A New Species of the Plagiaulacoid Multituberculate MammalEobaatarfrom the Early Cretaceous of Southern Britain

• DOI: 10.4202/app.2008.0003
• Publication Date: 2009-07-16T17:01:32Z
• Authors: Steven C. Sweetman
• Keywords: Mammal

Until recently, the only mammal remains to be obtained from Early Cretaceous (Barremian, Wealden Group) Wessex Formation of Isle Wight, southern England were a poorly preserved left m2 and well I2 crown representing one or possibly two plagiaulacoid multituberculate species.These recovered in early 1970s but despite subsequent efforts by number workers recover additional Mesozoic none forthcoming until comprehensive bulk screening was undertaken study commenced 2002.This resulted recovery new specimens an assemblage at least six taxa.Among these are well-preserved m1 similarly I3.The former permits diagnosis species eobaatarid, Eobaatar clemensi sp.nov.The previously is also tentatively assigned same taxon.In addition, another m1, somewhat worn as result dietary attrition, recently private collector.This very similar morphology holotype E. slightly larger.It undoubtedly referable taxon provides some insight into intraspecific size, other minor morphological variations teeth species.The I3 may species, which case it first member Eobaataridae fully described.