Miocene Moschidae (Mammalia, Ruminantia) from the Linxia Basin (China) connect Europe and Asia and show an early evolutionary diversity of a today monogeneric family

Moschidae are the only pecoran ruminants where all representatives totally lack cranial appendages today. Latest phylogenetic studies name them the sister group of Bovidae. Thus, cladogenesis of Moschidae and Bovidae should be older than the earliest known bovids (similar to 18 Ma). However, the oldest known moschid fossil so far dates to about 16 Ma years old in Eastern Europe. This and other early records so far comprise few fossils and thus, the early evolution as well as the origin of the extant Moschus is not yet fully known. Here, we report new results on the Moschidae from the Shinanu Fauna, Linxia Basin, older than 15 Ma. New and historic material reveal some of the oldest records of Moschidae and an unexpected rich diversity, especially for this early phase of evolution. A new taxon, 'Micromeryx' caoi sp. nov., presents affinities with the late Middle Miocene species 'M.' eiselei from Steinheim am Albuch. The second new taxon represents the oldest described Hispanomeryx species, Hispanomeryx linxiaensis sp. nov. and confirms an Asian Hispanomeryx-lineage. Furthermore, there may be one additional so far undetermined large moschid in the basin during this time slice. Our results provide essential data for a possible Asiatic origin of the Moschidae, and for their early evolution, and improve our understanding of terrestrial Early Miocene ecosystems in East Asia.

Automated summary

New research reports new findings on Moschidae, revealing some records older than 15 million years that provide essential data for understanding the early evolution and possible Asiatic origin of the family. The results also enhance our understanding of the Early Miocene ecosystems in East Asia.