Lucas H. Pomi

First report of a South American short-faced bears' den (Arctotherium angustidens): palaeobiological and palaeoecological implications

Here we report the first example of associated short-faced bear fossils from South America. The specimens represent three individuals referable to the Ensenadan (early to middle Pleistocene) species Arctotherium angustidens (Ursidae, Tremarctinae), the giant South American short-faced bear. Although the fossil record of short-faced bears in South America is very rich, they have not previously been recorded in association. These three individuals were found in a cave during quarry exploitation. We suggest that these bears represent the first record of a family group and open the discussion about cave utilization and hibernation or torpor by South American short-faced bears.

Termite Traces on Bones from the Late Pleistocene of Argentina

Insect activity during the late Cenozoic of the Pampean Region (Argentina) has been recorded mainly as fossil nests of ants, termites, flies and beetles. We present new evidence of insect activity based on the presence of traces on bones from a late Pleistocene site in the Quequén Grande Basin. Potential tracemakers were evaluated by comparing these scratches with both modern and ancient bone modifications produced by insects and other organisms. The marks reported here show radiate morphology, linear arrangement, opposite disposition of simple grooves, small size and association of irregular and star-like marks, and some are located on cracks. These characteristics link the traces to insects, specifically termites. Based on an associated radiocarbon date, the marks were shaped under climatic conditions of the last part of OIS 3, where some abrupt warm episodes were documented.