Presencia del género Stegomastodon entre los restos fósiles de mastodontes de Chile (Gomphotheriidae), Pleistoceno superior

Abstract

New Gomphotheriidae fossils encouraged the authors to study them and review some others materials of this family that were classified in 2000 as Cuvieronius hyodon (Fischer). Together with new tusk remains, the recovery of the anterior portion of the cranial symphysis (alveolar zone) of a skull from Taguatagua is remarkable. The morphology of the available tusks and the characteristics of the anterior part of the symphysis allow the assignment of these remains to Stegomastodon. The occurrence of this genus at the end of the Pleistocene in Chile is established. Fossils are compared with others remains from South America and probable dispersal routes through the Andes cordillera are discussed.