Taphonomic features in the Quaternary megafauna of the Apa River (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil)

Abstract

Abstract The Miguel Amaral Burgueño Paleontological Site is an important fossiliferous Quaternary deposit located in the middle course of the Apa River, municipality of Bela Vista, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. In this study we analyzed nineteen fossils of the Quaternary megafauna discovered in longitudinal gravel bars in fluvial deposits. The taxa are represented by Eremotherium laurillardi and Notiomastodon platensis associated with pebbles and gravel after reworking and tractive efforts by the fluvial transport. The fossils are fragmented and disarticulated with a low degree of weathering and with E-W imbrication. Taphonomic and sedimentary features indicate that the fossils were reworked from sedimentary deposits adjacent to the channel of the Apa River near the deposition site.