A quantitative approach to determine the taxonomic identity and ontogeny of the pycnodontiform fish Pycnodus (Neopterygii, Actinopterygii) from the Eocene of Bolca Lagerstatte, Italy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The pycnodontiform fish Pycnodus is one of the representatives of the highly diverse actinopterygian fish fauna from the early Eocene Bolca Lagerstätte, representing one of the youngest and thus last occurrences of this extinct neopterygian clade. This genus has historically been used as a wastebasket taxon in regards to poorly known pycnodontiform fossils. Authors have argued over the specific status of the Bolca Lagerstätte Pycnodus in terms of how many species are contained within the genus with some arguing for multiple species and others suggesting lumping all Bolca specimens together into one species.

Methods

Here, we use a quantitative approach performing biometric and geometric morphometric analyses on 52 specimens of Pycnodus in order

SUBMITTER: Cawley JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5961631 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature