Mus lopadusae (Muridae, Rodentia), nuova specie fossile dell'isola di Lampedusa (Agrigento, Sicilia)
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Abstract
Fossil rodent remains in soil of upper Pleistocene age have been found on the island of Lampedusa (Sicily Channel; 35°30' N, 12°35' E; 20 km2). A comparative biometric study with Mus domesticus Rutty presently living on Lampedusa exhibits morphological differences in the first lower molar, which excludes any relationships between them. Comparison with fossil specimens of Mus spretus Lataste from North Africa and Mallorca, Mus spretus parvus Alcover from the Baleares (Eivissa) and literature data on French specimens indicates that the Lampedusa remains have larger upper and lower molars. It is suggested that the Lampedusa fossil Mus belongs to a separate species, differentiated from Mus spretus; the name Mus lopadusae is proposed for the new species
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