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<p><i>Trischizolagus dumitrescuae</i>, a representative of the Leporinae, was among the most prevalent and widely distributed leporids throughout the Pliocene. The extensive collection of postcranial remains from the newly discovered Ruscinian site Megalo Emvolon-4 (MVL) in Northern Greece yielded numerous bones, including nearly all skeletal parts. The detailed fore- and hindlimb morphology of <i>T. dumitrescuae</i> is presented in comparison with both extant and fossil species, showcasing a wide range of locomotor adaptations. Both the morphometrical data of the forelimb and hindlimb, along with the estimated body mass (around 2,100 to 2,200&#xa0;g) and the cranial characteristics (facial tilt and fenestration), indicate an animal with features consistent with moderate leaping and agile terrestrial movement. The forelimb anatomy of <i>T. dumitrescuae</i>, characterized by moderate distal limb elongation and robust humeri for landing, together with the skull morphology signal agile locomotion and moderate running capability. Its hindlimb features, among them a rounded acetabulum, a moderately developed ischial tuberosity, and a calcaneus appropriate for leaping, further support adaptations for controlled, agile leaping. While its lower leg and foot bones show more developed running abilities than typical rabbits (e.g., <i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>), they lack the extreme specialization of hares (e.g., <i>Lepus europaeus</i>). These traits reinforce the recognition of <i>T. dumitrescuae</i> as an ecomorphologically intermediate taxon, filling a distinctive functional role in the late Neogene ecosystems of southeastern Europe.</p>

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Built to bound or born to bolt? New insights into the postcranial anatomy and paleoecology of Trischizolagus dumitrescuae (Leporidae, Lagomorpha)

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月14日

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  • Christina N. Kalaitzi,
  • Dimitris S. Kostopoulos

摘要

Trischizolagus dumitrescuae, a representative of the Leporinae, was among the most prevalent and widely distributed leporids throughout the Pliocene. The extensive collection of postcranial remains from the newly discovered Ruscinian site Megalo Emvolon-4 (MVL) in Northern Greece yielded numerous bones, including nearly all skeletal parts. The detailed fore- and hindlimb morphology of T. dumitrescuae is presented in comparison with both extant and fossil species, showcasing a wide range of locomotor adaptations. Both the morphometrical data of the forelimb and hindlimb, along with the estimated body mass (around 2,100 to 2,200 g) and the cranial characteristics (facial tilt and fenestration), indicate an animal with features consistent with moderate leaping and agile terrestrial movement. The forelimb anatomy of T. dumitrescuae, characterized by moderate distal limb elongation and robust humeri for landing, together with the skull morphology signal agile locomotion and moderate running capability. Its hindlimb features, among them a rounded acetabulum, a moderately developed ischial tuberosity, and a calcaneus appropriate for leaping, further support adaptations for controlled, agile leaping. While its lower leg and foot bones show more developed running abilities than typical rabbits (e.g., Oryctolagus cuniculus), they lack the extreme specialization of hares (e.g., Lepus europaeus). These traits reinforce the recognition of T. dumitrescuae as an ecomorphologically intermediate taxon, filling a distinctive functional role in the late Neogene ecosystems of southeastern Europe.