Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 44(1) 2001

Issue:

VOL 44(1) 2001

Keywords:

Lemmus, Synaptomys, Poland, Villanyian, Biharian, molar pattern

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Revision of fossil lemmings (Lemminae) from Poland with special reference to the occurrence of Synaptomys in Eurasia

• Natalia ABRAMSON
• Adam NADACHOWSKI

Abstract:

A description is given of abundant lemming remains from the Polish sites Zamkowa Dolna Cave and Kozi Grzbiet with an account of morphotype variation. Thanks to analysis of molar pattern the Late Villanyian - Biharian lemmings (Lemminae) from Poland, can be identified as Lemmus kowalskii CARLS et RABEDER, 1988. The range of molar pattern variation in the largest sample from Zamkowa Dolna Cave, unit C, and Kozi Grzbiet demonstrates the very gradual nature of the transition in tooth morphology of Eurasian lemmings from the first occurrence to the Recent, and clearly shows that there is no gap in the masticatory surface pattern between the species of “Synaptomys” described from Pliocene sites of Eurasia and the first Lemmus species. On the basis of the data obtained, the first lemmings from Eurasia are included as subgenus Plioctomys SUKHOV, 1976 into the genus Lemmus not Synaptomys. The evolution and taxonomy of Lemminae above the species level are discussed.