Showing papers by "Paul R. Renne published in 2023"
TL;DR: In 2017, a hemimandible (MW5-B208) corresponding to the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis ), was found in a stratigraphically-controlled and radio-isotopically-dated sequence of the Melka Wakena paleoanthropological site-complex, on the Southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, ~ 2300 m above sea level as mentioned in this paper .
Abstract: Abstract In 2017, a hemimandible (MW5-B208), corresponding to the Ethiopian wolf ( Canis simensis ), was found in a stratigraphically-controlled and radio-isotopically-dated sequence of the Melka Wakena paleoanthropological site-complex, on the Southeastern Ethiopian Highlands, ~ 2300 m above sea level. The specimen is the first and unique Pleistocene fossil of this species. Our data provide an unambiguous minimum age of 1.6–1.4 Ma for the species’ presence in Africa and constitutes the first empirical evidence that supports molecular interpretations. Currently, C. simensis is one of the most endangered carnivore species of Africa. Bioclimate niche modeling applied to the time frame indicated by the fossil suggests that the lineage of the Ethiopian wolf faced severe survival challenges in the past, with consecutive drastic geographic range contractions during warmer periods. These models help to describe future scenarios for the survival of the species. Projections ranging from most pessimistic to most optimistic future climatic scenarios indicate significant reduction of the already-deteriorating territories suitable for the Ethiopian Wolf, increasing the threat to the specie’s future survival. Additionally, the recovery of the Melka Wakena fossil underscores the importance of work outside the East African Rift System in research of early human origins and associated biodiversity on the African continent.
1 citations
TL;DR: The temporal coincidence of large igneous provinces (LIPs) with Phanerozoic extinctions has encouraged investigations of causality as discussed by the authors , with a timeframe restricted to the mid-Mesozoic through Quaternary.
Abstract: The temporal coincidence of large igneous provinces (LIPs) with Phanerozoic extinctions (e.g., ref. 1) has encouraged investigations of causality. Green et al. (2) found a greater temporal correlation between LIPs and Phanerozoic extinctions than expected from random chance. Henehan and Witts (3) suggest that, though earlier LIPs may have caused extinctions, the mid-Mesozoic rise of pelagic marine calcifiers prevented later volcanism like the Deccan Traps from significantly perturbing the ecosystem. Here, we address this comment (3) by calculating the coincidence product (2) with a timeframe restricted to the mid-Mesozoic through Quaternary. To examine