foramen magnum to converge
dorsolaterally with the superior termination of the interposed mastoid bone. The external
squamosomastoid suture is difficult to trace, but the anterior suture does not appear to
contact the lambdoidsquamosal crest, and although it is fairly broad inferiorly, it remains
confined to the lateral side of the occiput.
Basicranium and middle ear region. Tympanic cavity . The ear region of Neohelos spB is
basically similar to that of Ngapakaldia Stirton, 1967b, and to that of the mid Miocene
palorchestid Propalorchestes Murray, 1986. The relations of the auditory region of the
basicranium include the glenoid fossa laterally, the roof of the middle ear cavity dorsally,
the mastoid region posteriorly and the basioccipital and basisphenoid mesially (Fig. 40).
Anteriorly the pterygoid and alisphenoid bones predominate. The floor of the middle ear
cavity in Neohelos spB is open except for a small lobate process of the basioccipital.
The anterior wall of the tympanic cavity is represented by a shallow fossa in the posterior
wall of the large hypotympanic swelling or bulla developed in the squamosal. The bulla is
floored by a posteroventral process of the alisphenoid, which extends a few millimetres
under the tympanic cavity as a short tympanic wing. A slightly concave or flattened lateral
surface of the petrosal contributes the posteromesial wall of the cavity and a small,
isosceles triangle-shaped process, the tegmen tympani, forms part of its roof (Fig. 41C).
The tegmen is recessed with a 3.0 mm diameter fossa or attic accommodating the auditory
ossicles; behind which a smaller, lower fossa accommodates the posterior ligament of the
incus. A short (~5.0 mm) low tympanic crest defines the mesial end of a long, funnel-like
acoustic arch which is breached dorsally by a slit-like (20 mm x 5 mm) epitympanic
fenestra.
57
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand. andP. Vickers-Rich
SAS
0 1 2 3 4 5
Ld 111 1 11 J
CM
Fig. 40. Ventral aspect of left basicranial quadrant
of cranium of Neohelos spB (CPC F23038 Blast
Site, Bullock Creek).
Fig. 41. A-B, right petrosal of Neohelos spB.
(NTM P8695-78 Blast Site, Bullock Creek); C,
ventral aspect of left basicranial aspect of cranium
of Neohelos stirtoni showing structures
surrounding the middle ear region revealed by
missing ectotympanic and basioccipital tympanic
process (NTM P8792-15 Blast Site, Bullock
Creek).
The epitympanic recess is very confined mesially. The incisura tympanica is a narrow
groove between the tegmen of the petrosal and the crista tympanica of the squamosal.
Anterolaterally the incisura meets a perpendicular groove for the attachment of the anterior
crus of the ectotympanic. The lightly attached ectotympanics (Fig. 40), which are usually
missing, have remained in place in one specimen (CPC F22525). The ectotympanics are
transversely narrow, 6.0 mm wide and 15.5 mm long anteroposteriorly. under the acoustic
arch. The ventral surface of the ectotympanics are slightly arched, resembling small
bridges. The internal contour of the bony meatus is an elliptical orifice about 8 mm high by
5 mm across. The posterior crus of the ectotympanic sends out a blunt dorsolateral process
that surrounds the otherwise open groove for the facial nerve, to form a stylomastoid
foramen.
Petrosal. In specimens lacking the ectotympanics, the ventrolateral aspect of the petrosal is
fully visible (Fig. 41). The pars petrosus is a short, oval or even slightly cube-shaped
structure approximately ~12 mm wide by ~15 mm long (Fig. 41A-C). The ventral surface
is rugose, the pars cochlearis being nearly flat, bulging posteroventrally at the promontory.
The superior periotic process is blunt, often terminating in an irregular pit. The cochlear
fenestra opens posteroventrally towards the stapedial fossa of the posterior tympanic
recess. The fenestra is elliptical, ~2.6 mm by ~1.6 mm, and is set in a smooth-walled
58
ni:ohi:i.os
fossula. The cochlear fenestra is separated from the smaller ~1.5 mm by -1.8 mm
vestibular fenestra by a 2.0 mm rounded crest. In anatomical position, the vestibular
fenestra, which opens posterolaterally towards the acoustic arch, is situated anterodorsal to
the cochlear fenestra.
Dorsolateral to the vestibular fenestra, a shallow groove descends posteriorly to merge
with a deep perpendicular groove in the anterior surface of the mastoid, which is the
previously mentioned facial nerve sulcus. Immediately below this sulcus is a shallower,
more irregular groove for the posterior crus of the ectotympanic. The facial groove
continues anteriorly from above the vestibular fenestra for about 5 mm where it opens into
the facial nerve foramen, which is up to about 2.0 mm by 1.5 mm in some specimens of
Neohelos spB. In some specimens the groove continues anteriorly from the foramen
parallel to the anterior periotic process, whereas in others a small canal leads anteriorly
from the foramen to transmit the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve.
The internal side of the periotic is divided by a low crest (prominence of the anterior and
posterior semicircular canals) into two fossae: dorsally, a shallow floccular fossa and
ventrally an approximately 6 mm diameter internal acoustic meatus with a slot-like fundus
about 4 mm deep. A crista transversa between the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves is
not visible on any of the specimens, but two channels can be visualised in the
figure-eight-like recess, dorsally for the facial nerve and ventrally for the cochlear nerve.
Epilympanic fenestrae and glenoid processes. In Neohelos spB, the epitympanic fenestra is
usually an oblique slit-like opening that extends from the tympanic crest, through the roof
of the auditory arch to invade the base of the postglenoid process (Figs 29C, 36B, 40,
41C). Its shape and size is variable in the species. Located under the posterior margin of
the fenestra is the postglenoid canal which is usually a large circular opening. Superolateral
to the epitympanic fenestrae are variable fossae composed of merged circular depressions
that occupy the dorsal surface of the superficies meatus and the posterior margins of the
postglenoid processes. In some Neohelos spB specimens the posterior end of the fossa
opens into the mastoid region to form a posterior epitympanic fossa. The postglenoid
process is developed from an extensive swelling (a lateral or postglenoid hypotympanic
sinus) about 50 mm long and 16 mm wide that extends from the tympanic crest to the
lateral margin of the squamosal.
Mesially, the internal side of the base of the postglenoid process is separated from the
posterior wall of the entoglenoid surface of the bulla by a 12 mm deep, 3 mm-6 mm wide,
32 mm long glenoid incisura. The glenoid incisura leads directly into the tympanic cavity
and along its ventral margin are the roughenings for the attachment of the anterior crus of
the ectotympanic. Anteriorly, the cleft opens into the mesial side of the 10 mm wide, 32
mm long transverse articular groove of the glenoid fossa, anterior to which is a flat, 40 mm
wide by 20 long (anteroposteriorly) articular eminence that extends onto the ventral surface
of the jugal.
Entoglenoid eminences and bullae. The base of the 26 mm by 32 mm bulla-like
hypotympanic swelling which is continuous with a 20 mm wide, 16 mm deep entoglenoid
eminence laterally and the anterior wall of the tympanic cavity posteriorly, is composed of
the squamosal. Its ventral surface is sealed off by a V-shaped process of the alisphenoid
which has the appearance of having folded itself around the structure (Figs 29C, 36B, 40).
On the ventral anterolateral corner of the bulla, the alisphenoidsquamosal suture remains
open, possibly for the transmission of the chorda tympani nerve. The course of the
59
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black., M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
alisphenoid-squamosal suture can be traced around the tympanic process where, on the
anteromesial comer of the bulla, it forms an arch under the large 7.0 mm by 8.0 mm
diameter foramen ovale, in combination with the posterior process of the pterygoid crest.
Basicranial structures. Anterolateral to the blunt, hollowed out superior periotic process of
the petrosal, a deep irregular cavity, the pyriform fenestra, is composed of the middle
lacerate foramen, the posterior end of the internal carotid groove, the mesial wall of the
hypotympanic bulla and bounded laterally by a thin process of the squamosal. The 4 mm
deep entocarotid groove extends some 25 mm along the lateral margins of the basioccipital
and basisphenoid. The foramen for the internal branch of the internal carotid artery opens
about 15 mm anterior to the basisphenoid-basioccipital suture in the lateral edge of the
basisphenoid.
The basisphenoid-basioccipital suture lies 48 mm anterior to the foramen magnum. The
basioccipital is broad, particularly where it is extended laterally to send a small process
under the petrosal and tympanic cavity. The basisphenoid narrows within the
interpterygoid fossa, extending anteriorly about 45 mm to meet the presphenoid along a
clearly defined chevron-shaped suture. The pterygoid crests in Neohelos spB are low, thick
laminae that form the floors of the deep, oval pterygoid fossae, perforated centrally by
large transverse canal foramina. The crests deepen ventrally and widen laterally to form the
walls of the pharyngeal cavity. The internal nares is a 34 mm deep, oval opening with
smooth, steep walls laterally, bounded by a prominent, curving transverse palatine crest
ventrally. Dorsally within the 60 mm long, 45 mm wide 35 mm deep interpterygoid fossa,
the ventral surfaces of the basisphenoid and presphenoid are widely exposed.
Facial cranium. Palate . The posterior margin of the palatine bones are formed by high,
posteriorly swept transverse palatine crests which blend into the pterygoids (Fig. 36B).
Anterolaterally, the crests are deep, V-shaped clefts on either side, dorsomedial to the M
alveolus, into which open the orifices of the posterolateral palatine foramina. The palatine
processes are devoid of greater palatal fenestrae. The maxillopalatine suture courses
parallel to the molar alveoli for about 40 mm then turns mesially to meet in the palatal
midline, level with interproximal M 2 ' 3 . The palatal surface is flat with a shallow median
sulcus commencing at about the level of the posterior end of M 1 . This furrow deepens as it
continues onto the 60-65 mm long by 20-25 mm wide diastemal palate where its edges
become more crisply delineated by low diastemal crests.
The straight, parallel diastemal crests become sharper and higher lateral to the anterior
palatal fenestrae, the latter being encompassed by a deep, gutter-like interincisive fossa.
The 23 mm long by 7 mm wide anterior palatal fenestrae are separated by a high, rounded
premaxillary septal process. The overall proportion of the cheek-tooth bearing palate is a
2:1 rectangle. The diastemal palate narrows to about two-thirds of the width of the cheek¬
tooth palate, and constitutes slightly less than half of the total palatal length. The incisive
arcade is U-shaped and expands laterally behind the I 3 alveoli to about twice the width of
the diastema. The premaxillomaxillary suture commences in the midline immediately
behind the premaxillary septal process. The suture courses anteriorly on the lateral palatal
surface to about 20 mm behind the I 3 , then runs posteriorly at an acute 'angle to the mesial
suture line to form a narrow V. The suture then makes a nearly vertical ascent of the lateral
side of the rostrum about midway between the I 3 and the P 3 .
Rostrum . The tubular rostrum comprises about one-third of the total length of the cranium
of Neohelos spB. The nasals are elongated. The proximal surface is gently arched and
60
ni:ohi:los
widest immediately above the orbits, where the tapering frontal processes terminate at the
anterior edge of the median frontal fossa. The nasals contract to their minimum width (10-
15 mm) at the level of the infraorbital foramen, then expand laterally again to their
maximum anterior width just behind the margin of the narial aperture (15-18 mm) and
maximum posterior width of 20 to 24 mm. The nasals terminate in blunt, slightly rounded
margins above the level off’.
The narial aperture is a large, transversely oval opening, 45 mm to 65 mm wide, with
smooth, thick premaxillary lateral margins that thin dorsally to agree with the lateral
margins of the nasal bones (Fig. 42A-B). The floor of the narial aperture is divided by a
deep, wide trough through which the anterior palatine fenestrae open directly into the nasal
cavity. The inferolateral margins of the nares are produced into wide, shelf-like processes,
the inferior nasal crests, each of which bears a large oval sulcus that accommodated the
anterior portion of the middle concha of the turbinate bones (Fig. 31C). Bending forces on
the anterior premaxillary processes, which support the incisor roots, appear to have been
distributed through the floor of the narial aperture via the robust inferior nasal crests. The
superior crest or process of the premaxilla is a variable triangular to rhomboidal
protuberance representing the anterior-most prominence of the cranium. This low
protuberance is sometimes perforated by small foramina and appears to have supported a
dense connective tissue mass possibly serving as the median attachment for a large mobile
upper lip and / or the lower portion of a large rhinarium.
Pig. 42. Anterior views of the rostra of two specimens of Neohelos spB from the Blast Site, Bullock Creek;
A, NTM P8551-13; B, NTM P8695-38. Note differences in the size and shape ofthe narial apertures.
61
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer. S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Small nasopremaxillary notches are present on the dorsolateral margin of the nares. This
area is vascularized via a foramen that emerges from within the internal nasal crests. The
lateral aspect of the rostrum is dominated by the broad maxilla. The maxilla is divided
from the premaxilla by an initially nearly vertical suture that commences in lateral aspect
behind the mid point of the diastema. About two-thirds of the way to the nasals, the suture
sharply bends posteriorly in a shallow arc to terminate dorsally about midway along the
span of the nasals. A large infraorbital foramen opens in the lower half of the maxilla about
26 mm posterior to the premaxillomaxillary suture.
Orbit and zygomatic arch. Anterior to the infraorbital foramen is a shallow, approximately
20 mm by 30 mm fossa, above Which there is a distinct, rounded facial crest that flows
posteriorly into the orbital margin. Anterodorsal to the orbital margins, the maxilla
becomes slightly inflated and attains its greatest breadth at the root of the jugal. The
maxillojugal suture follows the anterior contour of the rounded anterolaterally protruding
orbital margin down to the masseteric process which is neatly formed by approximately
equal contributions of both the maxilla and the jugal. The subzygomatic notch between the
cheek-tooth alveolus and the masseteric process is 32 mm deep and 17 mm wide.
Immediately below the orbital margin is a 35 mm by 20 mm maxillolabial fossa.
The orbit is small, about 27 mm to 30 mm wide, set off posteriorly by a low, thin,
postorbital process of the jugal. A prominent lacrimal tubercle is located on the
dorsomedial orbital wall. There are no distinct postorbital processes of the frontal. A deep
masseteric sulcus and crest is confined to the lower half of the entire length of the jugal.
The zygomatic process of the jugal is long and relatively deep posteriorly, tapering
anteriorly to a rounded process that fits into the corresponding notch in the postorbital
process of the jugal. The jugal-squamosal suture is nearly straight and relatively long,
about half the total length of either zygomatic process. The maximum width of the cranium
of Neohelos is across the lateral glenoid eminences of the jugals. In lateral profile, the
glenoid fossa forms a right angle notch in the lower squamosal root, bounded posteriorly
by a massive postglenoid process. The auditory arch is an inverted U or V-shaped notch.
Dentary. The dentary is long with a slender horizontal ramus (Figs 30A, B, 43A-C; Table
11). The body of the dentary usually tapers anteriorly from the inferior coronoid crest to
the level of P3. The longitudinal axis of the horizontal ramus is fairly straight. In lateral
aspect, the inferior border of the dentary is sinuous and the alveolar border is nearly
straight to slightly concave. A weak digastric eminence is invariably present. The
horizontal ramus is strongly convex in section just anterior to the ascending ramus, after
which it becomes much flatter in section. The diastemal crest is short and sharp on its
superior margin. The mental foramen is situated immediately anteroinferior to the anterior
root P 3 . The lower incisor is procumbent. The long, shallow symphysis is oval to
trapezoidal in outline and remains unankylosed throughout the animal’s lifetime. Deep
round or oval genial pits are present. A small posterior mental foramen is present in the
middle of the horizontal ramus at about the level of interproximal M 2 . 3 . A distinct
mid-ramal torus extends a short distance forward from the base of the coronoid crest.
The ascending ramus comprises one-third to one-quarter of the total length of the dentary.
The coronoid process is high and blade-like with a blunt, transversely wide tip. The
coronoid notch is short and shallow. The condyle is situated high above the occlusal line of
the cheek teeth. The posterior edge of the ascending ramus is constricted at the neck of the
62
NHOHEWS
Fig. 43. Neohelos spB left dentary (NTM P8695-74 Blast Site, Bullock Creek) broken incisor tip and
coronoid process tip restored; A, lateral aspect; B, occlusal (dorsal) aspect; C, internal aspect.
condyle to about 20 mm, then expands to a condylar width of about 50 mm. The condyle is
transversely wide, convex posteriorly and presents an anteriorly inclined, flat articular
surface laterally, narrowing medially to a more conical process. The masseteric fossa is a
crisply defined concavity bounded inferiorly by a distinct submasseteric crest. The
posterior masseteric crest is prominent and flange-like. A small, oval 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm
diameter masseteric foramen is present.
The digastric fossa is elongated, extending anteriorly to below the level of interproximal
Mi- 2 , and is usually posteriorly confluent with the pterygoid fossa, but rarely, a faint crest
partially divides the two cavities. The medial edge of the pterygoid fossa is marked by a
strong flat border about 10 mm wide that terminates dorsally at the angular process. The
angular process projects slightly above the level of the tooth row and the posterior
63
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
masseteric eminence on the lateral side. The pterygoid fossa is deep and rugose. The
mandibular foramen opens posterodorsally in line with the base of the tooth row. It is
ovoid with its largest dimension varying from 8 mm to 15 mm. A postalveolar process is
present 20 mm to 23 mm behind M 5 .
Intermediate specimens. Here we describe a few specimens from Riversleigh and Bullock
Creek that appear to be somewhat intermediate in size and in some morphological features
between N. tirarensis and Neohelos spB, and Neohelos spB and Neohelos spC.
Gas maxilla. AR3878 (Fig. 44) is a right maxilla fragment from the Gag Site, Riversleigh
Station, with P 3 -M N3 . The enamel is lightly worn on P 3 and the lophs of M 1 . The P'’ is
small but within the range of variation in size and morphology for Neohelos spB. As in
Neohelos spB, the parastyle is large, but the parametaconal crests are steep and short. The
M 1 ' 2 are slightly smaller than those of NTM P8690, but the M 3 is broader. The cingulae are
not as strong, nor is the enamel as thick as in NTM P8690. Subjectively, the resemblances
between AR3878 and NTM P8690 are compelling, though, due to the small sample
involved, not sufficient grounds to propose a chronological basis for the similarities.
i—i_i
MM
Fig. 44. Neohelos spB; right cheek teeth of Gag Site, Riversleigh specimen (AR3878).
Stickv-beak dentaries. AR13969 and AR13791 appear to be chronomorphs of Neohelos
spB (Fig. 45). These dentaries contain mature adult dentitions with breached enamel on all
molars. AR13791, a partial right dentary with Mm is about the same size as a juvenile
dentary of Neohelos spB (CPC F23025) with a fully encrypted M 4 - Its cheek teeth have
matching occlusion with AR3878 (Gag) confirming that its morphological states are very
similar and that the Sticky-beak dentaries are more appropriately included among Neohelos
spB than among N. tirarensis. AR13969, a second right dentary fragment preserves the
dentary symphysis, lower incisor alveolus and P3-M1. Because of their intermediate size,
64
NEOHEWS
the molar dimensions of these specimens are similar to those of Bematherium. However,
they differ from Bematherium in having an elongated, well-developed paralophid crest on
Mi and otherwise conform more closely to all other characters of Neohelos spB.
Fig. 45. Neohelos spB right dentary of plesio-morphous chronomorph from Sticky-beak Site, Riversleigh; A,
lateral aspect; B, occlusal aspect; C, internal aspect.
Bullock Creek F^s with incipient bilobation of parametacone . Two P 3 specimens of
Neohelos spB (NTM P8695-46, NTM P8695-61) from Bullock Creek, Camfield Station
show possible incipient division of the parametacone into two cusps (Fig. 46A-D). In
NTM P8695-46 the postparametacrista is expanded into a small blade-like lobe behind a
shallow indentation that is continuous with shallow, vertical creases on the buccal and
lingual sides of the cusp. The parametacone is heavily worn in NTM P8695-61, though in
this specimen the base of the parametacone is deeply lobate, much as in Kolopsis torus.
Incipient lobation of the parametacone is not found in N. tirarensis and is rare and weakly
developed in Neohelos spB (QM F20713, the twinned P3 cap from Cleft of Ages, Figure
28, does not appear to belong to Neohelos ).
However, the weak presence of the trait in some individuals of Neohelos spB seems to
anticipate Neohelos spC in which the characters seem to be a typical expression. Taking all
specimens into account, Neohelos spB expresses a wide range of sizes and apparent
morphoclinal states that to be smoothly transitional between N. tirarensis and Neohelos
spC, indicative of gradual evolutionary morphogenesis.
65
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
C D
Fig. 46. Neohelos spB P 3 's showing incipient bilobation of the parametacone; A-B, occlusal and labial
aspects of left P 3 (NTM P8695-46 Blast Site, Bullock Creek); C-D, occlusal and labial aspect of P’ (NTM
P8695-6I Blast Site, Bullock Creek). In A, the parametacone is shallowly divided into a small conical
anterior cusp and a thin lobate crest behind, by a faint labial groove; in B, the parametacone is worn down to
the level of the parastyle showing a distinctly bilobed section. This variation is rare in Neohelos spB and
shows only the merest hint of the tendency. The typical trend in this species is the formation of a single
blade-like parametaconal cusp continuous with a prominent preparacrista.
Postcranial skeleton. Some elements of the postcranial skeleton of Neohelos spB are
described and compared with the few zygomaturine genera for which a substantial portion
of the skeleton is known (Figs 47-50; Table 12). Manus and pes elements of Neohelos are
represented in the Bullock Creek collection, but have not been studied sufficiently to
include them in the description. The material described and illustrated here is primarily
intended to provide an impression of the overall structure of Neohelos spB. Comparisons
of the material with other zygomaturines gives some indications of structural changes in
subsequent zygomaturine lineages.
Vertebral column . The cervical vertebral bodies are slightly compressed, but with low
neural spines compared to those of Zygomaturus. The thoracic and lumbar vertebral bodies
are fairly long with circular to slightly oval articular facets. The pedicals are stout and
broad. The transverse processes of both the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae are relatively
short. The neural spines of the anterior-most thoracic vertebrae are slender, elongated and
tapered distally. They are not bifurcated as in Diprotodon. The neural spines of the
hind-most thoracic and all of the lumbar vertebrae are low and longitudinally broad. The
distal ends of the lower thoracic and lumbar neural spines are expanded to form large, oval
tuberosities related to the insertion of the transversospinalis group of back muscles.
Judging from the series of small caudal vertebrae assigned to the species, the tail was
weak, rapidly tapering and short. Ribs are poorly represented and fragmentary, though the
curvature and length of some of the fragments indicate that the rib cage was deep and
relatively wide (Fig. 51).
Scapula. The blade of the scapula is ovo-rectangular, measuring 300 mm long by 153 mm
wide (Fig. 47A-C). The vertebral, caudal and cranial borders are strongly emarginated.
The cranial border is convex above a wide, is nearly straight The vertebral border is
66
NEOHF.LOS
Fig. 47. Neohelos spB; left scapula A, lateral aspect; B, anterior aspect; C, glenoid aspect (NTM P8695-273
Blast Site, Bullock Creek).
CM
Fig. 48. Neohelos spB from Blast Site, Bullock
Creek; A-B anterior and posterior aspect of left
humerus (NTM P87108-30); C-D, lateral and
internal aspect of left ulna (NTM P87103-45,
P8695-278).
Fig. 49. Neohelos spB from Blast Site, Bullock
Creek; A-B, posterior and lateral aspects of left
innominate (NTM P8695-274); C-D anterior and
dorsal aspects of sacrum (NTM P87108-31); E,
left epipubic bone (NTM P8695-277).
67
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 12. Measurements of postcranial elements of Neohelos spB.
ELEMENT
MEASUREMENT
millimetres
Scapula (NTM P8695-273)
Length
300.0
Width
153.0
Length vertebral border
125.0
Width suprascapular fossa
58.0
Width infrascapular fossa
87.0
Depth (maximum) scapular spine
51.5
Width (maximum) acromion
42.0
Dimensions glenoid cavity
45.0 x 60.0
Humerus (NTM P87108-30)
Estimated length
310.0-315.0
Diameter above D-P tuberosity
40.0 x 45.0
Dimensions head
55.0 x 55.0
Dimensions coronoid fossa
30.0 x 39.0
Dimensions radial fossa
20.0 x 20.0
Width distal articulation
110.0
Dimensions trochlea
27.0x40.0
Dimensions capitulum
35.0 x 35.0
Dimensions olecranon fossa
20.0x35.0
Ulna (NTM P8710343)
Estimated length
270.0
Length radial incisure
52.0
Width coronoid incisure
39.2
Length coronoid incisure
51.0
Length olecranon process
47.0
A-P width at coronoid process
82.5
Distal A-P width of shaft
31.0
Innominate (NTM P8695-274)
Estimated length
400.0
Dimensions acetabulum
67.0 x 73.0
Diameter (maximum) obturator for.
94.0
Width body of ilium
41.0
Dimensions sacral articulation
50.0x115.0
Length ischial tuberosity
88.0
Femur (NTM P8695-275)
Estimated length
320.0-325.0
Dimensions head
65.0 x 65.0
Width (middle) diaphysis
47.0
Width medial condyle
37.0
Depth medial condyle
47.2
Width lateral condyle
47.0
Depth lateral condyle
40.0
Tibia (NTM P8695-276)
Estimated length
260.0
Dimensions tibial facet
18.0x35.0
Dimensions astragalar facet
30.0 x 40.0
A-P diameter shaft
32.6
M-L width proximal end
89.0
M-L width distal end
37.0
Epipubic bone (NTM P8695-277)
Length
125.0
Proximal height
82.0
Sacrum (NTM P87108-31)
Length
82.5
Width
120.0
convey, about 125 mm wide. The distinctly concave suprascapular fossa is about one-third
the width (58 mm) of the infrascapular fossa (87 mm). The robust, slightly sinuous
scapular spine traverses the entire length of the blade. It is greatly elevated proximally
(51.5 mm), terminating in a 42 mm wide, strap-shaped acromion process. The coracoid
process is short and blunt; divided from the glenoid fossa by a transverse groove. The
glenoid cavity is oval, measuring 45 mm by 60 mm. An infraglenoid tuberosity is absent.
In Kolopsis torus the scapular blade is narrower overall and more acuminate at the
vertebral border. A well developed infraglenoid tuberosity is present and the coracoid
process is elevated into a low crest. In Plaisiodon centralis the infraglenoid region is
68
NEOHElXXt
expanded, but does not develop a distinct process or tuberosity. Its scapula otherwise
resembles an enlarged version of that of Neohelos. In Zygomaturus trilobus the
infraglenoid tuberosity is greatly elongated, extending below and behind the glenoid fossa
in the form of a flange-like process. The vertebral border is distinctly pointed and rugose.
Humerus . The humeral diaphysis is robust, straight and triangular in section for most of its
length. Its estimated length is 310-315 mm and its transverse dimensions are 40 mm by 45
mm above the deltopectoral tubercle (Fig. 48A-B). The head is a broad, partial
hemisphereabout 55 mm by 55 mm, bounded laterally by a massive, rectangular major
tuberosity and anteromedially by a thick transverse crest forming a minor tuberosity. A
deep intertubercular sulcus is present between the two tuberosities, accentuated inferiorly
by a sharp, very prominent pectoral crest that descends from the anterior side of the major
tuberosity to the middle of the shaft. The pectoral crest merges with a flange-like
deltopectoral eminence, which is buttressed distally by a pair of low crests originating from
the entepicondylar bridge medially and from the lateral margin of the coronoid fossa
laterally. The deltopectoral eminence is probably homologous to the deltoid tuberosity in
vombatids, but it is not separated from the pectoral crest as in the latter.
Though damaged in the illustrated specimen, the supinator crest of the ectepicondyle is a
wide, thin flange extending proximally for about one-third the length of the entire bone.
The coronoid fossa is a large (39 mm x 30 mm x 3 mm), shallow, oval depression situated
directly above the trochlea. The radial fossa immediately above the capitulum is smaller
(20 mm x 20 mm x 3 mm). The distal articular surfaces are transversely wide, about 110
mm across. The arc of the articular surface of the trochlea is slightly flattened. It is
relatively broad (>27 mm) and elongated (40 mm). The capitular articular surface is also
slightly flattened, measuring approximately 35 mm by 35 mm.
The posterior surface of the humerus is nearly flat, being bordered by two crests; medially,
a short low crest for the teres major muscle and laterally, by a longer crest for the
brachioradialis muscle. The olecranon fossa is a sharplydefined, oval depression measuring
35 mm by 20 mm x 5 mm. The humerus of Neohelos spB closely resembles that of K.
torus in its basic morphology, but is relatively more robust. In both genera the pectoral
component of the deltoid tuberosity is only weakly developed, whereas in Zygomaturus
trilobus , a distinct pectoral tuberosity is developed adjacent to the deltoid tuberosity,
similar to the condition in vombatids. Separate deltoid and pectoral tuberosities are also
present in Plaisiodon centralis.
Ulna . The estimated length of the illustrated specimen is approximately 270 mm. The
entire bone is compressed mediolaterally and tapers strongly toward the distal end. The
olecranon process is short, terminating in a rugose, elliptical, superomedially-directed
tuberosity (Fig. 48C-D). The entire bone is gently bowed laterally and posteriorly. The
medial surface of the ulna is predominantly concave and the lateral surface is flat to
convex. A strong crest for the interosseous membrane overlaps the anterolateral margin of
the shaft. The interosseous crest is continuous proximally with the supinator crest, which
terminates at the ventral margin of the greatly expanded radial incisure of the semilunar
cavity.
The coronoid process is a massive flange surmounted by a large, concave, circular articular
surface for the trochlea. The radial incisure is shaped like a human ear, about 52 mm long;
below which there is a large circular scar, the ulnar tuberosity, for the attachment of the
brachialis muscle. Distally, the styloid process is a large hemispherical process situated in
69
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
the centre of the ulnar capitulum. As with the other bones of the forelimb, the ulna of
Neohelos is most similar to that of Kolopsis torus. The ulna of Kolopsis differs from that of
Neohelos in being more lightly constructed and in having a short, transversely broader
olecranon process. It is structurally intermediate between Neohelos and Zygomaturus in the
state of this particular attribute.
Innominate . The estimated length of the innominate is approximately 400 mm Irom the
base of the pubic ramus to the restored iliac crest. The iliac blade is relatively long and
narrow, flaring distally into a crescentic iliac crest (Fig. 49A-B). The iliac body is stout
and triangular in section. The acetabulum is large, 67 mm x 73 mm. The dorsal acetabular
crest is laterally expanded, greatly overhanging the acetabular fossa. A large, oval
acetabular notch is present in the lower half of the acetabular fossa. The ischial ramus is
relatively elongated, terminating in a short ischial tuberosity. The obturator foramen is a
large ovo-triangular-shaped vacuity 94 mm long. A low iliopectineal eminence is present.
The innominates of both Neohelos spB and Kolopsis torus are much narrower than that of
Zygomaturus trilobus in which the iliac alae are greatly expanded laterally and the body of
the ilium is short. The ischial ramus in K. torus is considerably shorter than that of
Neohelos spB.
Femur . The proximal and distal ends of the femur are greatly expanded transversely
relative to its shaft. The greater trochanter terminates in a rugose, conical tuberosity,
expanding laterally into a thick, convex crest that extends down about one-third the length
of the bone (Fig. 50A-C). The large 65 mm x 65 mm, hemispherical femoral head projects
dorsomedially about 65 mm beyond the midline axis of the diaphysis and overhangs the
anteromedial surface of the diaphysis by approximately 35 mm. The lesser trochanter is a
thin, convex flange extending from immediately below the medial side of the head to about
the same level as the termination of the lateral crest of the greater trochanter.
On the posterior surface, the lesser and greater trochanters are united by a strong
intertrochanteric crest for the iliofemoral ligament. The diaphysis is planoconvex to oval in
section, about 47 mm minimum width. The posterior surface of the diaphysis is marked by
a faint linea aspera with irregular, oval scars for the attachment of the adductor magnus
muscle. A low ridge continues distally onto the popliteal surface, extending to the base of
the medial condyle. Proximally, a deep, thickly emarginated trochanteric fossa extends
about 40 mm into the trochanteric crest.
The condylar surfaces are complex and asymmetrical. Distally, the medial condyle is
transversely narrower but anteroposteriorly longer than the lateral condyle. The condyles
are separated posterodistally by a 30 mm deep, 20 mm wide intercondylar sulcus. The
distal articular surface is greatly expanded anteriorly by an extensive rotular surface. The
medial side of the rotular sulcus is elevated into a prominent, rounded crest. The lateral
margin of the rotular sulcus is defined by a lower, sharper crest arising anteromedial to the
ectepicondyle.
The estimated maximum length of the illustrated specimen is 320-325 mm. The femora of
Kolopsis torus are more slender relative to their length than in Neohelos or Zygomaturus
trilobus. The diaphysis in K. torus is more compressed anteroposteriorly than in Neohelos
spB, but not to the extent seen in Zygomaturus trilobus, which has a more flattened oval
section to its wider relative to length, femoral shaft.
70
NKOHF.LOS
Fig. 50. Neohelos spB from Blast Site, Bullock Creek; A-C, anterior and posterior aspects of right femur
(NTM P8695-275, P87103-44); C-D. distal articular surfaces of femur; E, proximal articular surface of left
tibia; F-G, anterior and fibular (lateral) aspects of tibia (P8695-276/P87103-45).
Tibia . The proximal surface of the tibia is transversely wide. The medial condylar surface
is concave and the lateral condylar surface is convex. The intercondylar eminence is a very
prominent, 20 mm high triangular structure composed of a medial and a lateral tubercle
separated by an oval pit. The tibial tuberosity is low and wide (Fig. 50D-F). The tibial
facet is 35 mm by 18 mm, overhanging the lateral surface of the diaphysis approximately
25 mm. The anterior (tibial) crest is smoothly rounded proximally, narrowing and merging
distally with the interosseus crest. A strong popliteal crest runs down the proximal third of
the posterolateral border of the diaphysis. Medially, about midway down the shaft, a sharp
crest and rugose scar denotes the probable attachments of the tibialis anterior musculature.
The distal articular surface is elongated anteroposteriorly. The medial malleolus is a short,
broad conical process situated directly in line with the tibial crest. The astragalar facet is an
oval convex surface 40 mm by 30 mm. The total length of the illustrated specimen is 260
mm. The tibia of Neohelos spB is essentially identical to that of Kolopsis torus except for
its greater robusticity. In Zygomaturus trilobus the tibial shaft is relatively more slender
mediolaterally relative to its proximal and distal ends, than in Neohelos and Kolopsis.
Zygomaturus has a more prominent tibial tuberosity and the entire bone is much shorter in
relation to its anteroposterior width than in Neohelos and Kolopsis.
Intermembral proportions between Neohelos spB and Kolopsis torus are similar: the ulna is
0.86 of the length of the humerus in both species. The tibia is 0.80 of the length of the
femur in Neohelos spB and 0.70 in K torus. In Zygomaturus trilobus the ulna is 0.70 of the
length of the humerus and the tibia is 0.60 of the length of the femur. In Plaisiodon
centralis the ulna is 0.75 of the length of the humerus and the tibia is 0.79 the length of the
71
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
femur, its intermembral proportions being more like those of Neohelos spB than the other
zygomaturine species noted.
Weight estimations of Neohelos spB calculated from Anderson et al. s (1985) formula,
which is based on upper limb bone diameters for quadrupedal mammals, suggest a mass of
250 kg for a large (male?) individual. For comparison, the same formula yields a mass of
673 kg for Zygomaturus trilobus. A small (female?) Kolopsis torus specimen may have
weighed about 112 kg and a larger specimen (male?) may have weighed about 200 kg.
Upper limb shaft diameters of Plaisiodon centralis indicate that this animal weighed about
550 kg. The postcranial elements have not been examined from a functional perspective,
thus the characteristic standing posture of the animal is not known. Neohelos spB was
about the size of a large ram, though more heavily built and shorter-limbed (Fig. 51).
Neohelos spC
Reference specimen. AR5797, partial cheek-tooth row consisting of right P'\ right DM 1 ,
right M 1 ' 2 .
Reference specimen locality and age. Jaw Junction Site, Riversleigh, Queensland; mid to
late-Miocene based on stage of evolution biochronology.
Referred specimens and localities. Neohelos spC is known only from Riversleigh,
north-western Queensland.
Jaw Junction Site, Riversleigh Station, Queensland: AR5621, left Mi.3 and dentary
fragments; AR5797, right P J -DM I -M 1 ' 2 and maxilla fragments; AR5989, left M2.3
AR5989, left M 4 ; AR6343, right I,; AR7851, right P 3 ; AR7857. right M 2 ; AR7859 right
Mi protolophid; AR7860, right M'; AR 7858, right P3; NTM P91168-3 left I 1 ; NTM
P91168-4, right I,; NTM P91168-5, left M, protolophid; NTM P91168-2, right M 3 .
Species diagnosis. Teeth larger than NEOHELOS spA and N. tirarensis. equal in size to
Neohelos spB and distinguished from the latter by its higher, more slender molar lophs;
higher, narrower, bilobed P 3 parametacone and lack of anterior crest on P3.
72
NEOHELOS
Description. Incisors, I 1 in isolation is probably not distinguishable from that of
Neohelos spB (Fig. 52A-C). The depth of the crown at the cemento-enamel contact is 12.5
mm and it is 7.5 mm thick: bucco-lingually.
//. The lower incisor crown is deep, thickly enamelled with a rounded, overhanging dorsal
crest (Fig. 52D-E). As in Neohelos spB there is a strong longitudinal dentine ridge
extending from the root to the tip of the crown on the lingual side, and a conspicuous
groove paralleling the ventral border of the crown on the labial side. The maximum depth
of the crown is 18.5 mm and its maximum thickness is 11.0 mm.
Upper cheek teeth, P^. The P 3 is elongated with a large parastyle. In profile, the lower half
of the parametacone is like that of N. stirtoni, but the upper portion is prolonged into a
narrow, blade-like pinnacle (Fig. 53A-D; Table 13). lnAR7851 the parametacone is just
perceptibly divided by faint lingual and labial furrows. In AR5797 the division of the
parametacone is completed by a transverse groove extending from the base of the
longitudinal basin lingually to the base of the crown labially. Vertical crests on either side
of the groove correspond to the enamel thickening at the cusps. Although there is a distinct
swelling of the postmetacrista in the position of the metacone, it does not appear to be fully
cuspate and the metacone is much smaller and situated below the paracone. The attenuated
parametacone accentuates the lobate posterior part of the postmetacrista, which when
actually measured, is only slightly longer and higher than that of Neohelos spB. Other
features of the P3 crown are within the range of variation known for Neohelos spB.
Fig. 52. Neohelos spC from Jaw Junction Site,
Riversleigh; incisors; A-C, labial, distal and
lingual, respectively, aspects of left ^ (NTM
P91168-3); D-E, labial and occlusal (dorsal
aspects of right I, (NTM P91168-4).
to
_i_ I
MM
A B
Fig. 53. Neohelos spC; P 3 specimens; A-B,
occlusal and labial aspects of right P 3 (type,
AR5797 Jaw Junction, Riversleigh); C-D, occlusal
and labial aspects of right P’ (AR7851 Jaw
Junction, Riversleigh). The pinnacle-like para¬
metacone is clearly divided in the type by a labial
and lingual groove whereas AR7851 is less
distinctly bilobed. The mesostyle is also poorly
developed in this species.
73
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 13. Measurements (millimetres) of upper and lower cheek teeth of Neohelos spC (estimations in
italics).
UPPER CHEEK TEETH (mm) ___
SPECIMEN
SIDE
P 3
L
W
M 1
L
AW
PW
M 2
L
AW
PW
M 3
L
AW PW
M 4
L
AW
PW
AR 5797
R
20.7
16.6
20.5
17.1
18.0
23.0
20.2
19.1
_
- -
—
—
—
AR 5989
L
—
_
_
_
_
_
—
—
—
— —
21.0
20.4
15.5
AR 7851
R
20.8
16.8
_
_
—
—
—
—
—
— —
—
AR 7860
R
—
—
_
20.0
_
_
—
—
—
—
NTM P91168-2
R
—
_
_
_
_
_
_
—
24.4
21.4 --
—
—
—
LOWER CHHEK TEETH (mm)
SPECIMEN
SIDE
P 3
L
W
Mi
L AW
PW
M 2
L
AW
PW
Ms
L
AW
PW
M 4
L AW PW
AR 5621
L
_
_
21.2 —
15.1
23.1
17.5
_
25.0
—
—
— — —
AR 5989
L
__
_
_ . . _ _
_
25.2
18.7
18.0
24.2
19.4
17.6
AR 7857
R
_
_
__
_
_
_
—
22.2
16.7
16.4
— — —
AR 7858
R
16.8
10.7
__
_
_
—
—
—
—
—
---
AR 7859
R
—
—
21.0 —
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
--
ML- M 1 is basically as in Neohelos spB, but with slightly higher, more slender and more
overhanging lophs (Fig. 54Ab-B). The parastyle is represented by a thickened, tightly
curving enamel crest rather than as a distinct cuspule. It is set off from the paracone by a
distinct vertical groove. The metastyle is represented by an elevated thickening ot the
postcingulum, separated from the postmetacrista by a small, labially indented notch. The
pre- and postcingulae are well developed, but separated by short gaps at the bases of the
protocone and metaconule. The lingual cingulum is short but strongly developed,
traversing the lingual transverse valley. A mesostyle is absent.
M 2 . M 2 is markedly larger than M 1 and closely resembles that of Neohelos spB (Fig.
54Ac-B). Except for its more overhanging lophs, which if made less apparent with light
wear, the M 2 of Neohelos spC might not be reliably distinguished from those of Neohelos
spB. In AR5797 the parastyle is a slight thickening of the precingulum and the
postparastylar crest is faint. The lingual cingulae are much the same as on M . The
postparastylar crest is low, thick and rounded. The metastyle is nearly identical to that on
M 1 . The protoloph is slightly wider than the metaloph.
M 3 ' 4 . M 3 is represented by NTM P91168-2, a molar cap missing its metaconule. It too,
except for its more overhanging lophs, does not differ in any significant way from the M
of Neohelos spB (Fig. 54Ad-B). The protoloph is wider than the metaloph. The parastyle
is represented by a tiny cuspule on the labial extreme of the precingulum. The metastyle, as
such, is absent. A short labial cingulum traverses the interloph valley. M (AR5989) is
essentially identical to that of Neohelos spB. The lophs are slightly lower than on the
preceding molar and the crown is markedly asymmetrical with a much narrower metaloph
which is three-quarters the width of the protoloph. The protoloph is approximately as wide
as that of the preceding molar. The parastyle is represented by a tiny salient on the
precingulum. The postparaconal crest is a strong ridge extending from the tip of the
parastyle to end at the interloph sulcus, just short of the base of the metaconule. A small
stylar cusp and a weak cingulum is present in the lingual mouth of the median valley. The
labial cingulum is absent.
Lower cheek teeth, Pj. The P 3 (AR7858) of Neohelos spC is very distinctive in its shape
and in lacking an anterior crest (Fig. 55A-B; Table 13). The crown is elongated and
74
NEOHELOS
ovo-triangular in occlusal aspect. Commencing at a prominent bulge above the first root,
the long, conical anterior part of the crown tapers smoothly to the apex of the main cuspid
at an angle of about 45°. The slender, attenuated apex of the main cuspid is situated a
considerable distance behind the midpoint of the crown. The upper part of the
posteromedian crest is almost vertical, sharply turning posteriorly on its descent in the
form of a high, thin, nearly horizontal ridge which merges with the lingual postcingulid.
Figure 54. Neohelos spC from Jaw Junction, Riversleigh; right upper cheek tooth row (reconstructed) A.
occlusal aspect, a-c, P 3 —M 1 ' 2 type specimens (AR5797) d, M’ (NTM P91168-2) e, left (reversed) M 4
(AR5989); B. labial aspect; amount of curvature of tooth row is conjectural; note slender, overhanging lophs,
wide interloph valleys.
The lingual postcingulid makes a steep, arcing descent to just above the crown base, then
continues horizontally forward to contact the base of the main cuspid, enclosing a large
L-shaped lingual fossa. The labial fossa is shallow and small, being confined anteriorly by
a vertical buttress from the protoconid and posteriorly by a bulge in the short, thick labial
cingulid. A second small fossa is developed anterior to the labial postprotoconid buttress,
emarginated anteroinferiorly by a small, isolated basal cingulid.
M/. The Mi (AR5621, AR7859, NTM P91168-5) protolophid in Neohelos spC is narrower
and more slender in profile than in Neohelos spB (Fig. 55C-D). The paralophid is higher
and steeper. The premetacristid is sharply defined and the crest of the protolophid is
curved, strongly accentuating the anterior furrow of the lophid. As in Neohelos spB, the
hypolophid crest is nearly straight and much wider than the protolophid.
M 2 - 4 . The M 2 (AR5621, AR7857) lophids are slightly higher and more overhanging than in
Neohelos spB. The interlophid valley is distinctly U-shaped in labial aspect and wider than
in Neohelos spB. The lophids are slightly narrower in proportion to the length of the crown
and the precingulid is proportionally narrower transversely. The anterior sulcus of the
protolophid is confined and gradually narrowed by the preproto- and premetacristids down
75
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black. M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
to the precingulid. The protolophid is more curved than the hypolophid. The protolophid
and hypolophid ere about equal width, with a slight obliquity to the hypolophid, which is
also less curved than the protolophid.
The postcingulid is strongly lobate and deeper anteroposteriorly than in Neohelos spB. M 3
(AR5989) is the largest molar in the series. It is asymmetrical, the hypolophid being
oblique and offset to the lingual side of the crown. The protolophid is about 25% wider
than the hypolophid. Both lophids are slightly more curved and the interlophid valley is
distinctly wider than in typical Neohelos spB. The postcingulid is thick and lobate in the
midline of the hypolophid. M 4 (AR5989) closely resembles M 3 except that the hypolophid
is only slightly narrower than the protolophid.
VARIABILITY IN NEOHELOS
By variation, we are referring to predominantly minor differences in traits or characters
that have no apparent phylogenetic utility, though some labile characters in Neohelos and
other zygomaturines are applicable to systematic problems. Three types of variability occur
in Neohelos : 1 ) random and variable (including continuously varying) expression; 2 )
sexual dimorphism and age-related character expression and 3) on-off distribution of
character states within groupings at various taxonomic levels.
Variability in the morphology and size of Neohelos specimens caused some initial
difficulties in the determination of its species. By far the largest sample of Neohelos comes
from the Blast Site (Small Hills locality, Camfield). We have found no indication from the
biological content or lithology of that quarry to suggest that more than one stratigraphic
horizon is locally present, and can find no basis for the discrimination of more than one
morphospecies from this source. Therefore, the Blast Site sample is regarded as
representing a population, and its features are treated as analogous to the variations
recorded within a large living population. As more specimens of other Neohelos species
came to light, a pattern of variation, characteristic of the entire group became apparent.
Random and variable expression. Character lability is frequently seen in the morphology
of the paroccipital-mastoid processes, which range from massive, inflated knobs in about
one-third of individuals to slender, tapering projections in the majority. The expression of a
supratympanic fossa ranges from absent in 28.6% of specimens, to well-developed, even
multiple expressions in the rest. The posterior epitympanic fossa is absent in 43% of
specimens. The tympanic bullae vary from relatively narrow and oval (50% of
individuals), to broad and triangular in shape. Cranial nerve foramina vary considerably in
size and expression, with accessory foramina being common.
Variability in palatal width and contour are not closely correlated with the overall size of
the cranium or the cheek teeth, though there may be a tendency for small individuals to
have broad palates. The palatal surfaces vary from nearly flat, to distinctly though
shallowly, concave. Also apparently unrelated to the size of the individual, the frontal
region varies considerably in its appearance ranging from smooth, roundly inflated frontal
bosses in 40% of specimens to narrow, sharper crests in 60%.
The cheek teeth of Neohelos species are quite variable in appearance, particularly in the
degree of development of cingulae, styles and minor proportions of the crowns. However,
76
NHO HI: LOS
the dimensional range of variation of the molars does not attract specific comments
here,other than to point out that there is not a close correlation between the size of the teeth
(either expressed as tooth row length or individual crown dimensions) and the overall size
of the cranium.
Because of its systematic importance, variability of the P 3 of Neohelos is considered in
more detail. The crowns vary in their expression of ancillary cusps, cingulae, overall
shape, and form of their primary cusps (Fig. 56; Table 14). There is also considerable
variation in absolute size and size of P 3 relative to M 2 . Because the general impression of
high variability is a somewhat subjective observation, we have compared the dimensions
of the P 3 crown of Neohelos spB with those of the closely-related zygomaturine species
Kolopsis torus from the late Miocene Alcoota Local Fauna. In terms of dimensions length
by width, the Neohelos spB P 3 examples yield a low correlation coefficient of r=0.55. The
Pearson’s coefficient of variation for crown lengths is 7.9 and for crown widths it is 6.7.
Comparing these figures with Kolopsis torus , the scatter is less diffuse and the correlation
coefficient is higher at r=0.74. The Pearson’s coefficient of variation in Kolopsis is 5.1 for
crown lengths and 5.0 for crown widths. These examples indicate that the P’ of Neohelos
spB is absolutely more variable than in Kolopsis torus, which is also very similar in size
(Neohelos mean P 3 length=l 8.2 mm; width=15.8 mm; Kolopsis mean length=18.9 mm;
width 15.3 mm). The differences in variability between the Alcoota sample and the
Bullock Creek sample could be a reflection of a greater temporal range at Bullock Creek,
or it could, as the remarkable variability in the P 3 crown morphology in all Neohelos
species suggests, represent a condition inherent to the entire group.
*1 ... .
The most interesting aspect of the P variability in Neohelos is that certain occasionally
expressed features are similar to characteristically fixed, often apomorphous characters of
other genera. The more obvious variations include expression of a ‘hooked’ parastyle
characteristic of Nimbadon and Plaisiodon in about 6% of the Neohelos population, and
the presence of a high preparaconal crest like that of Kolopsoides in 13% of Neohelos
specimens. Twenty-three per cent of Neohelos have a strong anterolabial cingulum as in
Kolopsis torus P 3 s; 3% have incipiently divided parametacones anticipating the more
derived genera Kolopsis and Zygomaturus. As a key character, the hypocone is absent in a
small number of individuals of all Neohelos species for which there is a reasonably large
sample. Size and morphological variations in the parastyle appear to have about the same
frequency in all species of Neohelos. In fact, there are very few isolated otherwise
‘apomorphous’ P3 traits of other zygomaturine species that are not expressed to some
degree by individual Neohelos spB specimens.
Sexually dimorphic and age-related traits. The Neohelos spB assemblage presents a
striking range of sizes and shapes, some crania being nearly twice the size of others; some
broad and low with deep maxillae; others being narrow, elongated or ‘stretched’ variants.
Some individuals have strong sagittal crests, whereas others have none; some individuals
have broad, distally flared snouts while others are narrow or even somewhat pointed (Figs
57-59). The zygomatic arches of some individuals are deep and strongly convex, whereas
in others they are shallow and relatively straight.
The masseteric processes range from elongated and transversely flattened to short, slender
and conical. In 50% of the specimens with the snout preserved, the anterior end of the
rostrum is elevated and dorsoventrally expanded overall, from the incisor alveoli to the top
77
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Figure 56. Line and shaded drawings of some morphological variations of the right P J of /V. stirtoni.
Numerals on line diagrams denote specific character variations: 1, strong compared to 2, weak emargination
between protocone and parastyle; 3, posteriorly inclined or ‘hooked’ parastyle; 4, incipient division of
paracone and metacone (note division of pair of enamel bulges by a faint sulcus on labial side of
parametacone); 5, strong labial crest on parastyle; 6, strong lingual crest on parastyle; 7, absence of
mesostyle; 8. weak-absent posterolabial cingulum; 9, elevated crest connecting parastyle with parametacone;
10, well-developed anterolabial cingulum; 11, small hypocone closely pressed to (twinned from?) the
protocone; 12, hypocone absent; 13, large labially projecting mesostyle.
78
NEOHELOS
Table 14. Comparison of type (SAM P13848) and paratype (UCMP13848, UCMP69977, UCMP69978)
material of N. tirarensis Stirton from the Leaf Locality (Wipajiri Formation of South Australia), Riversleigh,
Queensland N. tirarensis (NTM P91167-1), Neohelos spB. (CPC 22200/BMR F23046), and Neohelos spC
(AR5797, AR5989 and NTM P91168-2).
MEASUREMENT
Leaf Locality
N. tirarensis
Riversleigh
N. tirarensis
Neohelos spB
Neohelos spC
Dimensions frontal fossa
—
25.0 X 50.0
30.0X65.0
—
Dimensions lacrimal tubercle
—
8.0X12.0
7.0X15.0
—
Dimensions suborbital fossa
—
15.0X20.0
12.0X27.0
—
Dimensions infraorbital for.
—
3.5 X 9.0
6.0X11.5
—
Dimensions glenoid surface
—
30.0 X 35.0
28.0X42.0
—
Dimensions postglenoid pro.
—
10.0X26.0
11.5X45.0
—
Length squamosal-jugal sut.
—
100.0
79.0
—
Depth zygomatic arch
—
30.0
40.5
—
Length masseteric proces
—
11.0
26.0
—
Width submasseteric notch
—
12.4
17.0
—
Distance orbit to maxillary sut.
—
48.0
77.0
—
Distance max. sut. to postgl.
—
190.0
237.0
—
Dist. max. sut. to p. alv. proc.
—
111.5
160.0
—
Depth orb. to submas. notch
—
26.7
25.0
—
Width palate
—
48.0 (est.)
51.0
—
Length cheektooth row
—
81.5
108.1
—
P 3 length
—
13.8 (R)
19.4
20.7
P 3 width
14.8 (Holotype)
12.4 (R)
16.3
16.6
M 1 length
17.0 (Paratype)
15.4 (R)
20.4
20.5
M 1 anterior width
15.5 (Paratype)
—
19.4
17.1
M 1 posterior width
15.6 (Paratype)
14.4 (R)
20.2
18.0
M 2 length
19.0 (Paratype)
16.7 (R)
22.1
23.0
M 2 anterior width
17.1 (Paratype)
15.1 (R)
21.9
20.2
2
M posterior width
16.6 (Paratype)
14.7 (R)
21.5
19.1
M 3 length
—
17.1 (R)
24.4
24.4
M 3 anterior width
—
15.2 (R)
22.3
21.4
M 3 posterior width
—
14.1 (R)
20.5
—
M 4 length
—
17.0 (R)
24.2
21.0
4
M anterior width
—
15.0 (R)
20.0
20.4
4
M posterior width
—
12.1 (R)
16.9
15.5
of the nasals (Fig. 58E-F). This configuration would result in a distinctive snout profile in
a living animal. It is, therefore, possible that exaggeration of the anterior end of the rostrum
in Neohelos anticipates the development of conspicuous nasal bosses in Zygomaturus.
Some dentary horizontal rami are nearly twice as deep, though about the same length as
others. The gonial angle of the ascending rami ranges from perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the horizontal ramus to a distinctly obtuse angle of 120° or more (Fig.
59I-J). Variations also occur in the angle of the dentary symphysis and implantation angle
of the lower incisors.
It is often difficult to substantiate sexual dimorphism in fossil populations due to small
sample sizes and the difficulty of distinguishing sexually dimorphic characters from
merely size-related allometric relationships. That a component of the variability of
Neohelos may be due to sexual dimorphism can be drawn from analogy with other sexually
dimorphic mammalian species. In the case of Neohelos spB, though the usable sample size
of complete crania is small, the dimensions of the sagittal crest and the narial aperture
show an indication of bimodality in their distribution, which is probably more indicative of
sexual dimorphism than it is of simple growth allometry.
79
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 57. Restored crania of Neohelos spB from Bullock Creek showing variation probably as an expression of
sexual dimorphism; A, ? male (NTM P8695-38); B, ? male (NTM P8697-1); C, ? female CPC22200
(reference specimen); D, ? female (NTM P 8551-13).
Estimates of sexual dimorphism in cranial dimensions of Bullock Creek Neohelos range
from about 25% to 50%. Other variations in cranial and dentary shape seem to be related to
stage of growth and a considerable range in individual body sizes and shapes in both sexes.
The horizontal ramus tends to deepen as the animals mature, although the deepest and most
robust jaws probably belong to males. It seems reasonable to assume that the deep
dentaries would be associated with crania having deep maxillae. The variation in the angle
of the horizontal ramus may be correlated with extremes in cranial length, but there are no
associations of dentaries and crania to substantiate these remarks.
80
NEOHELOS
On / off distribution of character states. Certain characters appear to oscillate between
genera, species or higher taxa with no apparent phylogenetic significance, though such
characters may be consistently present or absent within a particular species and thus be
useful in distinguishing a taxon. The presence or absence of the posterior mental foramen
and the masseteric foramen are typical on / off traits in many diprotodontian groups. In
Neohelos species the masseteric foramen is present, whereas it is usually absent in closely
related Kolopsis torus. Alkwertatherium webbi lacks the foramen whereas it is present in
Plaisiodon centralis.
Fig. 58. A-F, Dorsal aspect of crania showing variability in cranial shape and size of adult crania of
Neohelos spB from Bullock Creek suggestive of sexual dimorphism; A, NTM P8551-13; B, CPC 22200
(type); C, NTM P8695-38; D, NTM P87018-1; E, NTM P8697-1; F, NMV PI87283.
More critical in the assessment of zygomaturine phylogeny are the states of certain
characters of the P 3 . Neohelos species express a range of states in the parastyle,
parametacone and hypocone, which appear to have phylogenetic significance. The
parastyle tends to be proportionally small in Neohelos spA and N. tirarensis compared to
that of Neohelos spB, which could be interpreted as a phylogenetic trend. However, in
Alkwertatherium, a structurally more primitive zygomaturine, the parastyle is very large,
suggesting that a small parastyle is not necessarily a plesiomorphous state in Neohelos.
Division of the parametacone into two cusps is another phylogenetically significant
development in Neohelos, yet Plaisiodon centralis often has an incipiently divided
parametacone and a well-developed elevation on the postparametacrista very similar to that
of Neohelos spC.
81
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 59. Examples of variable attributes in the skull of Neohelos spB; A-D, sexually dimorphic variation in
the sagittal crest; E-F, sexually dimorphic variation in shape of rostrum; G-H, variations in zygomatic arch
depth and relative development of masseteric processes; l-J, variation in shape and inclination of posterior
part of dentary.
Marshall et al. (1994, p. 12283) observe that in populations undergoing adaptive radiation
. features may “flicker” on and off, resulting in a distribution of character states that does
not reflect the phylogeny of the group.’ They state that unexpressed genes and dormant
developmental pathways for such traits may be successfully reactivated as long as six
million years after their disappearance, but after ten million years, the possibility of
reactivation of the character becomes remote. Marshall et a/.’s (1994) conclusions have
important consequences for cladistic methodology in that on-off character expression in
rapidly speciating groups is likely to result in considerable homoplasy. Because cladistics
favours the most parsimonious cladogram, a more complex, though perhaps more accurate
phylogenetic reconstruction, is likely to be rejected.
82
NE0HH1.0S
The maintenance of a high degree of individual variability within the Neohelos population
may have some significance in subsequent zygomaturine radiations. General heteromorphy
could be linked to sexual selection for large body size in males resulting in extending
overall morphological range of the species. A bull and harem type of mating pattern, often
associated with sexual dimorphism, might result in smaller population isolates that would
encourage a higher degree of individual variability within the general population.
However, it is likely that selection for sexual dimorphism and maintenance of individual
variability within the Neohelos populations are subsets of predominantly environmental
selective factors As indicated by recent palaeoenvironmental evidence (Murray and
Megirian 1992), northern and central Australia was already undergoing vegetational
changes in the early to mid Miocene. Neohelos spp. appear to have been the most
widespread early zygomaturine, having taken advantage of more open, possibly more
varied and correspondingly less predictable, though sporadically more productive habitat.
As a pioneer species, its niche confines were relatively broad with perhaps correspondingly
wide morphological constraints. Regardless of the particular selective agencies, it is often
the case that groups undergoing rapid speciation show high individual variability.
SPECULATION AND SPECIES SUCCESSION IN NEOHELOS
Possibly because of the morphological variability associated with large size, combined
with inadequate stratigraphic resolution and age determinations, the extent of speciation in
many diprotodontid genera has not been determined satisfactorily. Diprotodon has been
considered to have at least two species, D. australis Owen, 1838 and D. minor Huxley,
1862. The genus Zygomaturus has at least three species, Z. trilobus Owen. 1859, Z. keanei
Stirton 1967c, Z. gilli Stirton 1967c, and the genus Nimbadon Hand et al. has two species,
N. lavarackorum and N. whitelawi. Hand et al. 1993. The genus Kolopsis has three species:
K. torus Woodbume 1967a, K. rotundus Plane 1967, and K. yperus Murray et al. 1993,
although the latter two species may eventually be placed elsewhere (Murray 1993, Murray
et al. 1993). As the largest sample of zygomaturine fossil material known, spanning by far
the longest period of geological time of any diprotodontid genus, the presence of five
species within Neohelos does not seem to be exceptional.
The characters that distinguish three of the five species of Neohelos have a distinct
morphocline, which is primarily related to an overall increase in body size (allometry)
(Figs 60, 61). With few exceptions, the specimens from a particular locality tend to be very
similar in size and have specific morphological attributes. Because several localities have
what appears to be essentially the same morphospecies, we infer that these collections
represent distinct populations in time and space, hence a chronomorph within a
morphospecies. In the cases of Neohelos spA and perhaps Ni. scottorrorum, some
additional features indicate that they represent an isolate that arose from or near N.
tirarensis. These species only partially conform to the morphocline for N. tirarensis,
Neohelos spB and Neohelos spC. The Cleft of Ages Neohelos spA material is a unique
population that has not been matched in any other locality.
Speciation in Neohelos is evaluated primarily on the basis of the states of the following
characters or character complexes expressed by: 1) the main cuspid and its associated
median crests of P 3 ; 2) the parametacone and its associated crests of P 3 ; 3) the lingual
83
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black. M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
A
Fig. 60. Drawing comparing the relative sizes and morphological details of Neohelos maxillae in A,
plesiomorphic chronomorph of N. tirarensis (NTM P91167-1) Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh; B, N.
tirarensis (AR16492) Mike's Menagerie, Riversleigh and C, Neohelos spB (BMR F20432) Blast Site,
Bullock Creek.
B
Fig. 61. Comparison of restored skulls of Neohelos species; A, lateral aspect of Neohelos spB (NTM P8697-1
cranium / NTMP8695-7I dentary, both from the Blast Site, Bullock Creek); B, N. tirarensis (NTM P91167-1
Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh cranium / AR1695 dentary). Note allometric effects in orbit size, extent
of sinus-inflation of frontals, depth of maxilla and zygomatic root.
84
NROHKWS
cingulum of the upper molars; 4) the paralophid crest of Mi; 5) form of the lophs and
lophids of the upper and lower molars; 6) amount of curvature of the upper cheek-tooth
rows; 7) extent of size and morphological differentiation or individual molars in the upper
cheek-tooth series; 8) reduction of canine and auxiliary infraorbital foramen; 9)
modification of suborbital region.
Though relatively simple, the P 3 crown is systematically informative in zygomaturines
(Fig. 62A,C,E,G,I). Outgroup comparison with closely related species of Nimbadon (crest
present) and Plaisiodon (crest absent) indicates that the anteromedian crest is
homoplasious in zygomaturines, though its presence is plesiomorphic. The crest is well
developed, sharp and blade-like in N. tirarensis and Neohelos spA. The crest fades out at
its termination near the base of the crown in Neohelos spA and among smaller examples of
N. tirarensis. In more advanced N. tirarensis, a short, lingual extension of the
anteromedian crest encloses a small basin. The crest is sharp and prominent in this species.
In Neohelos spB the anteromedian crest, while usually strong, is lower and more rounded.
The basal part forms a short cingulid defining a U-shaped basin. Frequently a small cuspid
is present at the base of the crest. The anteromedian crest, cingulid and cuspid are
autapomorphically absent in Neohelos spC. The absence of the anteromedian crest in this
species is considered to be a character suppression having no phylogenetic significance
beyond Neohelos.
1 j
Fig. 62. Structural sequence in upper and lower P3 morphology in Neohelos species; A-B, N.eohelos spC
Jaw Junction, Riversleigh (AR7858/AR5797); C—D, Neohelos spB Bullock Creek LF (NTM P87103-
26/P8695-46); E-F, N.eohelos spB, Sticky-beak (AR13969) and Gag (AR3878); G-H, N. tirarensis
(AR10841 Camel Sputum, Riversleigh / AR16492 Mike’s Menagerie, Riversleigh); I—J, N. tirarensis
(AR1685 D-Site, Riversleigh / NTM P91166-1 Burnt Offerings).
85
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black. M. Archer, S. Hand. andP. Vickers-Rich
In the P 3 (Fig. 62B,D,F,H,J) the parametacone is very steep and short anteroposteriorly in
Ni. scottorrorum, Neohelos spA and small N. tirarensis. The unworn parametacone cusp is
bulbous. In larger N. tirarensis the parametacone is broader at its base relative to its height.
The pre- and postparametacristae are more prominent and the unworn parametaconal cusp
is elliptical anteroposteriorly. In Neohelos spB the unworn parametaconal cusp is made
blade-like by its incorporation within the parametacrista. The preparametacrista is stronger
and sharper than in N. tirarensis, often elevated into a prominent crest. In a lew specimens,
the postparametacrista forms a small lobe immediately posterior to the cusp and an
incipient division of the cusps is foreshadowed by shallow lingual and labial grooves.
Neohelos spC is autapomorphous in its development of a high, narrow lobe on the
postparametacrista; a clear division of the parametacone in one individual is apomorphous,
but less developed than in Kolopsis spp. The preparametacrista is less blade-like than in
Neohelos spB.
The lingual cingulae of the upper molars (Fig. 63A-D) become increasingly stronger in the
order Neohelos spA, Ni. scottorrorum, (absent) small N. tirarensis, (weak) large N.
tirarensis, Neohelos spB (strong). The lingual cingulae of Neohelos spC do not differ from
Neohelos spB. The paralophid crest of M| is highest and most blade-like in Neohelos spA
and N. tirarensis, lowest and most rounded in Neohelos spB. In Neohelos spC it is slightly
sharper and longer than in Neohelos spB. The protolophid of M| strongly overhangs in
Neohelos spA, less so in N. tirarensis and Neohelos spB. However, in Neohelos spC, the
lophids of all anterior molars have a slight overhang, at least more so than in Neohelos
spB. The posterior faces of the molar lophs become increasing steeper (shorter) in the
order: Neohelos spA, N. tirarensis, Neohelos spB. In Neohelos spC, this feature does not
differ from that of Neohelos spB.
a B C D
Fig. 63. Photographic comparison of Neohelos species upper cheek teeth: A, N. tirarensis plesiomorphic
chronomorph (NTM P91167-1 Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh) B, N. tirarensis (Inabeyance specimen,
QM FI3088) (reversed); C, N.eohelos spB plesiomorphic chronomorph (Gag Site, Riversleigh specimen,
AR3878,) and D, Neohelos spB NTMP8551-13 (Bullock Creek, NT).
86
NEOHELOS
Curvature of the upper cheek-tooth rows increases from the essentially straight rows of
small morphs of N. tirarensis to a distinct curvature in larger N. tiraremis to a stronger
curvature in Neohelos spB (Fig. 64A-D). Neohelos spC is known only from isolated teeth.
Neohelos spA appears to have slightly more curvature and more distinct gradient in the
molars than in some N. tirarensis. Differentiation of the upper molars increases with the
amount of curvature of the tooth row (Fig. 65A-D). The lower jaws and their dentitions
show the same pattern (Figs 66, 67, 68).
The presence of upper canine alveoli in N. tirarensis is additional evidence of the
plesiomorphous states of this species compared to Neohelos spB in which the alveolus is
absent. The state of the canine is not known for Neohelos spA or Ni. scottorrorum. The
progressive reduction of the auxiliary infraorbital foramen, and reduction of the infraorbital
tuberosity (Figs 60, 61) also support the polarity of the morphocline through N. tirarensis
to Neohelos spB to Neohelos spC. Although Neohelos spC shows three character states
somewhat reminiscent of Neohelos spA (sharper, more elevated paralophid, overhanging
lophids, slightly narrower molars) its otherwise extremely close similarities
to Neohelos spB diminish the likelihood of a fundamental dichotomy. The evidence is
overwhelmingly on the side of a gradual morphological succession of these species,
originating from the smallest and earliest to culmination in the largest and latest.
Although the distinctions used to determine these palaeontological morphospecies are
based on analogy with living mammalian species, we cannot determine solely on the basis
of biological evidence, whether these are temporally circumscribed samples of a single,
evolving species (anagenetic chronospecies) or if they represent adaptive branching within
the genus. Very similar chronospecies successions are known for Wakaleo (Murray and
Megirian 1990) and Palorchestes (Murray 1990a). The geological context of each species
becomes an essential element in the formulation of an hypothesis of their evolutionary
significance.
As discussed previously, assignments of some of the smaller species based on isolated
cheek teeth are equivocal. The distinction between Neohelos spA and smaller N. tirarensis
on any feature in the absence of M 1.2 must be considered tentative. There are several
Neohelos specimens that are intermediate in size and morphology between Neohelos spA
and N. tirarensis and between N. tirarensis and Neohelos spB. Given that there is
considerable gradation, variability and sexual dimorphism within the normal range of each
species, combined with the likelihood of the existence of some time depth within
individual sites, it may not be possible to definitely assign some of these specimens either
specifically or temporally.
However, the bulk of evidence supports a predominantly temporal explanation for the
geological distribution of Neohelos species. Neohelos spA showing close, gradational
similarities to Neohelos tirarensis particularly with reference to QM F23137 (=M.
scottorrorum) could represent a derived form originating from an N. tirarensis population.
Unfortunately, the polarity of this particular morphocline is not defined nor is there any
good indication as to when such a cladogenic event might have commenced, other than to
suggest the temporal equivalency of the Fig Tree assemblage (the absence of key Neohelos
spA apomorphies among outgroup species strongly suggests that it is not a plesiomorphic
zygomaturine). That the Cleft of Ages material might represent an extreme range of
variation (e.g. subspecific) of N. tirarensis does not seem likely since the characters of
Neohelos spA are confined to a population from a single locality in close geographic
proximity to N. tirarensis localities.
87
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 64. Morphocline in curvature of cheek-tooth
rows in Neohelos species; A, N. tirarensis (NTM
P91167-1 Upper Burnt Offerings, Riversleigh); B,
N. tirarensis (AR16492 Mike’s Menagerie, Rivers¬
leigh) C, Neohelos spB (Gag Site, Riversleigh,
AR3878); D, Neohelos spB (Bullock Creek, BMR
F23041).
Fig. 65. Morphocline in gradient of upper cheek
teeth in Neohelos species; A, N. tirarensis ; B, N.
tirarensis', C, Neohelos spB (Gag Site, Rivers¬
leigh); D, Neohelos spB, Bullock Creek.
Fig. 66. Comparison of right dentaries of Neohelos species; A. Neohelos tirarensis , plesiomorphic
chronomorph (AR1685) D-Site, Riversleigh; B, N. tirarensis (AR10458) Wayne's Wok, Riversleigh; C,
Neohelos spB, plesiomorphic chronomorph (AR 13969) Sticky-beak. Riversleigh; D, Neohelos spB
plesiomorphic chronomorph (AR 13791) Sticky-beak, Riversleigh; E, Neohelos spB (NTM P8695-67) Blast
Site, Bullock Creek LF.
88
NF.OMU.OS
E
Fig. 67. Comparison of lower cheek dentitions of Neohelos species, occlusal aspect; A, Neohelos tirarensis,
plesiomorphic chronomorph (AR1685) D-Site, Riversleigh; B, N. tirarensis (AR10458) Wayne's Wok,
Riversleigh; C, Neohelos spB, plesiomorphic chronomorph (AR13969) Sticky-beak, Riversleigh; D,
Neohelos spB plesiomorphic chronomorph (AR13791) Sticky-beak, Riversleigh; E, Neohelos spB (NTM
P8695-67) Blast Site, Bullock Creek LF.
Fig. 68. Diagram showing progressive enlargement and proportional changes in lower molar crowns from N.
tirarensis D^, to Neohelos spB B, A; based on specimens in Figure 67; B has been restored by combining
AR 13969 with AR 13791, both from Sticky-beak, Riversleigh.
89
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich. M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer. S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Aside from the questions raised by the Cleft of Ages assemblage, the incremental nature of
the morphocline of the remaining Neohelos species otherwise negates a fundamental
dichotomy among the species or a near simultaneous (‘bushy') radiation at a single node;
structural (stage-of-evolution) successions in other genera from the same localities parallel
the succession of Neohelos species. Consequently, we hypothesise, perhaps with the
exceptions of Ni. scottorrorum and Neohelos spA. that species succession in Neohelos was
predominantly gradualistic, perhaps with some minor temporal overlap of larger and
smaller morphotypes. The localities in which these overlaps occur appear to be few (Table
18) and, as noted above, there are some alternative explanations for them besides the
contemporaneous existence of more than one Neohelos species. We conclude that
speciation within Neohelos is predominantly successional, chronologically significant and
potentially useful for relative dating. The principle difficulties in the application of these
observations is due to the high degree of individual variability within all species of this
genus combined with the gradational nature of the characters that serve to distinguish one
species from another.
NEOHELOS PHYLOGENY
Zygomaturines originated from the Diprotodontinae as originally suggested by Stirton et
al. (1967). Stirton et al. constructed an intercalary lineage of diprotodontids, the
Nototheriinae, to denote the closer relationships of the more primitive diprotodontines
Pyramios and Nototherium to the zygomaturines. They were unable to further refine their
hypothesis, because no structurally intermediate forms were known at the time. Two
recently discovered zygomaturine genera provide evidence for the structural transition
from primitive diprotodontine-like diprotodontids to primitive zygomaturines and from
primitive zygomaturines to the typical zygomaturines represented by Neohelos. The
structural succession from Neohelos to derived zygomaturine states found in Plio-
Pleistocene genera, as proposed by Stirton and his colleagues, are supported by new
evidence from anatomy and recently discovered structurally intermediate species (Fig. 69;
Tables 15, 16).
Stirton et al. recognised the two-cusped P 3 of Pyramios alcootense as a structural
predecessor to the zygomaturines because of its enlarged anterior lobe of the crown or
presumptive parastylar base, and by the zygomaturine-like proportions of its protocone and
parametacone (Fig. 5). The structure of the P 3 in other diprotodontines is derived or
autapomorphous (e.g. lophodont in Diprotodon ) or plesiomorphic (palorchestid-like, as in
Ngapakaldia and Pitikantia).
The recent discoveries of two primitive zygomaturines, Gen. et sp. nov. (Archer, Hand and
Godthelp 1991: 217) and Alkwertatherium Murray (1990a) (Fig. 69H, I) provide the
previously lacking structural evidence for the origin of the Zygomaturinae from the
Diprotodontinae.
Riversleigh Gen et sp. nov. shows two primary zygomaturine apomorphies in its
possession of a small, but distinct parastyle, with strongly developed associated crests and
a large, lobate parastylar extension of the crown on the P 3 , and in the expression of an
alisphenoid ventral tympanic process. The species otherwise shows many close structural
similarities with the diprotodontines. particularly Pyramios alcootense.
90
NEOHELOS
Table 15. Character state polarities in the Zygomaturinae as determined by a diprotodontine outgroup
t Ngapakaldia tedfordi ) and ingroup comparisons based on primitive zygomaturines from Riversleieh and
Alcoota. 5
CHARACTER
APOMORPHIC
PLESIOMORPHIC
Incisors
1
UPPER I 1
divergent tips
convergent tips
2
UPPER I 2 ' 3
small, buttress I 1
large, independant of I 1
3
INCISOR ARCADE
narrow, U-shape
broad, C-shape
C
4
UPPER CANINE
absent
present-vestigial
P 3
5
P 3 PARASTYLE
broad, low, close to PMC
large, separated from
PMC
6
HYPOCONE
large (variable)
small (variable) to absent
7
PARAMETACONE
differentiated PAC, MEC
undifferentiated-incipient
8
PARAMETACRISTAE
buccal side of crown
nearer mid-line of crown
9
BUCCAL CINGULUM
weak
strong
10
LINK PRC-PMC
strong
weak-absent
M 1
11
OCCLUSAL SHAPE
square
trapezoidal
12
LOPH SHAPE
straight
slight curve, oblique
13
STYLES
reduced
large
Molars
14
OCCLUSAL PLANE
convex
straight
15
TOOTH ROW SHAPE
convex,
straight to slight curvature
16
ROW COVERGENCE
anterior
parallel
Cranium
17
ORBIT
frontated
lateral
18
MASSETERIC PROCESS
long, wide
short, narrow
19
ORBITAL PROCESS
narrow
wide
20
NASAL PROCESS
large
small-moderate
21
UPPER DIASTEMA
short, constricted
long, wide to constricted
22
PALATE
deep, arched
shallow, flat
23
FRONTAL CRESTS
enlarged, vertical
moderately inflated
24
POSTORBITAL PROCESS
absent
weak-absent
25
PMX-MX SUTURE
concave
straight, short
26
BASICRANIAL AXIS
marked flexion
slight flexion
27
ALISPH. tymp. proc.
complete, fused to mastoid
incomplete, elongated
28
POSTGLENOID PROC.
high, wide, thick, straight
high, wide, thick, oblique
29
EPITYMPANIC FENES.
absent
reduced, oval
Dentary
30
ASCENDING RAMUS
elevated, upright
inclined, elevated
31
DIGASTRIC EMINENCE
strong, posterior
low, mid-ramus position
32
MEDIAL FOSSAE
separated
confluent
33
LOWER INCISOR
recumbent, pointed
procumbent, spatulate
34
SYMPHYSIS
long deep, fused
short, shallow, unfused
35
MASSETERIC FOR.
absent
present
Other
36
VERT. BORD. SCAPULA
pointed, rugose
broad, thin
37
INFRAGL. PR. SCAPULA
large
weak-absent
38
OLECRANON PR. ULNA
wide, flange-like
narrow
39
ALAE ILIUM
broad, short
narrow, long
40
DELTOPECTORALTUB.
differentiated
undifferentiated
PRIMITIVE
convergent tips
large
broad
present
rudimentary
absent
undifferentiated
poorly developed
present
absent
rectangular
curved
small
straight
straight
posterior
lateral
short, small
wide
small
long, wide
shallow, flat
small
weak
straight, long
straight
incomplete, short
low, narrow, thin
large, circular
inclined, low
weak
confluent
procumbent
short, shallow
present
Alkwertatherium webbi possesses a large parastyle, though its P 3 remains primitive in
lacking a hypocone. The cranium and dentary of Alkwertatherium also expresses strong
phenetic resemblances with both Pyramios (spatulate lower incisors, fused dentary
symphysis, palatal shape, slight obliquity of molars) and Plaisiodon (cranial shape,
similarity of cheek teeth, palatal form and cranial base), suggesting that Alkwertatherium
originated from a species closely related to the antecedent of four-cusped P 3 zygomaturines
(Murray 1990a).
Three genera of zygomaturines possessing a P 3 with four primary cusps are currently
recognised: Neohelos, Plaisiodon and Nimbadon, each being distinguished from the
previously discussed genera by possessing a hypocone on the posterolingual comer of the
91
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer. S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Table 16. Distribution of character states in representative zygomaturine taxa; key:
A=apomorphic; P=plesiomorphic; PV=primitive; AP=morphocline within genus ranges
from plesiomorphic to apomorphic; (H)= homoplaisious characters, possible
synapomorphies of Plaisiodon and Kolopsoides.
CHARACTER
Maokapia
Hulitherium
'Kolopsis'
rotundus
Zygomaturus
spp.
Kolopsis spp.
Beaumaris
‘Kolopsis’
Neohelos spp.
Nimbadon spp.
Kolopsoides
Plaisiodon
Alkwertatherium
Riversleigh
zygomaturine
Raemeotherium
INCISORS
1
A
_
_
A
P
_
P
_
P
P
P
P
-
2
A
—
—
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
P
-
3
A
A
—
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
P
-
CANINE
4
A
A
A
A
A
—
AP
?
-
A
A
P
-
P 3
5
A
?
A
A
AP
—
P
P
A
P
P
P
-
6
A
?
A
A
A
—
AP
P
A
P
PV
PV
-
7
A
A
A
A
A
-
P
P
A
P
P
PV
--
8
A
A
A
A
A
-
P
P
P
P
P
P
-
9
A
A
A
A
A
-
P
P
A(H)
A
P
P
-
10
A
?
A
A
A
—
AP
P
P
A
PV
PV
-
M’
11
A
A
_
A
P
-
P
P
P
P
P
p
-
12
A
A
_
A
P
-
P
P
P
P
P
p
-
13
A
A
—
A
P
-
P
P
P V
PV
PV
PV
-
MOLAR ROW
14
A
A
A
A
P
-
P
P
P
P
P
P
-
15
A
?
?
A
AP
-
AP
P
P
P
P
p
-
16
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
P
P
P
P
PV
-
CRANIUM
17
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
p
-
18
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
-
-
A(H)
P
p
-
19
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
~
-
P
P
p
-
20
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
p
-
21
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
p
-
22
A
A
?
A
P
-
P
P
-
P
P
p
-
23
A
A
-
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
p
-
24
A
—
-
A
P
-
AP
-
-
P
-
p
-
25
A
—
-
A
P
-
P
-
-
P
P
PV
-
26
A
—
-
A
P
-
P
-
-
A(H)
-
p
-
27
_
—
-
A
AP
P
P
-
-
P
P
p
-
28
__
—
-
A
A
P
P
-
-
P
P
PV
-
29
_
-
-
A
A
P
P
-
-
P
P
PV
-
DENTARY
30
A
-
A
A
P
-
P
-
P
P
P
-
P
31
A
-
A
A
P
P
P
-
P
P
P
-
P
32
A
-
A
A
P
P
P
-
P
P
P
-
P
33
A
. —
A
A
P
—
P
-
P
P
P
-
P
34
A
-
A
A
AP
P
P
-
A(H)
A(H)
A(H)
-
P
35
A
-
-
A
A
P
P
-
A(H)
P
A
-
P
POSTCRANIAL
36
—
-
-
A
A
-
P
-
-
P
-
-
“
37
—
-
-
A
A
-
P
-
-
A(H)
-
-
-
38
—
-
-
A
A
-
P
-
-
A(H)
-
-
-
39
A
-
-
A
A
—
P
-
-
P
-
-
40
-
?
-
A
P
-
P
-
-
A(H)
-
-
-
crown (Fig. 69C, E, G). As of 1994, following the publication of Nimbadon (Hand et al.
1993) our assessment of Neohelos did not differ significantly from their conclusions
(hypothesis A, Fig. 70A), which defined a Neohelos tirarensis crown group composed of
four species and a Plaisiodon centralis crown group composed of four species and two
genera.
92
NEOHEUOS
Fig. 69. Diagram depicting primary nodes (genera) in zygomaturine phylogeny based on P 3 -M' morphology.
Illustrated representative genera and species: A, Zygomaturus trilobus; B, Kolopsisyperus\ C, Neohelos spB;
D, Nimbadon scottorrorum', E, Nimbadon whitelawi\ F, Kolopsoides cultridens ; G, Plaisiodon centralis ; H,
Alkwertatherium webbi ; I. Riversleigh Gen et sp. nov. Cladistic analysis for dendrogram as follows:
1: Anterior part of crown elongated, incipient parastyle evident
1A: P 3 pa rastyle large
IB: P 3 parastyle small, base from precingulum, hypocone absent
2: P 3 parastyle large
2A: P 3 hypocone present
2B: P 3 hypocone absent
3: Hypocone present
3A: P 3 with posterolabial cingulum and mesostyle
3B: Posterolabial cingulum and mesostyle absent on P 3
3C: P 3 parastyle conjoined to PMC by crest, hypocone>protocone
3D: P 3 parastyle hook-like, crown elongated
4: P 3 with posterolabial cingulum and mesostyle
4A: M' broad with large parastyle and metastyle
4B: M 1 narrow with reduced parastyle and metastyle
5: M 1 broad with large parastyle and metastyle
5A: P 3 parametacone divided Into paracone and metacone
5B: P 3 parametacone undivided
5C: M’- 3 postcingulum continuous horizontally around metaconule
5D: M'- 3 postcingulum ascends lingual side of metaconule
6: Parametacone of P 3 divided
6A: M' parastyle and metastyle reduced, square outline
6B: M' parastyle and metastyle large, trapezoidal outline.
With the larger sample of Neohelos-hke material at our disposal, it was apparent that
Nimbadon scottorrorum was more similar to Neohelos species than to Plaisiodon centralis
or to either of the remaining Nimbadon species. The P 3 morphology of the nearest
outgroup species Alkwertatherium webbi suggests that Plaisiodon is no closer to Nimbadon
scottorrorum than it is to Neohelos on the basis of its apomorphic loss of the posterolabial
cingulum and mesostyle from the P 3 . Retaining the rest of Hand et al.'s (1993) analysis,
there are two genera united at the base by the symplesiomorphic retention of the
posterolabial cingulum of P 3 as against its total loss in Plaisiodon centralis (Fig. 70B).
Hypothesis B (Fig. 70B) does not express the similarities of Nimbadon scottorrorum to
specimens at the smaller end of the Neohelos tirarensis sample. The single known
specimen of Ni. scottorrorum differs only subtly from typical N. tirarensis, primarily in
having a weak vertical continuation of the postcingulum up the lingual side of the
93
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
metaconule. It could represent an individual variation within that species, so in hypothesis
C (Fig. 70C) we have sunk the species under N. tirarensis, resulting in four Neohelos
species united by the possession of large molar styles, broad rectangular molars and wide
interproximal contacts. The Nimbadon species are united by the possession of small molar
styles and narrow molars.
Simple statistical analysis of dental measurements of the Neohelos species outlined in
detail in Appendix I reveals a close association of Neohelos spC with the bulk of Neohelos
spB material. The other three Neohelos species plus two small samples of Neohelos spB
form two additional clusters which are not as clearly distinct from one another as both are
from the Neohelos spC -Neohelos spB group. This accords reasonably well with the
phylogenetic hypothesis illustrated in Figure 70C which is based on analysis of qualitative
characters of the teeth and skulls.
Hypothesis D (Fig. 70D) depicts the systematic description we have adopted for the genus.
This scheme conservatively recognises NL scottorrorum as a separate species united with
Neohelos spA on the basis of the extension of the postcingulum up the lingual flank of the
metaconule. The hypothesis is preferred because it expresses the possibility that Neohelos
spA might have originated from a form similar to Ni. scottorrorum for which we have a
stage of evolution estimation of its age.
The relationships among these very similar genera are not completely resolved by
phylogenetic analysis due to the obfuscation of characters by the derived states of
Plaisiodon and the fineness of the character distinctions in question, which are at the level
of species discriminations. Plaisiodon is so far known from only one late Miocene species.
Although considered among the four-cusped P 3 forms, Plaisiodon centralis shows an
elongation of the parametacone and an incipient lobate division of the parametaconal crest
(Fig. 71E-F). As in Neohelos spC (Fig. 71A-B) the postparametacrista is elevated into a
narrow secondary crest near the apex. Were it not for other characters (absence of a labial
cingulum, absence of a lingual crest between the hypocone and protocone and absence of a
labial crest on the parastyle) the labial profile of P 3 in some individuals of Plaisiodon bears
a remarkable resemblance to that of Neohelos spC. Consequently homoplasious origins of
parametaconal division in at least two zygomaturine lineages is indicated (Fig. 70).
The possibility of a close relationship between Kolopsoides and Plaisiodon, as first
suggested by Archer (1984) is supported by a number of shared derived features of the P 3
including incipient division of the parametacone, reduction or loss of a posterolabial
cingulum, elongation of the crown and posterior inclination of the parastyle. Other strong
similarities include asymmetrically curved, pointed upper incisors and a rounded anterior
cristid of the P 3 protoconid. It is, therefore, likely that the presence of a transversely
divided parametacone in Kolopsoides. which was originally interpreted by Plane (1965) as
apomorphous with Kolopsis, represents a homoplasious synapomorphy with Plaisiodon
(Table 15). As the isolated, incipiently divided P 3 from Cleft of Ages, Riversleigh, (QM
F20713) seems to indicate, the apomorphy character distinctions between Neohelos and
Plaisiodon-Kolopsoides arose in a small species probably no later than mid-Miocene.
The fifth primary cusp of the zygomaturine P3 is represented by a transverse division of
the parametacone into two distinct cusps (Fig. 69A-B). Five zygomaturine genera are
known to share this apomorphic state: Kolopsis spp., Zygomaturus spp., Maokapia,
possibly Hulitherium and the previously mentioned genus Kolopsoides. We have situated
Neohelos as the morphological basis of a complex crown group represented by a cluster of
species in the genera Zygomaturus Owen, Maokapia Flannery, 'Kolopsis ’ rotundus Plane,
Hulitherium Flannery and Plane and Kolopsis Woodbume.
94
NEOHHLOS
Fig. 70. Hypotheses of phylogenetic relationships of Neohelos species based on Alkwertatherium webbi
outgroup comparison. A, dendrogram based on Hand et al (1993); cladistic analysis: 1) mesostyle on P 3
retracted towards cingulum; 2) larger size, more differentiation and curvature of cheek-tooth row; 3) loss of
canine; 4) incipient division of P 3 PMC; 5) hooked parastyle; 6) apical blade and diagonal crest on P 3
parastyle; 7) elongation of molars; B, 1) increased curvature and differentiation of molar row; 2) loss of
canine; 3) incipient division of P 3 PMC; 4) postcingulum ascends lingual side of metaconule; 5) elongation
of molars; 6) reduction of styles on anterior molars; C, 1) large styles on M 1 " 2 , wide IP contact, broad,
rectangular molars; 2) loss of canine; 3) incipient division of P 3 PMC; 4) blend of characters via Nimbadon
scottorroruni, incipient elevation of postcingulum; 5) postcingulum ascends lingual side of metaconule,
elongation of molars; 6) reduction of styles on M 1 ' 2 , narrow molar crowns; D, 1) large styles on M 1 ' 2 , wide IP
contact, broad, rectangular molars; 2) horizontal continuation of postcingulum around base of metaconule; 3)
loss of canine; 4) incipient division of P’ PMC; 5) postcingulum ascends lingual side of metaconule; 6)
reduced styles on M 1 narrow molar crowns.
95
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
b
e F
Fig. 71. Comparison of P 3 's of zygomaturine species in which the parametacone is divided into two cusps;
A-B, Neohelos spC; C, Kolopsis yperus; D, Kolopsis torus; E-F, Plaisiodon centralis. The resemblances
between Neohelos spC (A-B) and Plaisiodon centralis (E-F) are independently derived as indicated by the
presence of other distinctive characters. Twinning of the parametacone in Kolopsis species (C-D) appears to
be derived from Neohelos spC, which however, possesses a higher, narrower crown in which the metacone is
more accurately described as a blade-like salient rather than a cusp. Assuming that Neohelos spC gave rise to
Kolopsis, the high-crowned Ongeva LF form K. yperus , is more similar to Neohelos spC than is the low-
crowned K. torus (Alcoota LF). Alternatively, Neohelos spC may be too specialised to represent a direct
ancestor of Kolopsis species.
Neohelos spC shows twinning of the P 3 as do, to a lesser degree, a few Bullock Creek
specimens (e.g. NT*M P87115-8 and P8695-61). The latter variants also possesses a strong
anterolabial cingulum and an elevated crest between the parastyle and the anterolabial crest
of the parametacone, which is frequently present in Kolopsis torus. Consequently there is
an indication that Neohelos spB is potentially close to the ancestry of, if not directly
ancestral to, Kolopsis torus. The phenetic resemblances between K. torus and Neohelos
spB are about as compelling as between the lower-crowned K. torus and Neohelos spC, in
which the P 3 is much higher-crowned and the labial cingulum is weak. With regard to the
state of both of these characters, Neohelos spC bears a closer resemblance to K. yperus
Murray el al. (1994), which is high-crowned and possesses a weak labial cingulum. It is
thus possible that the two species of Kolopsis are independently derived from two species
of Neohelos (Fig. 72A-B).
Fossil evidence from Alcoota (Ongeva Local Fauna) indicates that Kolopsis yperus
Murray, Megirian and Wells 1993 is structurally antecedent to, or perhaps synonymous
with Zygomaturus gilli. Z. gilli is known only from an isolated premolar, which we do not
consider to be sufficient evidence for the assignment of the specimen to the genus
Zygomaturus because the character states of its M 2 are not known. Kolopsis yperus has
been retained in the genus Kolopsis because of certain symplesiomorphic similarities,
which contrast with derived states of Zygomaturus ; primarily in its retention of large styles
on the M 2 and its retention of a large P 3 relative to M 2 , the former being reduced in all
Plio-Pleistocene members of the Zygomaturus clade (Murray 1993).
96
NEOHELOS
The Beaumaris ‘ Kolopsis ’ specimens (MVP15911, P16279) variously assigned to Z. gilli
(Woodbume 1969) or K. sp. (Rich 1976) remain taxonomically ambiguous, primarily due
to the lack of an associated P 3 . This species has relatively high-crowned, transversely
narrow lower molars with strong metalophids and conspicuous apical crests on the
anterolabial and anterolingual cuspids of each lophid. The P 3 is similar to that of Kolopis
torus in possessing a strong anterolabial cingulid and to Neohelos spC in being somewhat
elongated. Unlike Kolopsis spp., the Beaumaris species possesses a masseteric foramen.
However, the lower molars of Neohelos spB and Kolopsis torus appear to be proportionally
and structurally more alike than either species is to the Beaumaris form. Because a
masseteric foramen is present in one specimen (the region is obscured by matrix in the
other), and because the molar crowns are more narrow relative to their length in
comparison to Kolopsis torus than compared to known Neohelos species, it is possible that
it represents another, more derived species of Neohelos. However, it does not seem
possible to resolve the position of this form without the evidence of the upper premolar.
Fig. 72. Dendrograms depicting alternative hypotheses of Neohelos to Kolopsis transitions. A, assumes that a
low crown (I) is a symplesiomorphous state shared between Neohelos spB and K. torus and a high crown (2)
is synapomorphous between Neohelos spC and K. yperus\ B, suggests a more complex hypothesis in which
Neohelos spB is the sister taxon of Kolopsis and Neohelos spC, the latter being too specialised to have been
directly ancestral to Kolopsis ; (a) is the apomorphous development of parametaconal twinning; (b)
symplesiomorphous retention of more generalised, Neohelos spB-like P 3 crown proportions in Kolopsis
ancestor; c) apomorphous reduction of height of P 3 crown.
An account of the morphological evidence for the proposed phylogeny of the later
Zygomaturines is given by Murray (1992). In general, the available fossil evidence points
to a radiation of heavy-bodied zygomaturine browsers with short, deep snouts, broad
crania, with upward flexion of the basicranial axis, tusk-like, divergent upper central
incisors and frontated orbits. Species of the Zygomaturus clade became gigantic on
mainland Australia and Tasmania (Z. trilobus ) and became dwarf-like in New Guinea
(‘ Kolopsis ’ rotundus, Hulitherium, Maokapia). The immediate antecedent(s) of this group
of genera {Zygomaturus, Maokapia, Hulitherium) have not been identified, although
Zygomaturus gilli and Z. keanei remain in essentially the same basal relationship to the
radiation that was postulated by Stirton et al. (1967).
The comparative anatomy of the cranial base in zygomaturines reinforces the broad
outlines of gradual structural changes leading from primitive zygomaturines to the genus
97
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Zygomciturus as proposed by Stirton et al. (1967). New evidence from the primitive
Riversleigh diprotodontid Gen. et sp. nov. Archer et al. (1991) shows the plesiomorphous
state of structures surrounding the middle ear (Figs 73A-74A). Its structural relations are
fundamentally similar to that of Ngapakaldia: the epitympanic fenestra is large, the
postglenoid process is poorly developed, low and thin, and the entoglenoid eminence and
tympanic process is low and relatively small. Unlike Ngapakaldia and diprotodontines, the
ventral surface of the tympanic process is composed of the alisphenoid instead of the
squamosal, as in all members of the Zygomaturinae.
D
c
c
Fig. 74. Diagrams showing evolutionary trends in
the middle ear structural relations in a
chronological sequence from A, early Miocene
primitive zygomaturine from Riversleigh (reversed
for comparison with C-D); B, middle Miocene
Neohelos spB: C, late Miocene Kolopsis torus ; D,
late Pleistocene Zygomaturus trilobus.
Fig. 73. Comparison of the structures surrounding
the middle ear in the cranial bases of: A, Gen. et
sp. nov. (Archer et al. 1991: 217); B, Neohelos
spB; C, Kolopsis torus', D, Zygomaturus trilobus.
In Neohelos the basic structural relationships are similar to Gen. et sp. nov., but the
hypotympanic sinus within the tympanic wing is enlarged and the postglenoid process has
become elevated and expanded mesially and posteriorly (Figs 73B-74B). The ventral crest
of the postglenoid process has overgrown its posterior margin to partially seal off the
epitympanic fenestra.
In Kolopsis torus the posterior w r all of the postglenoid process is complete, entirely sealing
off the epitympanic fenestra (Figs 73C, 74C). The inner comer of the postglenoid process
has encroached medially to contact the posteriorly elongated alisphenoid tympanic process,
which is compressed into a narrow crest. The wide contact between the postglenoid
process and the alisphenoid crest eliminates the ventrally open glenoid notch that connects
the tympanic cavity with the glenoid fossa in Neohelos spB. but which, in Kolopsis torus ,
has become a partially enclosed glenoid canal.
98
NEOHELOS
In Zygomaturus trilobus the crest-like alisphenoid tympanic process has become fused
with the base of the mastoid forming a complete tympanic wing over the tympanic cavity
and has become situated parallel with, and posterior to the postglenoid process (Figs
73D, 74D). The postglenoid process has become oriented nearly at a right angle to the
basicranial axis and all elements surrounding the middle ear are strongly fused.
The progressive fusion of the elements over the middle ear cavity in zygomaturines is
chronologically successive and non-disjunctive anatomically, providing clear evidence of
gradual evolution over a period of 15 to 20 million years. An analogous process appears
to have occurred in the Diprotodontinae, in which the PlioPleistocene genera
Euryzygoma and Diprotodon have also undergone a process of fusion of the structures
surrounding the middle ear (Fig. 75G-H).
Although much less is known of the evolution of the postcranial skeleton of the
Zygomaturinae, especially the earlier forms, we have some evidence of a structural
succession leading from Neohelos to Kolopsis and Zygomaturus. The postcranial
skeletons of Neohelos and Kolopsis are very similar except for certain features of the
forelimb, in which Kolopsis shows some similarities with Zygomaturus. In Neohelos the
vertebral border of the scapula is broad, whereas it is narrower and more pointed in
Kolopsis (Fig. 76A, C). A rudimentary infraglenoid tuberosity is present in Kolopsis
which is not present in Neohelos. In Kolopsis the olecranon process of the ulna is
transversely expanded in comparison to that of Neohelos. Each of these characters appear
to be transitional states between Neohelos spB and Zygomaturus trilobus (Fig. 76A, C,
D).
The postcranial morphology of Plaisiodon centralis is proportionally more similar to that
of Neohelos than the other zygomaturine genera for which the postcranial skeleton is
reasonably well-known (Fig. 76B). Plaisiodon centralis is derived relative to Neohelos
and homoplasious relative to Kolopsis and Zygomaturus in possessing a broadened
infraglenoid table of the scapula, which however, is not developed into a distinct process.
As in Neohelos, the vertebral border is broad and relatively thin, rather than narrow and
thickened, as characteristic of Kolopsis and Zygomaturus. The olecranon process of the
ulna of Plaisiodon is broad compared to that of Neohelos but takes the form of a very
short, flattened tuberosity, quite distinct from that of Kolopsis and Zygomaturus.
As in Zygomaturus, but not Neohelos or Kolopsis, a distinct pectoral tuberosity appears
to have been present adjacent to a well-developed deltoid tuberosity. Because this region
is damaged in all of the available specimens of Plaisiodon , a more detailed comparison
with the humerus of Zygomaturus must await a more perfect specimen. Comparisons of
the available postcranial material indicates that Neohelos is the more suitable structural
precursor to the lineage leading to Zygomaturus. Plaisiodon centralis is too derived in
certain features, while otherwise retaining a majority of states closely resembling those
of Neohelos.
99
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Fig. 75. Phylogeny of the Diprotodontidae determined by the morphology of the basicranium of
representative genera: A, Ngapakaldia tedfordi is depicted as representing the plesiomophic state for the
family Diprotodontidae. B-E, are members of subfamily Zygomaturinae; F-H, are members of subfamly
Diprotodontinae. B, Zygomaturus trilobus; C, Kolopsis torus; D, Neohelos spB; E, primitive zygomaturine;
F, Pyramios alcootense ; G, Euryzygoma dunense ; H, Diprotodon sp.; Apomorphies at designated nodes:
1 AB=large epitympanic fenestra, weak postglenoid process and squamosal tympanic process; 2B=wider,
deeper, but thin postglenoid process, not fused to posterior or mesial elements; reduced or absent
epitympanic fenestra, squamosal tympanic process enlarged; 3B=posterior elongation and fusion of the
postglenoid process mesially with the tympanic process and with the mastoid-squamosal posteriorly forming
complete auditory meatus; 2A=alisphenoid tympanic process; 3A=reduced epitympanic fenestra, inflated
entoglenoid eminence or bulla; 4A=loss of epitympanic fenestra, elongation and fusion of alisphenoid
tympanic process and postglenoid process.
100
NEOHEWS
Fig. 76. Restored skeletons of A, Neohelos spB; B, Plaisiodon centralis ; C, Kolopsis torus', D, Zygomaturus
trilobus\ broken lines indicate relationships based on postcranial morphology: Neohelos-
/ , /a/ 5 /oc/o«=symplesiomorphous; Ko/o/w/s-Z>'go/na/!/n/.r=synapornorphous: 1, similarity in olecranon process
shape; 2, pointed, thickened vertebral border of scapula; 3, elongated infraglenoid process. The form of the
manus and pes are inferred from incomplete material, some of which is known for each genus depicted. All of
these genera have laterally flanged 5th metatarsals and metacarpals, large calcanei and pisiforms, large ungual
phalanges on both manus and pes, short, broad phalanges and reduced metatarsals II—III.
101
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
BIOCHRONOLOGY OF THE ZYGOMATURINAE
Gingerich (1979) outlined an approach to the elucidation of evolutionary relationships
between fossil species well-represented in a continuous stratigraphic record. To paraphrase
Gingerich (1979: 49-50), detailed stratigraphic information combined with phenetic
clustering of the fossil material provides an empirical record of phylogeny, which he
termed a ‘stratophenetic phylogeny’. He demonstrated the approach using richly
fossiliferous mammal sequences of North America and Europe.
An empirical record of phylogeny is not simply a palaeobiological statement, but is a
manifestation of geological time, and hence can have a practical application in correlation.
Of course, it is not necessary to recognise phylogeny in a continuous stratigraphic
sequence in order to apply palaeontological data to correlation (i.e. biostratigraphic
correlation), but where a stratigraphic record is discontinuous and incomplete, a
phylogenetic hypothesis based on the relative stage-of-evolution of closely related species
can sometimes be used to correlate disjunct strata. In stage-of-evolution biochronology,
stratigraphic superposition of taxa, where it can be observ ed, provides independent control
on inferences of evolutionary trends within lineages.
Stirton, Woodbume and Plane (1967, fig. 2) produced a stage-of-evolution biochronology
for the Diprotodontidae which represented a significant step in the development of a
correlation framework for Australian continental sediments hosting vertebrate remains. As
the Zygomaturinae remain one of the most useful clades for correlation in Australia and
New Guinea, a revised biochronology is presented below.
Method. Information used in the construction of stage-of-evolution biochronologies,
ranked from the observable to the inferential, includes:
1. Empirical evidence for organic evolution (evolutionary change between forms in
chronostratigraphic succession).
2. The co-existence of related morphospecies within a bed (empirical evidence that
cladogenesis has occurred at some earlier time).
3. Geochronometry (techniques of calibrating observations of relative age derived
from stratigraphy, and determining ages of chronostratigraphically unconfmed fossil
occurrences).
4. Phenetic clustering of taxa (e.g. Rich 1991, Fig. 1-1, or the clusters developed in
this paper on the basis of dental measurements - Appendix 1).
5. Co-existence of closely related forms within an inferential isochron (implying
cladogenesis occurred at some earlier time).
6. Hypotheses of evolutionary relationships based on shared, derived, morphological
character states.
In graphical terms, a stage-of-evolution biochronology consists of a phylogeny of fossil
species superimposed on a succession of time planes (horizons). Information sets 1 to 5
either wholly or in part determine the time planes (fixed points of reference) that an
evolutionary hypothesis must satisfy.
In the absence of chronostratigraphic or geochronological control, anagenetic speciation is
presumed if a form interpreted to represent a more primitive stage-of-evolution possesses
102
NF.OHELDS
no derived features which precludes its direct ancestry of a more derived form. These data,
for the zygomaturines are summarised below with short commentaries accompanying
Tables 17 to 24. The status of additional named Pliocene and Pleistocene diprotodontids
(e.g. Archer et al. 1984: 1041, 1045) are under investigation (Brian Mackness pers.
comm.), and most are excluded from this review because they are either poorly known,
synonymous, or of uncertain affinity (Murray 1991). Zygomaturus trilobus, a well
established form, is included, though Murray (1991: 1098) observed that it was either
. .highly variable, or there was more than one species’.
Superposition, coexistence of taxa, and geochronometric control. Lake Eyre Basin,
South Australia (Table 17). The late Oligocene Etadunna Formation of the Lake Eyre
Basin is taken here as the reference standard for zygomaturine succession. The Etadunna
Formation itself contains only fragmentary remains of Neohelos sp. (Woodbume et al.
1993 and N. Pledge written comm.), but the formation unconfonnably underlies the
Wipajiri Formation, type stratum for Neohelos tirarensis Stirton. The Etadunna Formation
is thought to span 24 to 26 MY BP on the basis of a radioisotopic date on illite,
foraminiferal biostratigraphy and palaeomagnetic data, as discussed in Woodbume et al.
(1993). The Wipajiri Formation is thought to be only slightly younger than the Etadunna
Formation: Woodbume et al. (1993) suggest an age based on palaeomagnetic data as old as
23.8 MY.
Table 17. Summary of superpositional relationships, geochronology and taxonomy of Lake Eyre Basin
Zygomaturinae. Abbreviations: I, calibrated invertebrate biostratigraphy; P, palaeomagnetic; R, radio¬
isotopic; *, type locality for taxon.
Lithostratig raphy
Age (MY) and
Fauna (F)
Zygomaturinae
Source
basis
Local Fauna (LF)
Zone
Katipiri Formation
0.04 P
Malkuni F
Zygomaturus sp.
Tedford and Wells 1990
Kalamurina F
Zygomaturus sp.
unconformity
Tirari Formation
3.9-3.4 P
Palankarinna F
Zygomaturus keani *
Stirton 1967;
Kanunka F
cf. Koiopsis sp.
cf. Zygomaturus sp.
Tedford etal. 1992
Toolapinna F
Zygomaturus sp.
unconformity
Wipajiri Formation
?23.8 P
Kutjamarpu LF
Neohelos tirarensis'
Stirton 1967
unconformity
Etadunna Formation
26-24
zone E
Neohelos sp.
Woodbume etal. (1993)
P, R, 1
zone D / Ngama LF
Neohelos sp.
zone B / Ditjimanka LF
Raemeotherium sp.
Raemeotherium yatkolai, described from a lower jaw, two isolated I 3 s and two isolated
lower molars from the Namba Formation (Ericmas Fauna) of the Tarkarooloo Basin, is a
possible zygomaturine, and / or one of the most structurally-primitive diprotodontids
known (Rich et al. 1978). The Ericmas Fauna is correlated with zone B of the Etadunna
Formation, which contains a possible representative of the genus (Woodbume et al. 1993).
The Ericmas Fauna pre-dates the Etadunna Neohelos occurrences, but because of the small
difference in age, and in the absence of a third upper premolar which might be instructive
about the sub-familial affinities of the taxon, it is regarded here as a plesiomorphic sister
taxon of all other zygomaturines, rather than as a direct ancestor of any other taxon.
103
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black. M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
Karumba Basin, Carl Creek Limestone, Queensland (Table 18). No explicit account of
stratigraphic superposition of Neohelos morphospecies is available for the Carl Creek
Limestone. Demonstration of chronostratigraphic relationships between fossil assemblages
(Fig. 77) thought to be of significantly different age has so far not been possible because of
a lack of marker beds or discontinuities traceable through the formation (Tedford 1967,
Megirian 1992).
Fig. 77. Locality diagram, Carl Creek Limestone (Riversleigh) fossil quarries producing Neohelos.
Based on stage-of-evolution criteria, the occurrence of Neohelos spB at Gag Site, Sticky-
beak and Henk’s Hollow together with even more advanced Neohelos spC at Jaw Junction,
suggests that those four Riversleigh sites are younger than all other localities in that area
where Neohelos tirarensis is known to occur; namely 300BR. Burnt Offerings, Camel
Sputum, Fig Tree, Inabeyance, Mike’s Menagerie, Neville’s Garden. Bone Reef, Cleft of
Ages, Jim’s Jaw Site, Upper Burnt Offerings, D-Site and Wayne’s Wok. Statistical
analysis of this material, detailed in Appendix I further reinforces the distinctiveness of the
Henk’s Hollow and Jaw Junction Neohelos specimens, for they consistently cluster with
the large assemblages of Neohelos spB from Bullock Creek.
Within Neohelos , the structural progression, from the most plesiomorphic to the most
derived, is N. tirarensis , Neohelos spB, Neohelos spC. Does this morphocline represent an
evolutionary succession with geochronological significance, or does it reflect spatial
factors, where the geographic distribution of contemporaneous species was perhaps
controlled by palaeoecological factors?
There are no structural features present in a more plesiomorphic form that precludes its
direct ancestry to the more derived form, and thus no grounds for postulating unknown
common ancestors to link representatives of the five species. Although one of the
Riversleigh assemblages (Sticky-beak) contains material assigned to two species of
Neohelos (Table 18) the apparent ‘contemporaneity’ of any two forms may not be genuine.
104
NEOHF.I.OS
The suggestions of temporal overlap in Neohelos species can be challenged on the basis of
possible sample error, diachronous assemblages, and ambiguities in the assignment of
poorly preserved material, as discussed previously. Certainly the data are far too sparse to
present a definite case for the co-existence of two Neohelos populations.
The observed morphocline of Neohelos species is similar to that documented in the
palorchestids ( Propalorchestes ponticulus-P. novaculacephalus-Palorchestes painei:
Murray 1990a) and thylacoleonids ( Wakaleo sp. nov- Wakaleo oldfieldi-Wakaleo
vanderleueri : Murray and Megirian 1990); that is, gradual evolution of dental and cranial
characters primarily in conjunction with an overall increase in body size. The indications
are that Neohelos species represent a chronocline (Table 18).
Table 18. Carl Creek Limestone fossil sites grouped according to the biochronologically-useful species of
Neohelos, from N. tirarensis (primitive stages-of-evolution) — Neohelos spB (intermediate stages-of-
evolution) — Neohelos spC (advanced stage-of-evolution). As discussed in the text, Neohelos spA and
Nimbadon scottorrorum possibly represent relative stage-of-evolution closer to Neohelos tirarensis than
Neohelos spB or Neohelos spC. The only quarry apparently containing two morphospecies of Neohelos
(Sticky-beak) is inderlined. (*) is the type locality of the species.
Species
Site
Co-occuring zygomaturine
Species at an equivalent stage-of-
species
evolution?
Neohelos spC
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spB
Henk's Hollow
Gag
Nimbadon lavarackorum
(plesiomorphic form)
Stickv-beak
N. tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Wayne's Wok
Nevilles Garden
Mike's Menagerie
Jim's Jaw Site
Neohelos spA (Cleft of Ages)
Nimbadon scottorrorum (Fig Tree*)
(plesiomorphic form)
Inabeyance
D-Site
Bone Reef
Stickv-beak
300 BR
Upper Burnt Offerings
Burnt Offerings
Camfield Beds, Northern Territory (Table 19). The palaeontology of the Camfield Beds
was most recently summarised by Murray and Megirian (1992). The stratigraphic
relationships between various fossil quarries in the Camfield Beds remain unresolved.
There is no evidence that an evolutionarily significant period of time is represented by
vertebrate fossils from the Camfield Beds, which are united into a single local fauna
(Bullock Creek LF). The only age constraint on the local fauna comes from
stage-of-evolution comparisons. The Bullock Creek LF is interpreted to be younger than
the Kutjamarpu LF (Wipajiri Formation, Lake Eyre Basin), but older than the Alcoota LF
(Waite Formation, Waite Basin) on the basis of palorchestids (Murray 1990b),
thylacoleonids (Murray and Megirian 1990) and zygomaturines (this work).
105
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, andP. Vickers-Rich
Table 20. Summary of co-existence of Camfield Beds Zygomaturinae. The 'Horseshoe West Locality', one of
many assemblages assigned to the Bullock Creek LF, contains both Neohelos spB and Nimbadon whitelawi.
The age of the Camfield Beds are bracketted only on the basis of stage-of-evolution as discussed in the
commentary. * denotes the type locality of the taxon.
Lithostratigraphy
Age (MY) and basis Local Fauna (LF)
Zygomaturinae
Source
Camfield Beds
Bullock Creek LF
Neohelos spB
Murray ef a/.(this work)
Nimbadon whiteiawP
Hand etal. (1993)
Waite Basin, Waite Formation, Northern Territory (Table 20). The Waite Formation is a
stratified deposit in central Australia. Fossils are known from two stratigraphic levels,
neither of which have been dated. The Ongeva LF is unconfonnably above the Alcoota LF.
On the basis of zygomaturine stage-of-evolution (Murray et al. 1993; Megirian et al.
1996), the two Waite Formation local faunas are considered to be slightly older than the
Beaumaris LF of Victoria which is dated by invertebrate biostratigraphy.
Table 20. Summary of superpositional relationships and taxonomy of Waite Basin Zygomaturinae. The age
of the strata are bracketted only on the basis of stage-of-evolution as discussed in the commentary. * denotes
the type locality of the taxon
Lithostratigraphy
Age (MY) and basis Local Fauna (LF)
Zygomaturinae
Source
Waite Ftn
Ongeva LF
Kolopsis yperus‘
Murray et al. (1993)
unconformity
Alcoota LF
cf. Kolopsis sp.
Kolopsis toms'
Woodburne (1967a,b)
Piaisiodon centralis'
Alkwertatherium webbi'
Murray (1990)
Black Rock Sandstone, Victoria (Table 21). The Black Rock Sandstone is a marine deposit
containing the Chelthamian stratotype. The age of the Cheltenhamian is not entirely
satisfactorily resolved but is accepted to be Mio-Pliocene. The presence of marsupials
within the Stage makes the Beaumaris LF particularly significant in marsupial
biochronology (Rich 1991: 1037).
Table 21. Summary of the marsupial palaeontology of the Black Rock Sandstone. * denotes the type locality
of the taxon.
Lithostratigraphy
Stage and Age (MY)
Local Fauna (LF)
Zygomaturinae
Source
Black Rock
Cheltenhamian
Beaumaris LF
Zygomatums gilir
Stirton (1967)
Sandstone
c. 5
Kolopsis sp.
Rich (1976)
Allingham Formation, Queensland (Table 22). Basalt used for radioisotopic dating were
collected about 10 km along strike from the source of the fossils (Rich et al. 1990: 1041).
The validity of the minimum age of the Bluff Downs LF thus depends on the correctness of
the interpretation of stratigraphic relationships between the basalt and the fossiliferous
sediments.
Otibanda Formation, New Guinea (Tables 24, 25). The Awe Fauna represents the base of
the marsupial record of New Guinea, which is the product of collision of the Australian-
106
NEOHELOS
Table 23. Summary of the age and taxonomy of the Bluff Downs Local Fauna zygomaturine.
Lithostratigraphy
Age (MY) and basis
Local Fauna (LF)
Zygomaturinae
Source
Allensleigh Flow,
Nulla Basalt
conformity
4.5,4.0 R
Allingham
Formation
> 4.5 , 4.0
Bluff Downs LF
Zygomaturus sp.
Rich et a/. (1990)
Indian and Pacific plates. Early radioisotopic dates of Evemden et al. (1964) of 7.6 MY for
the Otibanda Formation were subsequently revised upwards (Page and McDougal 1972;
Hoch and Holm 1986). The Otibanda Formation dates provide minimum ages for the
emergence of New Guinea as a discrete biogeographic zone, but as New Guinea shares no
marsupial fossil species with Australia, the time, or times, of colonisation of the island can
only be inferred by stage-of-evolution considerations.
Table 24. Summary of the New Guinean Otibanda Formation zygomaturine occurrences. R = radioisotopic
date; * denotes type locality for the taxon.
Lithostratigraphy
Age (MY) and basis
Local Fauna (LF)
Zygomaturinae
Source
Otibanda Formation
3.3,2.5: R
Hoch and Holm (1986)
Awe LF
Kolopsis rotundus *
Kolopsoides cultridens *
Plane (1967)
Table 25. Additional dated zygomaturine occurrences from New Guinea and Australia. P - palaeomagnetic
date; R = radioisotopic date; * denotes type locality for the taxon.
Lithostratigraphy
Age (MY) and basis
Local Fauna (LF)
Zygomaturinae
Source
un-named
formation, Pureni,
New Guinea
0.038: palynology
un-named
Hulitherium thomasettii'
Flannery and Plane 1986
fissure-filling in
Moorabool Viaduct
Sand, Victoria
2.03 - 2.48: P
Dog Rocks LF
Zygomaturus sp.
Rich etal. 1991
Comadai
Limestone, Victoria
3.40-3.64: R, P
Coimadai LF
Zygomaturus sp.
Rich etal. 1991
Synthesis. A stage-of-evolution biochronology for the zygomaturines is shown in Figure
78. It incorporates ideas presented above about possible relationships and affinities of
named and unnamed taxa, summarised as follows:
1. Because it is not certain that Raemeotherium yatkolai is a zygomaturine, it is shown
as a plesiomorphic sister taxon to all other zygomaturines;
2. The zygomaturine Gen. et sp. nov. figured in Archer et al. (1991: 217) is the
plesiomorphic sister taxon to all other zygomaturines;
3. One or more of the unnamed zygomaturines from Cleft of Ages show as close an
affinity to Plaisiodon and Kolopsoides as to Neohelos;
4. Nimbadon scottorrorum may be a species of Neohelos.
5. Zygomaturus may have evolved from Neohelos through Kolopsis yperus rather than
Kolopsis torus, which may share a common ancestor with a Neohelos species
107
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
(perhaps Neohelos spC). The Beaumaris zygomaturine identified by Woodbume
(1969) as Zygomaturus and by Rich (1976) as Kolopsis, may be a Neohelos species;
6. Murray (1992) previously outlined reasons for including Kolopsis rotundus in the
Zygomaturus gilli crown group.
These hypotheses should be well-tested before any taxonomic revisions are proposed. The
taxonomy used in Figure 78 should be regarded as labels of convenience for morphotypes
from specific strata, rather than as Linnaean binomials.
A S .(¥Y)
Fig. 78. Biochronology of the Zygomaturinae.
108
NEOHELOS
The available evidence indicates a significant radiation of the Zygomaturinae occurred
before the late Oligocene (certainly before Wipajiri Formation time, and probably before
Etadunna Formation time). Ancestor-descendent relationships have so far only been
identified within the N. tircirensis crown group, which makes it particularly applicable to
stage-of-evolution correlation even though many details of relationships within the group
remain to be resolved. Apart from the placement of Kolopsis torus onto a collateral lineage
in Figure 78, the succession originally proposed by Stirton et al. (1967, fig. 2) of Neohelos
tirarensis-{Kolopsis torus)-Zygomaturus gilli-Zygomaturus keanei-Zygomaturus trilobus
is retained.
The earliest evidence for cladogenesis within the crown group is in the Ongeva LF, with
several later assemblages confirming the co-existence of at least two lineages. The
indications are that significant faunal turnover occurred within the late Miocene / early-
Pliocene interval. This turnover is marked by cladogenesis in the N. tirarensis crown
group, coupled with other lineages apparently not continuing beyond the mid-Miocene
(Nimbadon) or much beyond the Miocene / Pliocene boundary ( AlkM’ertatherium,
Plaisiodon, Kolopsis torus crown group, Beaumaris ‘Neohelos').
The existence at Riversleigh of a small N. tirarensis morph that appears to be more
plesiomorphic than the Wipajiri Formation N. tirarensis, suggests that some strata of the
Carl Creek Limestone are older than the Wipajiri Formation. Figure 78 was constructed on
the assumption that the small N. tirarensis specimens are perhaps synonymous with the
underlying Etadunna Formation Neohelos sp. Palaeomagnetic data suggest that the
Wipajiri Formation is only marginally younger than the youngest Etadunna Formation
(Woodbume et al. 1993), and these factors have the effect of implying a phase of rapid
morphological evolution in Neohelos during Etadunna and Wipajiri Formation time,
relative to that exhibited during later periods of the Tertiary (Fig. 78). On the other hand,
an assumption that the rate of evolution of Neohelos was relatively constant over the time
of the genus raises the possibility that the plesiomorphous N. tirarensis bearing strata of
the Carl Creek Limestone predate the Etadunna Formation. These issues might be resolved
by the recovery of diagnostic Neohelos material from the Etadunna Formation allowing
stage-of-evolution comparisons, or chronometric calibration of the Carl Creek Limestone.
CONCLUSIONS
The palaeontology of the genus Neohelos has been a challenging study. The range of
variation in size and morphology of the members of two geographically and temporally
circumscribed species, N. tirarensis and Neohelos spB are very large. A continuously
varying morphology in the Riversleigh sample, which combined with individual variation,
a high level of character lability and the certainty of a high degree of sexual dimorphism,
produced an excessive amount of random biological information with little in the way of
consistent character expressions upon which to formulate even the most basic species
discriminations. In the initial stages of the project we had an extremely biased sample of
many specimens of Neohelos spB and very few specimens, consisting mostly of isolated
teeth, of Neohelos tirarensis. There is a striking size range within the sample population of
smaller Neohelos, which we considered might be a species separate from N. tirarensis. As
the collection was expanded substantially at a much later stage in the study, it became
apparent that the Neohelos tirarensis sample was a continuously varying population, which
109
P. Murray, D. Megirian. T, Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
seemed to be part of a morphocline that includes Neohelos spB and Neohelos spC.
Although predominantly allometric, the several minor differences in the smaller forms of
N. tirarensis seemed to be expressions of more plesiomorphic states, and because the
majority of these examples showed a uniformity in size and morphology associated with
their particular localities, we conclude that they probably represent chronomorphs of the
species N. tirarensis. Consequently, we have presented a biochronological hypothesis
based on the stage-of-evolution of this series of chronomorphic populations extending
from the late Oligocene (Woodburne et al. 1993) to the middle Miocene and encompassing
three species.
Adding to the high level of analytical noise in the assessment of this genus is the presence
of several other zygomaturine species of similar size and morphology within the
Riversleigh sample. Very small and conspicuous forms, Nimbadon lavarackorum and Ni.
whitelawi (Hand et al. 1993) are easily discriminated from the Neohelos population, but Ni.
scottorrorum appears to blend into the Neohelos tirarensis population. Nimbadon
scottorrorum differs slightly from the typical N. tirarensis sample in having an upward
extension of the postcingulum to form a distinct crest on the lingual side of the metaconule.
This character was never present in any member of the N. tirarensis sample, suggesting
that while Ni. scottorrorum may belong in Neohelos , it is a little different than Neohelos
tirarensis and hence, being the only specimen of its kind from Fig Tree (type locality), its
species distinction has been retained.
In terms of stage-of-evolution, Ni. scottorrorum most closely resembles the more derived
end of the smaller chronomorphs of N. tirarensis, such as that from Inabeyance (QM
F13088) and is probably early Miocene in age. The assessment of the possible age of the
Fig Tree specimen is important because the other small species of Neohelos, Neohelos
spA, is from the Cleft of Ages locality, which consists of fissure fills within poorly
constrained strata. There seems to be insufficient information on the other fauna associated
with the Cleft of Ages Neohelos to provide a correlative estimation of its age, consequently
it must be left to a stage-of-evolution estimation. Neohelos spA is readily distinguished
from other small Neohelos species by its posterolabially elongated M 1 crown and the
presence of an extension of the postcingulum up the labial side of the metaconule, similar
to. but not exactly like that seen in Ni. scottorrorum. It also differs from N. tirarensis in
having a very narrow protoloph. When in full expression, these characters are highly
distinctive, but these traits do not always manifest themselves so clearly on the M 3 ' 4 . Some
specimens from Cleft of Ages closely resemble Neohelos tirarensis. However, it is rather
strange that among so large a sample, none of the molars belong to N. tirarensis, so we
have concluded that all of the Neohelos material from Cleft of Ages belongs to Neohelos
spA. While the evidence is circumstantial, it suggests that the Cleft of Ages material is not
only specifically, but is also temporally, distinctive. This can be very problematic because
of its close resemblance to the most plesiomorphic and inferentially earliest morphs of N.
tirarensis.
There are three rather slim hypotheses that may help bracket the Cleft of Ages species.
First, there is the evidence of the morphocline. The character states of Neohelos spA are
clearly derived relative to the earliest N. tirarensis. Second, there is the similarity between
Ni. scottorrorum and Neohelos spA in the morphology of the postcingulum. Since the Fig
Tree locality is considered to be late Oligocene to early Miocene based on faunal
correlation, and the stage of evolution estimation of the age of Ni. scottorrorum is closest
to Inabeyance (early Miocene), we may have an indication of the earliest appearance of the
110
NEOHELOS
species if we assume that Ni. scottorrorum represents an N. tirarensis population in
transition to Neohelos spA. The third line of evidence comes from the small, incipiently
bilobed P J from Cleft of Ages. While this specimen may not represent a Neohelos, it does
indicate an advanced state in the development of the crown otherwise known only among
mid Miocene to early Pliocene zygomaturines. We, therefore, conclude that Neohelos spA
is more likely to have occurred later than earlier, perhaps sometime in the early to mid-
Miocene.
SUMMARY
The genus Neohelos represents four species ranging from the late Oligocene to the middle
Miocene and occurring in widely separated localities in central and northern Australia.
Neohelos spA known only from the Cleft of Ages locality at Riversleigh Station is the
smallest species, differing from all other Neohelos species in its narrow M' protoloph,
posterolabial elongation of the crown and vertical emargination of the lingual side of the
metaconule by a continuation of the postcingulum. Nimbadon scottorrorum from the Fig
Tree locality is morphologically intermediate between N. tirarensis and Neohelos spA.,
and may be a fifth species of Neohelos. Only one specimen of this species is known. The
type species, N. tirarensis is considered to have chronomorphic elements. Smaller,
plesiomorphous N. tirarensis from Burnt Offerings, D-Site and Bone Reef at Riversleigh
Station, Queensland are approximately the same size as Neohelos spA and Ni.
scottorrorum, but differ from those species in having a wide M' protoloph and a horizontal
continuation of the postcingulum around the base of the metaconule. Typical, larger
Neohelos tirarensis occurs in early to middle Miocene strata of both central and northern
Australia. An unidentified species of the genus Neohelos has been recognised in the
Ngapakaldi Local Fauna of South Australia and in several sites at Riversleigh.
Neohelos spB from the middle Miocene Bullock Creek Local Fauna and the Riversleigh,
Gag and Henk’s FIollow Sites is the best represented species, distinguished by marked
differentiation of the molar dimensions along the tooth row, distinct curvature of the
cheek-tooth arcade, total absence of a canine alveolus and larger size. The fourth species,
Neohelos spC is the most derived in showing a division of the parametacone of the P J into
two cusps and higher, more overhanding loph and lophids on the molars. It is very similar
in size and in other characters to Neohelos spB which appears to be directly ancestral to
Neohelos spC.
At least from a structural point of view, the species of Neohelos represent the most
complete and longest gradual evolutionary sequence documented for an Australian
marsupial genus. The structural succession is no less incremental or gradual at generic
boundaries than between species; from its first appearance as being only subtly different
from its sister taxa in the late Oligocene to the attainment of a state very close to, and
probably directly ancestral to, the late Miocene genus Kolopsis. On a larger scale, the
structural succession within the Subfamily Zygomaturinae is similarly gradual, with
parallelisms being a common occurrence.
Neohelos species appear to represent a chronological morphocline that may be useful in
biocorrelation work on the late Oligocene through late Miocene of Australia. However, the
proposition that a chronological morphocline existed in these species does not imply that
the species could not have some degree of temporal overlap, where for example, one of the
ni
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black. M. Archer. S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
smaller species could persist in suitable, perhaps isolated or relict habitat. However, the
selection process responsible for this trend renders the possibility of sympatry of these
species unlikely. Therefore, the likelihood of any two of these species occurring in the
same assemblage would be low, and in general, the morphocline w'ould correspond with a
temporal, rather than a spatial framework.
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116
APPENDIX I
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF NEOHELOS
DENTAL MEASUREMENTS
THOMAS H. RICH
ABSTRACT
Length and width measurements of the cheek teeth of the mid-Tertiary Australian
diprotodontoid Neohelos from three areas have been analysed statistically. The three areas
were Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia; Bullock Creek, Northern Territory; and
Riversleigh, Queensland. Measurements of individual features were compared between
populations of Neohelos from different localities utilising Student's t-test. These outcomes
were subsequently summarised utilising means of the t-test values as the basis for
assessing the degree of similarity between population pairs. This information was then
expressed graphically by means of a dendrogramme showing the clustering of populations
on the basis of the relative degree of similarity.
This mode of analysis is based solely on size and proportional differences in tooth
measurements between populations. As such, its weakness in that two quite unrelated taxa
would be judged as similar if their tooth dimensions happen to be the same. However,
where a difference on this basis is recognised, it is to be anticipated that examination of
other, perhaps quite subtle features will corrorborate that different taxa are present.
What examination of the dendrogrammes shows is that with two exceptions, the Bullock
Creek Neohelos spB material stands quite apart from all other sites. The exceptions are
front two sites at Riversleigh: Jaw Junction specimens of Neohelos spC, a species known
nowhere else and three teeth of Neohelos spB from Henk's Hollow. It is solely on the basis
of qualitative characters that Neohelos spB and Neohelos spC are split apart. Likewise, the
Riversleigh Cleft of Ages Neohelos spA material and the single specimen of Nimbadon
scotlorrorum from the Fig Tree locality at Riversligh both group with one of the two
distinct clusters of Riversleigh Neohelos tirarensis populations.
INTRODUCTION
The mid-Cainozoic diprotodontoid Neohelos tirariensis Stirton 1967a was named on the
basis of a few isolated teeth from the Kutjamarpu Fauna collected at the Leaf Locality,
Wipijari Formation at Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia. Subsequently a large quantity of
material referrable to Neohelos has been collected from four different sites (Blast Site,
Camp Quarry, Horseshoe West, and Top Quarry) in the Camfield Beds on Camfield
Station, Northern Territory, that form the Bullock Creek Fauna. A much smaller amount
of material referrable to this same genus has been collected from seventeen different
named areas on Riversleigh Station, Queensland (300 BR {300 metres from Bone Reef},
Bone Reef, Burnt Offerings, Camel Sputum, Cleft of Ages, D-Site, Fig 1 ree. Gag, Henk’s
117
T. Rich in Murray et. al.
Hollow, Inabeyance, Jaw Junction, Jim's Jaw Site, Mike's Menagerie, Neville's Garden,
Sticky-beak, Upper Burnt Offerings, and Wayne's Wok).
Beginning with Stirton, Tedford and Woodbume (1968), the chronological framework of
Australian Cainozoic terrestrial mammal localities has been based to a great extent on
evaluation of the remains of diprotodontoids. Thus, determing the relationships of the
Neohelos material from the various sites is not only of interest in its own right but furthers
understanding of the chronological relationships between the various localities as well.
METHODS
The fossils of Neohelos from Bullock Creek consist of numerous dentitions and whole
skulls along with many post cranial elements. Quite in contrast, in the Lake Ngapakaldi
and Riversleigh areas, the genus is represented solely by rare, fragmentary dental remains.
For this reason, analysis of measurements of teeth was employed as one way of reaching
conclusions regarding the relationships of Neohelos.
In order to extract as much information as possible from the measurements of the teeth, in
addition to the measurements given in Tables 2, 6-9, 13 and 16 of the main text, several
ratios of dental measurements were included in the analysis. These ratios which can be
calculated from the data in those tables were length:width of P3, length:anterior width of
Ml-4, length of M2: length of M3, and anterior width of M2:anterior width of M3.
Because of fragmentary nature of the Neohelos material available, particular that from
Lake Ngapakaldi and Riversleigh, few comparable measurements are consistently possible
among all the groups of specimens to be evaulated in order to determine the relationships
of the genus. Of necessity, therefore, simple statistical procedures have been adopted
which forego the sophistication possible with more elaborate modes of analysis that
function best with data sets that have few if any gaps. Fortunately, a consistent pattern of
clustering of sites emerged from the simple procedures utilised here.
First, every comparison possible between each population pair has been made utilising
Student's t-test. Because of the fragmentary nature of many of the samples from the Leaf
Locality and the Riversleigh sites, this meant that in practice in one case, it would be
possible for example to compare the length and width of the P 3 but not M J and in another
pair of populations length, anterior and posterior widths of M 3 but not P 3 .
Second, the mean of the Student’s t-test values was then used to evaluate all the
comparisons that could be made and combine them in a meaningful way even if they were
different measurements. That is, the assumption was made that if two populations were far
apart in the size of the P 3 and another two populations were close in the M 3 , was that not a
reasonable basis to infer that the latter two populations were more alike?
So if one had ten t-test measurements for one pair of samples and the mean of the t-test
values was 0.2 and for a second pair of poulations where twelve t-test measurements were
possible and the mean of those t-test values was 0.8, one could could reasonably infer that
the second pair was more alike than the first although the inference was not necessarily
based on identical measurements.
Third, a matrix of such values for all population pairs was created and then the relative
closeness of the various populations graphically portrayed as a dendrogrammes using the
118
nkohhws — Appendix I
UPGMA [Unweighted Pair Group Method, Arithmetic Average] and option of the SAHN
[Sequential, Agglomerative, Hierarchial, and Nested] clustering programme of the
NTSYS-pc [Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System] Version 1.60 system
produced by F. James Rohlf, Exeter Software, 1990.
The SAHN clustering algorithm works as follows:
1. Search the imput matrix for the pair of objects (ij) that are most similar....
2. Merge these objects into a new cluster.
3. Update the matrix to reflect the deletion of the pairs of objects, i and j, that were
merged and the addition of a new "object" corresponding to the new cluster.
Similarities have to be computed between the existing objects and the new cluster.
4. Go back to step 1, above, if the size of the new matrix is greater than 2 x 2— else
stop. Note that 2 objects are deleted and one is added at each so this algorithm
must terminate. Rohlf (1990)
RESULTS
This first step, the Student's t-test, assumes that the population measurements are normally
distributed. To check that this was a reasonable assumption, the biggest sample available,
that from the Blast Site at Bullock Creek, was divided into sub-samples of various sizes
and compared with one another using the t-test. Several thousand such comparisons were
made. Table 26 summarises that work and compares the values at the various points in the
distribution with the corresponding ones in the t-test table for the same number of degrees
of freedom.
In the case of the upper dentition of Neohelos in Table 26 for example, the entire
population from the Blast Site was divided in two at random 42 times. Because there are
14 comparisons possible in an upper dentition, this meant that a total of 588 t-test values
were generated using the standard formula where X\, s\ and Nj are the mean, standard
deviation and sample size of one population and X 2 , S 2 and N 2 are the same values for the
second population.
I(-VW 2 )I
n,n 2
N i+ N 2
V
|(a',-iK + (w,-i)* 2 !
V, +N 2
The 588 t-test values so measured were then ranked from highest to lowest. Because these
two samples were known to be drawn from the same population, it was then possible to
empirically estimate the frequency at which a particular t-test value should be equalled or
exceeded in two samples of this nature that can be regarded as the same. In the case of the
upper dentition in Table 26a, beginning at the highest value of the t-test determined and
going down the listing of ever decreasing values, one interpolates between the 117 th and
the 118 th measurement of the t-test value to obtain the value 1.3823 that is to be expected
or exceeded one fifth of the time; i.e. at a frequency of 0.2, 117.6 being 20% of 588.
119
T. Rich in Murray nr. al.
Examination of Table 26A shows that large samples of Neohelos spB can be relied upon to
have a statistically normal distribution. In progession from Table 26A to Table 26E, the
samples become progressively smaller. However, it is only in the case of the two smallest
comparisons made, one individual in one population against three in a second. Table 26D,
and one individual in one population against only two in a second. Table 26E, that serious
departures from normality were observed. While this possible error in cases where
samples are small must be kept in mind when examining resulting dendrogrammes, it is
clearly established by these results that the assumption of normality in this case is justified
in all but the smallest sample sizes compared.
Table 26. T-test Significance Values based on comparisons between of subpopulations of Neohelos from
the Blast Site
A. Entire Blast Site population divided into two subpopulations based on random numbers.
Probability
.80
.60
.40
.20
Upper dentition, 588 t-test values
.2825
.5213
.9043
1.3823
Lower dentition, 588 t-test values
.2591
.5365
.8688
1 .ooy
Student's t-test tables, 20 df (Table IV in Fisher 1938)
.257
.533
.860
1.325
B. Sinqle individuals corriDared to remainder of sample from Blast Site_
Probability
.80
.60
.40
.20
Upper, 665 t-test values
.2140
.4929
.8155
1.3062
Lower, 464 t-test values
.3105
.4975
.8738
1.3454
Student’s t-test tables, 20 df (Table IV in Fisher 1938)
.257
.533
.860
1.325
C. One individual compared against six individuals from Blast Site
Probability
.80
.60
.40
.20
Upper, 455 t-test values
.2586
.5696
.8496
1.3458
Lower, 326 t-test values
.2865
.6069
.9379
1.5759
Student's t-test tables, 5 df (Table IV in Fisher 1938)
.267
.559
.920
1.476
D. One individual comoared aaainst three individuals from Blast Site
Probability
.80
.60
.40
.20
Upper, 1559 t-test values
.2950
.6475
1.0690
1.7453
Lower, 1156 t-test values
.4283
.8573
1.4174
2.5465
Student's t-test tables, 2 df (Table IV in Fisher 1938)
.289
.617
1.061
1.886
E. One individual comoared aaainst two individuals from Blast Site _
Probability
.80
.60
.40
.20
Upper, 1533 t-test values
.3008
.6244
1.0677
2.3550
Lower, 1074 t-test values
.5935
1.2247
2.2540
5.1711
Student's t-test tables, 1 df (Table IV in Fisher 1938)
.325
.727
1.376
3.078
The t-test information is conveniently summarised in dendrogrammes for nine different
combinations of populations presented in Figures 79-87. Seven population groups were
required in order that every population be shown at least once because two populations
which have no measurements in common cannot be on the same dendrogramme. Two
more population groups were added to clarify the relationships of particular populations.
The more material present in a population, the more likely it is to be represented in a given
dendrogramme. This is because in that case it is more likely that such a population is more
likely to have some measurement in common with every other population in a given
dendrogramme. Those more frequent populations show a consistent pattern of clustering
that carries through from one dendrogramme to another. By noting the placement of the
120
neohelos — Appendix I
rarer populations in the one or few dendrogrammes they occur in, their positions relative to
the overall clustering can be assessed.
Inspection of Figures 79-87 shows two consistent clusters together with a third, less
obvious one plus two Riversleigh Neohelos populations that do not appear to strongly
group with any other.
The largest, consistently distinct cluster is the Neohelos spB specimens from four sites at
Bullock Creek (Blast Site, Camp Quarry, Horseshoe West, and Top Quarry) and Henk's
Hollow at Riversleigh plus the Neohelos spC from Jaw Junction at Riversleigh. They
clearly stand apart from the other Riversleigh populations of Neohelos and the Neohelos
tirarensis material from the Leaf Locality in South Australia.
Central to the second consistent cluster, evident on all dendrogrammes where all three
populations occur (Figs 79-82, 84) are the Mike's Menagerie and Camel Sputum Neohelos
tirarensis material together with the Gag Neohelos spB specimens. They are more closely
linked than the Bullock Creek plus Jaw Junction specimens are to one another. On the one
dendrogramme where it appears, (Fig. 79), the 300 BR N. tirarensis material is more
closely linked go the Gag Neohelos. spB than either is to the Mike's Menagerie and Camel
Sputum N. tirarensis. Less closely linked to the Mike's Menagerie - Camel Sputum - Gag
cluster is the Leaf Locality, Inabeyance, and Burnt Offering N. tirarensis material as well
as the Neohelos scottorrorum specimen from the Fig Tree locality. On those
dendrogrammes where the N. tirarensis from Camel Sputum is represented but the
specimens from Mike's Menagerie and Gag are not, the Camel Sputum material is closely
linked to the Neohelos spB material from Neville's Garden (Fig. 83) and Sticky Beak (Fig.
85).
The third, less clearly defined cluster is centred around the Neohelos spA material from the
Cleft of Ages locality and the Neohelos tirarensis material from the Sticky Beak locality,
the one site with more than a single species of Neohelos, the other being Neohelos spB.
On the one dendrogramme where they occur, the N. tirarensis specimens from Upper
Burnt Offerings (Fig. 82) and Jim's Jaw Site (Fig. 84) are nested within this cluster, being
closer to the N. tirarensis specimens from Sticky Beak than they are to the Neohelos spA
material from Cleft ot Ages. On the one dendrogramme where it occurs (Fig. 80), the
Bone Reef N. tirarensis material is weakly associated with the Cleft of Ages and N.
tirarensis speciemsn from Sticky Beak.
On those dendrogrammes where the Neohelos tirarensis material from Sticky Beak is not
represented, the Cleft of Ages Neohelos spA is noticeably closer to the Mike's Menagerie -
Camel Sputum - Gag cluster.
The Wayne's Wok Neohelos tirarensis specimens clusters with the material of that species
from Camel Sputum on those dendrogramme where the Neohelos spB material from
Henk's Hollow is not represented. When both are present, the Wayne's Wok N tirarensis
groups with the Henk's Hollow Neohelos spB.
The D-Site Neohelos tirarensis can be linked either to the Cleft of Ages Neohelos spA
material or the Mike's Menagerie - Camel Sputum - Gag cluster. In some cases D-Site,
Cleft of Ages, and the Mike's Menagerie - Camel Sputum - Gag cluster plus the Leaf
Locality N. tirarensis specimens form a recognizable grouping (Figs 86-87).
In summary three population groupings as well as two populations are not obviously part
of any cluster can be recognised by inspecting Figures. 79-87. In addition, elements of the
121
T. Rich in Murray at. ai..
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
I-1- 1 -1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1
_ Mike's Menagerie
Neohelos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohalos tirarensis
300 Bone Reef
Neohelos tirarensis
Gag Site
Neohelos spB
Leaf Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
Inabeyance
Neohelos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
D Site
Neohelos tirarensis
Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
Fig. 79. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations;
[this combination shows 300BR N. tirarensis more closely linked to Gag Neohelos spB than either is to
Mike’s Menagerie and Camel Sputum.]
0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.B 0.9 1.0
I-1-1-1- 1 - 1 - 1 -1-1- 1 -1
_ Mike's Menagerie
Neohelos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohelos tirarensis
Gag Site
Neohelos spB
Leaf Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
Sticky Beak
Neohelos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
Bone Reef
Neohelos tirarensis
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spC
Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Fig. 80. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations;
[this combination shows a weak association of Cleft of Ages Neohelos spA and Sticky-beak N. tirarensis .]
122
NEOHEi.os — Appendix I
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0 8 0.9 1.0
I-1-1-1-1-1-1-i-1-1-1
_ Mike's Menagerie
Neohetos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohetos tirarensis
Gag Site
Neohetos spB
Burnt Offering
Neohetos tirarensis
Leaf Locality
Neohetos tirarensis
Sticky Beak
Neohetos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohetos spA
Jaw Junction
Neohetos spC
Top Quarry
Neohetos spB
Horseshoe West
Neohetos spB
Blast Site
Neohetos spB
Camp Quarry
Neohetos spB
Fig. 81. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations;
[this combination is similar to the previous one showing an association between Cleft of Ages and Sticky-
beak.]
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
I-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1
_ Mike s Menagene
Neohelos tirarensis
_ Camel Sputum
- Neohelos tirarensis
Gag Site
— Neohelos spB
Inabeyance
Neohelos tirarensis
Figtree
Nimbadon scottorrorum
_ Leaf Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
— Sticky Beak
Neohelos tirarensis
Upper Burnt Offering
- Neohetos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
Jaw Junction
Neohetos spC
_ Top Quarry
- Neohetos spB
— Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
_ Camp Quarry
Neohetos spB
Figure 82. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population
combinations; [in this combination, Sticky-beak and Upper Burnt Offerings N. tirarensis are associated, with
a weak link to Cleft of Ages Neohelos spA.]
123
T. Rich in Murray nr. al
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
I-l—H-i-1-1—I-1-1 I I
_ Henks Hollow
Neohelos spB
Wayne's Wok
Neohelos tirarensis
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spC
Horseshoe West
Neohelos stirtoni
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
D Site
Neohelos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohelos tirarensis
Neville's Garden
Neohelos tirarensis
Fig. 83. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations;
[this combination shows a link between Camel Sputum N. tirarensis and Neville’s Garden Neohelos spB
when Mike’s Menagerie and Gag measurements are excluded.]
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
HH-1-1 I I—I-1-1-I-1
_ Mike's Menagerie
Neohelos tirarensis
_ Camel Sputum
- Neohelos tirarensis
_ Gag Site
— Neohelos spB
D Site
- Neohelos tirarensis
_ Leaf Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
- - Jim's Jaw Site
Neohelos tirarensis
Sticky Beak
Neohelos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spC
Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Fig. 84. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations,
[in this combination, Jim’s Jaw N. tirarensis are closer to Sticky-beak N. tirarensis than to Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA.]
124
neohelos — Appendix I
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
1 - 1 - 1 - 1-1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1
Mike's Menagerie
Neohelos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohelos tirarensis
Neville's Garden
Neohelos tirarensis
Leal Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
D Site
Neohelos tirarensis
Honk’s Hollow
Neohelos stirtoni
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spC
Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Fig. 85. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations;
[showing that in the absence of Mike’s Menagerie and Gag measurements. Camel Sputum is closer to Sticky
Beak.]
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
I-1-1-1-1-1-1-I-I-1-1
Mike's Menagerie
Neohelos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohelos tirarensis
Neville's Garden
Neohelos tirarensis
Leaf Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
D Site
Neohelos tirarensis
Honk’s Hollow
Neohelos stirtoni
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spC
Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
_ _ Blast Site
— Neohelos spB
_ Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
_ Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Fig 86 Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations;
[this combination shows that with the omission of Wayne’s Wok N. tirarensis sample (figure 85) the Leaf
Locality N. tirarensis assumes a similar position.]
125
T. Rich in Murray et. al
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
I—h—(-H-H—I—I—I-I—1-1
Mika's Menagerie
Neohelos tirarensis
Camel Sputum
Neohelos tirarensis
Gag Site
Neohelos spB
D She
Neohelos tirarensis
Leal Locality
Neohelos tirarensis
Cleft of Ages
Neohelos spA
Heri^s Hollow
Neohelos spB
Jaw Junction
Neohelos spC
Horseshoe West
Neohelos spB
Blast Site
Neohelos spB
Top Quarry
Neohelos spB
Camp Quarry
Neohelos spB
Fig. 87. Dendrogram depicting t-test information for one of nine different Neohelos population combinations,
[this combination shows that despite the substitution of the Gag Site Neohelos spB in this dendrogram for the
Neville’s Garden Neohelos tirarensis in Figure 86, there is almost no difference between the two
dendrograms.]
third cluster group with the second in some instances where the numbers of populations
sampled are low and the two indeterminate populations in some instances show affinities
for the second group and in other cases, the third. These groupings are as follows.
Group 1
Blast: Neohelos spB
Camp: Neohelos spB
Horseshoe W.: Neohelos spB
Henks Hollow: Neohelos spB
Jaw Junction: Neohelos spC
Top: Neohelos spB
Group 2
300 BR: N. tirarensis
Burnt Offerings: N. tirarensis
Camel Sputum: N. tirarensis
Fig Tree: Nimbadon. scottorrorum
Gag Site: Neohelos spB
Inabeyance: N. tirarensis
Leaf: N. tirarensis
Mike's Menagerie: N. tirarensis
Neville's Garden: N. tirarensis
Sticky Beak: Neohelos spB
Group 3
Bone Reef: N. tirarensis
Cleft of Ages: Neohelos spA
Jims Jaw: N. tirarensis
Sticky Beak: N. tirarensi
U. Burnt Offerings: N. tirarensis
Indeterminate
D-Site: N. tirarensis
Wayne's Wok: N. tirarensis
CONCLUSIONS
The Neohelos material analysed here falls into two quite distinct groups. The first includes
all the Neohelos spB material from the Bullock Creek sites (Blast Site, Camp Quarry, op,
and Horseshoe West) plus a few specimens from two sites at Riversleigh: three isolated
teeth of Neohelos spB from Henk's Hollow and ten specimens ol Neohelos spC from aw
Junction. The specimens from these six sites are always found distinctly clustered together
on every dendrogramme they occur on and no other populations are associated with them.
126
ni:ohi:u)s — Appendix I
The remaining specimens from the Leaf Locality, the type locality for the genus and
species Neohelos tirarensis , plus that from fifteen other sites at Riversleigh do form two
obvious clusters but the boundary between them is not as sharp. This blurring of the
division is most apparent in the difficulty in characterising the association of the N.
tirarensis material from D-Site and Wayne's Wok.
The method of analysis employed here was dictated by the structure of the data: (1)
individual specimens could have up to fourteen measurements possible but typically many
of them missing, (2) several populations with few individuals in them, and (3) there were a
few populations with large number of individuals in them. The Blast Site at Bullock Creek
was the largest population. Analysis of it enabled a study to be carried out which
demonstrated that the distribution of t-test values in a sample population of Neohelos was
reasonably close to theoretical expectations (Table IV, Fisher 1938). Inspection of the
morphology of the specimens from that site justified the assumption that only a single
species was likely to be represented in it. Sub-samples of it were then compared to one
another to empirically measure the distribution to t-test values to be expected when
different populations of a single species were compared to one another. The values were
found to be close enough to the theoretical expectations that no corrections were made
when that data was then analysed utilising study of the means of the Student's t-test values.
This method of analysis is conservative in that if a difference is found, it is likely to be
meaningful but if populations are combined, it may be erroneous because only simple
measurements of the cheekteeth are considered. An obvious example of the latter is the
close similarity of the Alcoota Kolopsis torus to the Bullock Creek Neohelos , the clear
difference between them being a feature not considered in this analysis, namely the
condition of the paracone and metacone on the P 3 .
The chronological framework of the Tertiary terrestrial mammal localities of inland
Australia is poorly established (Stirton et al. 1968, Woodbume et al. 1985). Out of
necessity, an ordering of these sites has been attempted utilising stage-of-evolution
analysis. This procedure attempts to assign assemblages of a fossils from different
localities to a relative chronological sequence by inferring which ones have members that
are more advanced and thus presumably younger. The method has both its defenders
(Savage 1977) and detractors (Eldredge & Gould 1977). Be that as it may, when no other
method is available for chronologically ordering a series of sites, utilisation of this method
does provide a reasonable working hypothesis.
In the evolution of diprotodontoids, the general trend within genera as well as between
them has been towards larger size. Neohelos spB from Henk's Hollow and Neohelos spB
from Jaw Junction are clearly similar in size to the four populations of Bullock Creek
material of Neohelos spB and therefore all six populations clearly cluster together in
Figures. 79-87. The fifteen other Riversleigh populations of Neohelos are clearly smaller,
and may be in turn divisible into two groups. Therefore, it would appear that two of the
Riversleigh Neohelos assemblages (Henk's Hollow and Jaw Junction) plus the Neohelos
from Bullock Creek, being consistently larger are also younger than the Neohelos from the
Leaf Locality, Kutjamarpu Local Fauna, Lake Ngapakaldi and the fifteen other Riversleigh
sites where the genus is known.
127
T. Rich in Murray nr. al.
REFERENCES
Eldredge, N. and Gould, S.J., 1977. Evolutionary models and biostratigraphic strategies. In:
Kauffman, E.G. and Hazel, J.E. (eds) Concepts and methods of biostratigraphy. Pp 25-40.
Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross: Stroudsburg.
Fisher, R.A., 1938. Statistical methods for research workers. Oliver and Boyd: Edinburgh.
Rohlf, F. J. 1990. NTSYS-pc. Numerical Taxonomy and Multivariate Analysis System Version
1.60. Exeter Software: Setauket, New York.
Savage, D.E., 1977. Aspects of vertebrate paleontological stratigraphy and geochronology. In:
~ Kauffman, E.G. and Hazel, J.E. (eds) Concepts and methods of biostratigraphy. Pp 427-
442. Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross: Stroudsburg.
Stirton, R.A., Tedford, R.H. and Woodbume, M.O., 1968. Australian Tertiary deposits containing
terrestrial mammals. University of California Publications in Geological Sciences 77: 1-30.
128
APPENDIX II
KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
Tooth structures:
ABC
AC
AG
ALC
BC
BCP
DEN
DEJ
ENA
EOS
HY
[HY]
[hy]
I
IGR, VG
LBA
LC
LCP
LS
M
ME
ML
MS
MT
MV
OR
P 3
PA
PBA
PC
PES
PG
PMC
PMCR
PR
PRD
PPC
PPF
PS
TCR
Anterobuccal crest of parametacone
Anterior cingulum
Anterior groove I 2
Anterolingual cingulum
Buccal cingulum
Buccal crest of parastyle of P 3
Dentine exposure
Dentine-enamel junction
Enamel surface
Fossa and basin on posterior loph surfaces and median valley
Hypocone, posterolingual cusp on upper cheek teeth
Hypocone damaged or missing due to breakage or wear
Approximate position of congenitally missing hypocone
Incisor
Longitudinal groove on ventrolateral edge of lower incisor
Lingual basin on P 3
Lingual cingulum
Lingual crest on parastyle of P 3
longitudinal sulcus in posterior basin of P 3
Molar
Metacone, posterolabial cusp on upper cheek teeth
Metaloph, posterior transverse crest on upper molar
Mesostyle, labial cuspule on P 3
Metastyle, posterolabial cuspule on upper molars
Median valley or transverse sulcus between molar lophs
Open-rooted termination of upper central incisors (I 1 )
Permanent upper premolar
Paracone, anterolabial cusp on upper cheek teeth
Posterior basin of P 3
Postcingulum or posterior cingulum of upper cheek teeth
Posterior enamel salient on I 2
2
Posterior groove on I
Parametacone, large pyramidal labial cusp of P 3
Post(Para-)metacrista, posterior crest of parametacone
Protocone, anterolingual cusp of upper cheek teeth
Protoconid, large cusp on P 3 ; anterolabial cusp of lower molar
Postparacrista, a crest behind the paracone
Postprotoconal fossa or basin, a basin behind the protocone
Parastyle, anterolabial cuspule on upper cheek teeth
Transverse crest or link, crest between PMC and PR
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
TRS Transverse sulcus, groove between parastyle and parametacone
VG, IGR Ventral longitudinal groove on Ij
Cranial structures:
AIF, IOF2 Auxiliary infraorbital foramen
AL
ALN
ALS
APF
CAL
COF
DPA+PAN
ECC
EGE
ETF
FCO
FMC
FOV
FR
FRC
FRO
FRS
FVE
GF
IIF
INC
IOA+LAN
IOF
IOC
ITC
JMS
JUG
LAC
LAT
MAP
MAS
MAX
MEN
MNS
MOF
MPP
NAP
NAS
NPP
NPS
ORB
PAL
Alisphenoid bone
Alveolar nerve foramen
Alveolar shelf or suborbital shelf
Anterior palatal fenestra or incisive foramen
Canine tooth alveolus
Condylar foramen, hypoglossal canal
Foramen for descending palatal artery and palatine nerves
Entocarotid canal, foramen for internal carotid Artery
Entoglenoid eminence, swelling or bulla medial to glenoid fossa
Epitympanic fenestra, opening into epitympanic sinuses
Fenestra cochlearis, ventral cochlear opening in petrosal
Fossa for middle concha within external nares
Foramen ovale, transmits mandibular branch of trigeminal N.
Frontal bone
Frontal crest
Foramen rotundum, transmits maxillary branch of trigeminal N.
Frontal suture
Vestibular fenestra, dorsal vestibular opening in petrosal
Glenoid fossa, articular surfaces for the dentary condyle
Interincisive fossa
Inferior nasal crest
groove for great infraorbital artery and lacrimal nerve
Infraorbital foramen
Infraorbital canal
Infratemporal crest
Jugal-maxillary suture
Jugal
Lacrimal bone
Lacrimal tuberosity
Maxillary portion of masseteric or zygomatic process
Mastoid bone
Maxillary bone
Margin of external nares
Median ventral sulcus of narial aperture
Median occipital foramen
Median premaxillary process or eminence
Aperture of the external nares
Nasal bone
Nasal articular surface of premaxilla
Nasopremaxillary suture
Orbit
Palatine bone
130
moHEUOS — Appendix II
PAR
PGP
PGT
PHC
PMP
PMS
PPP
Rcl
Rcpma
Rcpmi
SAC
SAS
SFN
soc
SOF
SOT
SPF
SSP
SQS
SQ
SZN
Parietal bone
Postglenoid process
Pterygoid bone
Pharyngeal crest of palatine bone
Paroccipital-mastoid process
Premaxillomaxillary suture
Premaxillary process of palate
Fossa for rectus capitus lateralis muscle
Fossa for rectus capitus major muscle
Fossa for rectus capitus minor muscle
Sagittal crest
Squamosal-alisphenoid suture
Emissary foramina in supraoccipital
Median crest of supraoccipital
Sphenorbital foramen (optic nerve+ophthalmic artery)
Suborbital tuberosity
Sphenopalatine foramen
Septal process of premaxilla
Squamosal suture
Squamosal bone
Subzygomatic notch
VII Facial nerve groove, foramen or stylomastoid foramen
Neurocranium and endocasts:
a-a' Rostral-most sulcus separating prefrontal from parietofrontal lobes
P
F
8
V
CH
ECA
ETS
FMA
HYC
IAM
IB
IN
J
L
LSS
OA-ON
OPC
OUT
PFL
PSM
RF
SMV
Sulcus separating parietofrontal and temporal lobes
Sulcus separating occipital lobe from temporal lobe
Short sulcus in temporal lobe
Sulcus separating parietofrontal lobe from occipital lobe
Cerebellar hemisphere
Endocranial cavity
Epitympanic sinus
Foramen magnum
Hypoglossal canal
Internal auditory meatus (acoustic+facial nerves)
Interbrachial sulcus
Inner table or internal capsule of braincase
Jugular sulcus
Labial sulcus
Lateral sinus of squamosal bone
Opthalmic artery+optic nerve
Optic pole of cerebrum
Outer table of neurocranium
Paraflocculus
Parietal septum
Rhinal fissure
Superficial middle cerebral vein
131
P. Murray, D. Megirian, T. Rich, M. Plane. K. Black. M. Archer. S. Hand. andP. Vickers-Rich
SS+TS
Confluence of sagittal and transverse sinuses
SSI
Squamosal sinus in the zygomatic root
SSU
Squamosal sulcus
TPC
Temporal pole of cerebrum
TS
Transverse sinus
V
Vermis of cerebellum
Basicranium and ear region:
ACR
Attachment of anterior crus of ectotympanic bone
AEM
Articular eminence of glenoid fossa
ATP
Alisphenoid tympanic process
ATT
Attic of tegmen tympani
BTP
Basioccipital tympanic process or wing
CAG
Groove for carotid artery
COF
Condylar foramen
CTY
Crista tympanica
ECT
Ectotympanic
EGE
Entoglenoid eminence
ENC
Canal for internal carotid artery
ETF
Epitympanic fenestra
ETS
Epitympanic sinus
FLF
Floccular fossa of periotic bone
FCO
Fenestra cochlearlis
FOV
Foramen ovale
FOV+EUS
Mandibular nerve+eustacian tube
FVE
Fenestra vestibularis
GF
Glenoid fossa
HTS
Hypotympanic sinus
ICF
Incudal fossa
IJF
Internal jugular foramen (posterior lacerate foramen)
ITY
Incisura tympanica
MAS
Mastoid bone
PCP
Paroccipital-mastoid process
PCR
Attachment for posterior crus of ectotympanic bone
PET
Petrosal
PGP
Postglenoid process
PLF
Posterior lacerate foramen
POC
Paroccipital bone
PSI
Petrosal sinus
PTF
Pterygoid fossa
PYF
Pyriform fenestra (middle lacerate foramen)
SAS
Squamosal-alisphenoid suture
SIS
Sigmoid sinus
STF
Stapedial fossa
SUF
Supratympanic fossa or recess
TCA
Tympanic cavity
VII
Facial nerve foramina, grooves or stylomastoid foramen
132
neohelos — Appendix II
Dentary:
ANG
Angular process
DIC
Diastemal crest
DIF
Digastric fossa
DIP
Digastric process
FOP
Fovea pterygoidea
GEP
Genial pit
ICS
Intercoronoid sulcus
MAF
Masseteric foramen
MEF
Mental foramen
MFO
Masseteric fossa
MNF
Mandibular foramen
MNO
Mandibular or coronoid notch
NCO
Condylar neck
PDS
Postdigastric sulcus
PME
Postmasseteric eminence
PMF
Posterior mental foramen
PTF
Pterygoid fossa
SLF
Sublingual fossa
SMC
Submasseteric crest
SYM
Symphysis
TRT
Transverse torus
Postcranial Structures:
ACP
Acromion process
ADS
Adductor muscle scar
AIL
Ala of ilium
APX
Apex of sacrum
ASF
Astragalar facet
ASP
Articular surface pecten pubis
BAS
Basis sacrum
CAB
Caudal border scapula
CAH
Humeral head
CAN
Anterior crest
CAP
Capitulum humerus
CFE
Femoral head
COF
Coronoid fossa
COP
Coracoid process
CPI
Conical process of inner condyle
CRB
Cranial border scapula
CRI
Interosseous crest
CSU
Sipinator crest
DTP
Deltopectora; tuberosity
ECB
Entepicondylar bridge
ENF
Entepicondylar foramen
EPI
Epiphyseal line
P. Murray, D. Megirian. T. Rich. M. Plane, K. Black, M. Archer, S. Hand, and P. Vickers-Rich
FIF
Fibular facet
FIS
Infrascapular fossa
FSS
Suprascapular fossa
GLF
Glenoid fossa (scapula)
GRS
Groove between rotular surface and ectepicondyle
GRT
Greater trochanter
ICE
Intercondylar eminence
ICO
Intercondylar notch
IFT
Iliofemoral tuberosity
INS
Incisura scapulae
IPE
Iliopectineal eminence
IRA
Radial incisure
ITU
Ischial tuberosity
LCO
Lateral condyle
LEC
Lateral epicondyle
LIT
Lateral intercondylar tubercle
LPO
Popliteal line
LTR
Lesser trochanter
MCO
Medial condyle
MEC
Medial epicondyle
MIT
Medial intercondylar tubercle
MSC
Median sacral spine
OBC
Obturator crest
OBF
Obturator foramen
OLF
Olecranon fossa
OLP
Olecranon process
OTR
Origin triceps muscle
PCO
Coronoid process ulna
PEC
Pecten
PER
Pectoral ridge
PRT
Pit (radial tuberosity) brachialis muscle scar
RAF
Radial fossa
RPS
Ridge popliteal surface femur
RSU
Rotualr surface femur
SAF
Sacral foramen
SAP
Superior articular process sacrum
SAR
Articular process for sacrum
SAT
Sacral tuberosity
SCA
Sacral canal
SFT
Shaft of epipubic bone
SLI
Semilunar notch ulna
STP
Styloid process
SSP
Scapular spine
SUS
Subscapular fossa
TEC
Teres muscle crest (humerus)
TMA
Major tuberosity humerus
134
neohkijos — Appendix II
TMI
Minor tuberosity humerus
TRF
Trochanteric fossa
TTU
Tibial tuberosity
VEB
Vertebral border scapula
Museum and university collection prefixes:
AMNH
AM
CPC
AR
NTM
NMV
MONASH
SAM
UCMP
UC/SAM
QM
American Museum of Natural History
Australian Museum
Commonwealth Palaeontological Collection, Bureau of Mineral Resources
Field designation for University of New South Wales
Northern Territory Museum (Museums and Art Galleries of the N.T.)
Museum of Victoria (formerly National Museum of Victoria)
Monash University
South Australian Museum
University of California Museum of Palaeontology
Joint University of California / South Australian Museum field designation
Queensland Museum
135
APPENDIX III
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF NEOHELOS
PETER F. MURRAY
This appendix complements the sections on speciation and succession in Neohelos and
Neohelos phylogeny in the body of the paper. Recognition of Neohelos spA and
Nimbadon scottorrorum as possibly a species of Neohelos occurred after the final draft of
the paper had been circulated.
The systematics were modified accordingly but a cladistic analysis of the new data was
not carried out, as the paper had already been submitted and subjected to peer review.
The addition of an appendix obviates the need to make extensive changes to the paper.
METHOD
Previous work on zygomaturine phylogeny (Stirton et al 1967, Stirton 1967, Woodbume
1967, 1969; Plane 1967, Hand et al 1993, Murray 1990, 1992, Murray et al 1993)
provide a systematic and analytic framework for initial character assessment. Character
definitions and polarity determinations are from Murray (1992), Hand et al (1993) and
Murray et al (1993). Phylogenetic analysis of a 32-character matrix (Tables 1-2) was
carried out with HENNIG 86 version 1.5 (Farris 1988) set at mhennig; bb; and nelsen.
Comparable results were obtained with PHYLIP version 3.57c (Felsenstein 1995) using
its Wagner algorithm (Mix). A bootstrapped consensus tree was generated with Seqboot
and Consense. As Mix does not accept multistate characters, the consequently much
larger PHYLIP discrete character matrix is not included.
Individual variability in character expression is an important factor in zygomaturine
character assessment. Larger population samples {Neohelos stirtoni ) indicate that there is
a fair chance that the expression of some primary characters in small samples or single
specimens of a species may not be representative of the species as a whole. Omission of
variable characters is hardly an option, because few, if any, characters would remain for
analysis. Consequently, the assessment contains an element of subjectivity in relation to
determination of the intensity of expression and specific combination of states considered
typical or representative of a particular species. Many different matrices representing a
variety of character combinations and transformations were compiled and examined
using the two parsimony programs at my disposal. All of these resulted in configurations
similar to that described below.
RESULTS
The most parsimonious computer-generated HENNIG 86 dendrograms (Figs 1-2) point to
the same problematic areas discussed in the paper: the position of Kolopsoides-
Plaisiodon in relation to Nimbadon and the relationship of these genera to basal members
of Neohelos. Nimbadon spp. are most often depicted as the sister group to Neohelos spA.
137
P. Murray in Murray i-tal
Table I. Character states of zygomaturine taxa included in the analysis of the affinities of species of
Neohelos. Polarity codes: 0, primitive, 1, 2, 3, derived. Definitions and polarity determinations from
Murray (1992), Hand et al (1993) and Murray (1993).
1 Lower incisor form: lanceolate 0; tusk-like 1; spatulate 2.
2 Upper incisor tips: converge 0; diverge 1.
3 Canine: present 0; absent 1.
4 P 3 shape: rhomboidal 0; oval 1; pear-shaped 2.
5 P 3 length/M 1 length: L=M' 0; L>M' 1; L