Hoplophorini (Xenarthra, Glyptodontidae) prom the "Araucanian" (late Miocene-early Pliocene) of the northwest of Argentina: systematics paleobiogeography and paleoenvironments

HOPLOPHORINI (XENARTHRA, GLYPTODONTIDAE) PROM THE "ARAUCANIAN" (LATE MIOCENE-EARLY PLIOCENE) OF THE NORTHWEST OF ARGENTINA: SYSTEMATICS PALEOBIOGEOGRAPHY AND PALEOENVIRONMENTS. From a comparative review of the three recognized species of Glyptodontidae Hoplophorini: Eosclerocalyptus planus (Rovereto), Eosclerophorus paulacoutoi Castellanos and Hoplophractus proximus (Moreno y Mercerat), from "Araucanian" levels (Late Miocene-Early Pliocene) of northwestern Argentina, we conclude they represent only one species: Eosclerocalyptus proximus n. comb. (Moreno and Mercerat). Therefore, we provide a new diagnosis and description of this taxon. Finally, the possible endemism of this species (and part of the associated palaeofauna), can be explained, at least partially, by the palaeobiogeographic and palaeoenviromental particularities inferred for the Miocene-Pliocene of this area, indicated by the presence of relatively more humid and warm climates than those inferred for the Pampean region.