Review of Gomphotheriidae in the late Cenozoic of Mexico

Abstract

The aim of this work is to present a current summary of the most common genera of the Gomphotheriidae family recorded in the Mexican Pliocene and Pleistocene: Rhynchotherium, Cuvieronius, and Stegomastodon. Data were collected from the available scientific literature and from specimens housed in the main paleontological collections of Mexico. Special attention was paid to tusks and teeth since they are the most frequently recovered materials. The resulting information gives a panoramic view on the geographical and chronological distribution of these genera. This information is a starting point to determine the possible corridors used by these taxa in their dispersal to the southern part of the continent, as part of the Great American Biotic Interchange. In addition, the reassignment of some of the specimens is discussed, based on diagnostic characters at the genus level.