Pathologies in the Early Pliocene phocid seals from Langebaanweg, South Africa

Pathologies in the Early Pliocene phocid seals from Langebaanweg, South Africa

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Abundant vertebrate fossils have been recorded from the Early Pliocene locality, Langebaanweg, South Africa. This study documents the pathologies evident in the 5 million-year-old fossil phocid seal assemblage. Careful anatomical assessment of the remains revealed that 0.73% showed evidence of disea...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Romala Govender, Graham Avery, Anusuya Chinsamy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Academy of Science of South Africa 2011-01-01
Series:South African Journal of Science
Subjects:
Langebaanweg
fossil seal
pathologies
arthritis
fracture
Online Access:http://192.168.0.117/index.php/sajs/article/view/9889
Description
Summary:Abundant vertebrate fossils have been recorded from the Early Pliocene locality, Langebaanweg, South Africa. This study documents the pathologies evident in the 5 million-year-old fossil phocid seal assemblage. Careful anatomical assessment of the remains revealed that 0.73% showed evidence of disease and/or trauma. The majority of the ailments were forms of osteoarthritis, although periodontitis and osteomyelitis were also evident. Some bones also showed healed fractures, suggesting that the individuals survived the traumatic event. Two cases of dental pathologies were also noted.
ISSN:1996-7489

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