Morphology and metrics, isotopes and dates: Determining the validity of Equus laurentius Hay, 1913

Eric Scott, W. Stafford Thomas, Russell W. Graham, Larry D. Martin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Direct radiocarbon dating and stable isotope and biometric analyses are evidence that the holotype of Equus laurentius Hay, 1913 comprises the skull and jaw of two different horses that are less than 500 years old. The size and morphology of the specimens fall within the range of like elements of modern Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758. The mandibular cheek teeth exhibit bit wear, demonstrating that the mandible is that of a domestic animal. The taxonomy of the purportedly late Pleistocene species is therefore resolved, and Equus laurentius Hay is a junior synonym of Equus caballus Linnaeus. Equus laurentius and its holotype are neither taxonomically nor phylogenetically pertinent to studies of North American Pleistocene Equus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1840-1847
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Palaeontology

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