An analysis of the Aethomys (Murinae) community from Langebaanweg (Early Pliocene, South Africa) using geometric morphometrics

Subsequent to the initial description of two Aethomys species ( Aethomys adamanticola and Aethomys modernis) at the Early Pliocene site of Langebaanweg (LBW), an increase in sample size led to the secure identification of a third, as yet, undescribed species. In addition to this new species, three morphs of existing species, or possibly three new species, were also recognized. Geometric morphometrics was used to explore the relationship of fossil species and morphs with extant Aethomys species, and to assess the intra and inter-specific variation in the size and shape of modern, as well as the LBW, Aethomys specimens. Geometric morphometrics indicates a marked similarity in the upper first molar (M 1) shape between all the analyzed species, extant and extinct, and suggests the persistence, over a significant period of time, of a prototype Aethomys M 1 shape. The relative warp analyses indicate some overlap in shape between the two modern species, Aethomys chrysophilus and Aethomys namaquensis, as well as some inter-specific variation. These two species differ significantly from one another in terms of size. Variability in terms of size and to a minor extent, shape, was also evident in the fossil Aethomys, and it was concluded that the various fossil morphs investigated did not represent new species, or intra-specific sexual dimorphism, but rather, intra-specific variability in size and shape. Interestingly, the newly-identified LBW Aethomys species, which is similar in appearance to the extant east African Aethomys kaiseri, also showed a similarity in shape and size to A. adamanticola. These results indicate that geometric morphometrics has limitations when differentiating between morphologically similar species. The presence of Aethomys in Namibia at around 10.5 to 9.5 Ma, the degree of speciation of Aethomys at LBW, and the similarity of the LBW fossil species to the modern ones (including an East African species), provides good evidence for a southern African origin for modern Aethomys. ► Geometric morphometrics indicates a marked similarity in upper M1 shape between fossil and modern Aethomys species. ► A comparison between A. chrysophilus and A. namaquensis indicates a large degree of inter-specific variation in upper M1 shape. ► Results indicate the persistence over a significant period of time of a prototype upper M1 Aethomys shape.