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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Papers in Palaeontol...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Papers in Palaeontology
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
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Reassessing Puelia plicata : cranio‐dental anatomy, palaeoneurology, and implications for the evolution of early Toxodontia

Authors: Bárbara Vera; Micaela Folino; Alejo C. Scarano;

Reassessing Puelia plicata : cranio‐dental anatomy, palaeoneurology, and implications for the evolution of early Toxodontia

Abstract

Abstract The notoungulate genus Puelia has a complex taxonomic history marked by uncertain familial placement and misidentified specimens. Examination of the holotype of Puelia plicata and unpublished upper and lower tooth material from several fossil localities provided new knowledge of both the genus and species. This study refines the diagnosis of P. plicata and expands our understanding of its anatomical and neuroanatomical variation. Puelia ranks among the smallest known toxodonts (12–17 kg) and displays a mosaic of cranio‐dental traits found in ‘notohippids’, ‘isotemnids’ and leontiniids. A virtual 3D brain endocast reveals a mix of primitive and derived characteristics typical of both Toxodontia and Typotheria. Features such as a large neocortex, bulging temporal lobes, and developed piriform lobes suggest enhanced sensory integration, particularly for olfaction and audition. A low encephalization quotient (EQ ≈ 0.4) aligns with broader notoungulate trends. Endocranial traits, including a triangular telencephalon, enlarged olfactory bulbs, and reduced sulcal complexity, resemble those of early Eocene taxa such as Periphragnis and Notostylops , but also some later Typotheria. These similarities should be interpreted as results of allometric scaling linked to small body size rather than close phylogenetic relationships. This underscores the role of size‐related convergence in shaping cranial and brain anatomy within Notoungulata. While the precise phylogenetic position of Puelia remains unresolved, its unique anatomical attributes offer key insights into early toxodontian evolution and the broader diversification of notoungulates. Integration of palaeoneurological and morphometric data proves essential for interpreting these evolutionary patterns.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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