Type species: Atokatheridium boreni Kielan-Jaworowska and Cifelli, 2001, Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Holotype: OMNH 61623, RM2.

Type locality: Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type horizon: Middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Referred material.—OMNH 61151, LM1; 63725, LM3; 63724, Lm1; 63889, Rm1; 63890, Rm1; 34905, Rmx; 61181, Lmx; 61624, Lmx; 63891, Rmx; 63892, Lmx (all from the type locality).

Emended diagnosis.—Small deltatheroidan differing from all other deltatheroidans in smaller size, weaker stylocone, shallower ectoflexus on mesial molars, slightly narrower parastylar lobe, trend of increasing width of metastylar lobe distally through molar series (excluding the unknown but hypothesized M4), greater height differential between the paracone and metacone, transversely wider protoconal region, and a taller protocone. Differs from Oklatheridium and Sulestes in weaker conules. Differs from Oklatheridium in slightly narrower metastylar lobe on M2, and in less reduction of the metastylar lobe on M3.

Description

Detailed descriptions of the molars of Atokatheridium boreni can be found in Davis et al. (2008), and will not be repeated here (with the exception of lower molars which can be referred with confidence to the first molar locus, described below). However, the morphology is summarized to facilitate comparisons between the various tribosphenidan taxa described in this paper.

Upper molars: The three referred upper molars of Atokatheridium boreni (Fig. 2A–C) are all to a greater or lesser extent abraded, so some morphological details may be lost or understated. The molars are transversely wide, with a wide stylar shelf (especially the metastylar lobe of the M3). The paracone is larger and taller than the metacone, and the postmetacrista is strong and deeply-notched at the base of the metacone as in other deltatheroidans. The stylocone is well developed but not as large as in Oklatheridium or Pappotherium. The preparacrista is weak, but this could be a factor of preservation. The protoconal region of the crown is mesiodistally compressed and wide. The conules are distinct but weak, and there is faint evidence of an internal crista on the paraconule. The preprotocrista extends to the parastyle, but the postprotocrista ends at the base of the metacone.

Lower molars: A. boreni is known by a single complete but abraded isolated lower molar and several fragmentary molars preserving only the trigonid (Fig. 2E). Given the poor preservation of the sample, it is not possible to confidently identify most specimens to locus. OMNH 61624 has a very tall trigonid relative to the small talonid, and a very prominent, projecting paraconid that is much taller than the metaconid. These features suggest that this specimen might represent the m4, but there are some substantial differences between it and preserved m4s of other deltatheroidans. In Deltatheridium and Sulestes, the trigonid is extremely obtuse-angled, and in the former the metaconid is completely absent (Rougier et al. 1998; Averianov et al. 2010). While the low, small talonid in A. boreni is open lingually and lacks an entoconid (comparing in some ways favorably with the basal tribosphenidan Kielantherium; Dashzeveg and Kielan-Jaworowska 1984), the trigonid has a high, wall-like paracristid, reinforcing deltatheroidan affinities for this taxon. A strong distal metacristid is present. The remainder of the referred lower molars (with the exception of those identified as m1s, see below) generally agree with OMNH 61624 in morphology, though they are all either too heavily worn or poorly preserved to add anything new.

OMNH 63724 (Fig. 2D) is identified as an ml on the basis of a somewhat more open trigonid and on relative cusp heights. Only the trigonid is preserved, and it is transversely compressed and lingually open relative to the other referred lower molars. The paraconid is slightly taller than but not as robust as the metaconid; the paraconid is not inclined, as would be expected if the specimen were a deciduous premolar. A distal metacristid is present. The paracristid is strong and notched, and this specimen can be excluded from the other deltatheroidan in the fauna, Oklatheridium, based on size. The relative size and proportions of this specimen in reference to the rest of the referred sample agree well with the distal trend in morphology of the molar series seen in Deltatheridium (Rougier et al. 1998), and it is on this basis that it is excluded from the other tribosphenidans of the Trinity Group.

Comments.—Atokatheridium was referred with confidence to the Deltatheroida by Davis et al. (2008) based on the combination of a strong upper molar postmetacrista on all upper molar loci and a tall lower molar paraconid (well-developed postvallum/prevallid shear, which is typical of all deltatheroidans). Averianov et al. (2010: 318) disputed the deltatheroidan nature of this taxon, claiming that the referral “…was heavily influenced by interpretation of a relatively large incomplete [M3]…” and concluding that Atokatheridium was a stem tribosphenidan. Justification for the referral of OMNH 63725 to Atokatheridium (not Oklatheridium as suggested by Averianov et al. 2010) and of the taxon to the Deltatheroida was given in detail by Davis et al. (2008: 13: fig. 1.8), and draws from both upper and lower molar morphology at all known loci. Other recent work on the group (e.g., Rougier et al. 2004) has supported this position, and we feel no further validation is necessary.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type species: Oklatheridium szalayi Davis, Cifelli, and Kielan-Jaworowska, 2008, Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Included species: Oklatheridium minax sp. nov.

Emended diagnosis.—Moderate-sized deltatheroidan differing from all other deltatheroidans in relatively larger talonid; differs from all other deltatheroidans except Atokatheridium in narrower stylar shelf; differs from other deltatheroidans except Sulestes in less height differential between paracone and metacone, metacone broader than paracone, prominent conules, mesiodistally broad protocone, and presence of entoconid; differs from Atokatheridium in larger size, larger stylocone, and relatively larger metaconid; differs from Sulestes in wider protoconal region; differs from Deltatheroides in stronger reduction of metacone and metastylar lobe on M4.

Holotype: OMNH 62410, LM2 missing the protoconal region of the crown.

Type locality: Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type horizon: Middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Referred material.—OMNH 62411, LM1 (missing the protocone); PM 1238, LM1 (missing the protoconal region); OMNH 61180, LM1 (missing the protoconal region); OMNH 63986, RM3 (missing the metastylar lobe and protoconal region).

Emended diagnosis.—Species of Oklatheridium differing from O. minax in smaller size, relatively smaller stylocone, and greater relative size difference between M1 and M2.

Description

Detailed descriptions of the molars of Oklatheridium szalayi can be found in Davis et al. (2008), and will not be repeated here. However, the identification of a second species of Oklatheridium based on upper molars (O. minax sp. nov.) has led to the removal of all lower molars from the hypodigm of O. szalayi. These specimens are here referred to Oklatheridium sp. (see below). The upper molar morphology of O. szalayi is summarized to facilitate comparisons between the various tribosphenidan taxa described in this paper.

Upper molars: The upper molars of O. szalayi are in many ways similar to those of Pappotherium, and are distinguished primarily by relative proportions of the paracone and metacone. In both species of Oklatheridium, there is less height differential between these cusps than in Pappotherium, and the metacone is slightly broader than the paracone (the opposite is true in Pappotherium). The parastylar lobe increases substantially in width between the M1 and the M3, and the parastyle is prominent. The metastylar lobe is long and bears a very strong, notched postmetacrista. There is some variation in the depth of the ectoflexus, but it is quite deep on the holotype (similar to that seen in the M2 of Deltatheridium). The stylocone is the only stylar cusp (typical of deltatheroidans, despite the variable presence of cuspules or crenulations in Sulestes; see Averianov et al. 2010), but there is a small cuspule present immediately distal to the stylocone on one M2 (OMNH 61180) and the referred M3 (OMNH 63986).

The M3 originally referred to O. szalayi by Davis et al. (2008), OMNH 63727, appears to belong instead to O. minax sp. nov. (see below). A different specimen, OMNH 63986 (Fig. 3E), is a better match for M3 of O. szalayi, in terms of size. This molar is fragmentary, preserving only the paracone, parastylar lobe, and the mesial base of the metacone. The stylocone is large and well separated from the paracone; the parastylar lobe is much wider than any specimen referred to Pappotherium (see below). There is a prominent cuspule along the ectocingulum immediately distal to the stylocone, and the ectocingulum appears to have been strong, as in other specimens of this taxon.

Comments.—The presence of Oklatheridium in the Greenwood Canyon sample, a taxon otherwise only known from Tomato Hill, was originally suggested by Alexander Averianov (personal communication to BMD, 2007) in reference to PM 1238, a LM1 originally referred to Pappotherium by Butler (1978).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Etymology: From the Latin for “threatening”, in reference to the strongly-developed shearing crests in this taxon, and its larger size compared to the other deltatheroidans of the Trinity Group.

Holotype: OMNH 33455, LM2 missing the metacone and metastylar lobe.

Type locality: Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type horizon: Middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Referred material.—PM 884, LM1 (missing the protoconal region); OMNH 63727, RM3 (missing the parastylar lobe and protoconal region).

Diagnosis.—Species of Oklatheridium differing from O. szalayi in overall larger size, relatively heavier stylocone, and in less relative size difference between M1 and M2.

Description

Upper molars: PM 884 (Fig. 3F) is a large, somewhat abraded molar with a very heavy stylocone. The relatively narrow parastylar lobe and shallow ectoflexus indicate this to be an M1. The metacone is lower and broader than the paracone, features consistent with Oklatheridium. The paracone and stylocone are connected by a strongly notched preparacrista. The parastyle is large and positioned slightly lingual to the stylocone. While this molar is substantially larger than the M1 referred to O. szalayi (Table 2), it is still smaller than the M2 of O. minax and is therefore referred to that species.

OMNH 33455 (Fig. 3G) was initially described by Cifelli (1997: 10), and referred to ?Oklatheridium sp. by Davis et al. (2008). Comparisons with the proportions of the M2 of O. szalayi suggest that this specimen represents the M2 (as proposed by Davis et al. 2008). The stylocone is very large and separated from the parastyle by a strong notch. The protoconal region is broad, bearing large conules. The paraconule is more buccally positioned than the metaconule, and there is no evidence of internal cristae. The paracone is mostly broken, but it appears to have been much heavier than in all other deltatheroidans.

The M3 of O. minax, OMNH 63727 (Fig. 3H), was originally referred to O. szalayi by Davis et al. (2008). However, it appears to be too large for that species (as is evident from comparisons between the M2 and M3 of the morphologically similar Deltatheridium; see Davis et al. 2008: fig. 1.8). The parastylar lobe of this specimen is broken but the remaining portion suggests that it would likely have been very wide; the metastylar lobe is reduced in width but still retains a prominent shelf. The metacone is much lower than the paracone but is only slightly shorter mesiodistally. The centrocrista is formed by very sharp crests. The pattern of breakage suggests that the protoconal region would have been large, comparable to but slightly smaller than that in OMNH 33455 (see hypothetical restoration in Davis et al. 2008: fig. 1.8).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Referred material.—PM 1287, LM4; OMNH 61642, Rm1 (trigonid only); OMNH 33940, Rmx (trigonid only); OMNH 33945, Lmx (trigonid only); OMNH 61643, Rmx (trigonid only); OMNH 63728, Rmx (trigonid only); PM 660, Rmx (trigonid only); PM 965, Rmx.

Description

Upper molar: PM 1287 was originally illustrated in Patterson (1956: fig. 4B; Fig. 4A). This specimen was referred to Pappotherium sp. by Turnbull (1971), though Butler (1978) did not believe it could belong to either that genus or Holoclemensia, and must represent the ultimate molar of something different. In their interpretation of the molar series of the Tomato Hill deltatheroidans, Davis et al. (2008: fig. 1.8) speculated that the M4 of Oklatheridium would be heavily reduced, much like the condition in the larger but morphologically similar Deltatheridium. PM 1287 retains a large paracone, stylocone, and preparacrista (characters of the mesial molars of Oklatheridium), while the metacone and metastylar lobe are strongly reduced (a trend beginning with the M3; Fig. 3E, H). Such strong reductions in ultimate molar proportions are not expected in Early Cretaceous lineages other than deltatheroidans. The ultimate molar of the other deltatheroidan in the sample, Atokatheridium (hypothesized by Davis et al. 2008: fig. 1.8), probably would bear a proportionately larger protocone. This is the basis for referral of this specimen to Oklatheridium; however, the absence of a more completely preserved molar series precludes specific assignment of this M4 within the genus.

Lower molars: Davis et al. (2008) referred a number of lower molars (all represented by trigonids) to Oklatheridium szalayi. However, the recognition of a second species of Oklatheridium necessitates reconsideration of all lower molar material. The fragmentary nature of these specimens (with the exception of PM 965, described below) makes it difficult to differentiate between size and morphological differences that are attributable to positional variation, and differences which relate to interspecific variation. A conservative approach is warranted, and all lower molars are here referred to Oklatheridium sp.

One specimen is complete (PM 965; Fig. 4C) and allows the talonid morphology of this genus to be described. This molar bears a very large and prominent paraconid, with a tall, deeply notched paracristid. The metaconid is much lower than the paraconid. In occlusal view, the trigonid cusps form a roughly equilateral triangle. Cusp f is prominent but not shelf-like, and is positioned below the paracristid notch. A very small cusp e is located slightly higher but at the mesiolingual margin of the paraconid. A distinct distal metacristid is present, meeting the cristid obliqua at its mesial terminus below the protocristid notch. The highly developed prevallid shear evidenced by this specimen clearly points to deltatheroidan affinities, and it shares much of its trigonid morphology with the other specimens referred to Oklatheridium. However, the most striking feature of this molar is the size of the talonid. While smaller in area than the trigonid, it is still substantially larger, in a relative sense, than in all other known deltatheroidans. The hypoconid is the largest cusp, and is conical except for a flat internal face. The hypoconulid is as tall as the hypoconid, but is elongate and somewhat ridge-like. The hypocristid between these cusps is long enough to have accommodated a relatively large metacone, which also supports referral of this specimen to Oklatheridium. The entoconid is lower than the other cusps but is still very prominent and broad, and the entocristid is notched. The talonid basin is well enclosed and deep, and the three cusps are evenly spaced. In all, the talonid is not as predicted by Davis et al. (2008) for Oklatheridium, especially in that it is much larger than the preserved talonid in Atokatheridium (Fig. 2E). The pattern of breakage on other trigonids referred to Oklatheridium does not preclude this sort of talonid morphology, and PM 965 is on the large end of the size range for the sample, which suggests it may represent O. minax. This species has a much larger protoconal region than other deltatheroidans, which should reflect an accompanying large talonid.

Of the remainder of the sample, only the trigonid of an ml is readily identifiable. OMNH 61642 (Fig. 4B) is markedly different from OMNH 33945, incorrectly identified as an ml by Davis et al. (2008), in being lower crowned, much narrower transversely, and in having widely spaced paraconid and metaconid. It is proportionally very similar to the m1 of Atokatheridium, differing only in larger size and a somewhat proportionally larger paraconid.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type species: Pappotherium pattersoni Slaughter, 1965, Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Holotype: SMP-SMU 71725, a right maxillary fragment preserving the M3 and M4.

Type locality: Butler Farm, north-central Texas, USA.

Type horizon: Upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Referred material.—PM 999, RM1 (missing protoconal region); PM 1749, LM2 (missing metastylar lobe and protoconal region); PM 1325, LM2 (protoconal region only); OMNH 61185, RM3 (missing metastylar lobe); PM 1015, LM3 (missing metastylar lobe and protoconal region); OMNH 61219, Lmx (trigonid only); OMNH 63729, Rmx (trigonid only); PM 930, Rmx (trigonid only); PM 1119, Rmx (trigonid only); PM 1249, Lmx (trigonid only).

Emended diagnosis.—Putative metatherian differing from other basal metatherians (such as Kokopellia) in lack of twinning between hypoconid and hypoconulid, absence of buccal postcingulid, and presence of distal metacristid on lower molars; differs from deltatheroidans in subequal paraconid and metaconid on lower molars; differs from Holoclemensia in inferred presence of four molars, larger stylocone, absence of mesostyle, deeper ectoflexus, closer approximation of paracone and metacone, mesiodistally longer trigonid, subequal paraconid and metaconid, and presence of distal metacristid; differs from Slaughteria in larger size, inferred presence of four molars, and weaker paracristid.

Description

Upper molars: The M1 of Pappotherium pattersoni is represented by a single worn and broken specimen (PM 999; Fig. 5A). The width of the parastylar lobe and the position of the parastyle support the locus assignment of this molar. The paracone is much taller and slightly broader than the metacone. The paracone is closely approximated with and connected to the large stylocone by a strong and slightly notched preparacrista. The parastyle is low and situated between the other two cusps. Though the metastylar lobe is wide, the ectoflexus is shallow. There is a weak ectocingulum but no evidence of any other stylar cusps. The postmetacrista is strong and notched, but less so than in deltatheroidans. The crown is broken lingual to the paracone and metacone. The preprotocrista is wide and continuous to the parastyle, but the postprotocrista ends at the base of the metacone.

The M2 (Fig. 5B) is less worn than the Ml but also less complete. The paracone and metacone are both large and strong, but the paracone is again taller and broader. The stylocone is a large cusp, but the parastylar lobe is much wider than on the M1. The parastyle is more prominent and positioned more directly mesial to the stylocone. A broken chip of enamel indicates the presence of a small cuspule distal to the stylocone, and connected to it by a weak crest. The remainder of the stylar shelf is missing (beyond the deepest point of the ectoflexus), and it appears that the stylar shelf was quite wide on this specimen. The postmetacrista was likely strong. The tip of the protocone is broken from the second referred M2 (Fig. 5C), but it does preserve distinct conules positioned relatively close to the protocone. No internal cristae are present, and it appears that the postprotocrista ended at the base of the metacone. The preprotocrista is very wide, becoming more of a shelf.

The M3 is represented by three specimens, all in differing states of preservation (Fig. 5D–F). All are smaller than the M2. The holotype bears a complete M3, but the specimen is heavily coated in glue and appears to have lost much of its enamel. In all three specimens, the parastylar lobe is very wide, and the metacone is much smaller than the paracone. The stylocone is large but relatively smaller than on the M1–2. The parastyle is also large and is well-separated from the stylocone. The preparacrista is strong. There is some evidence of a small cuspule similar to that on the M2. The ectoflexus is much deeper than on the mesial molars, and where preserved (the holotype only), the metastylar lobe is slightly narrower than the parastylar lobe. The protoconal region on OMNH 61185 is heavier than on SMP-SMU 61725, and while this is not likely due to preservation, there are some possible geographic differences (relating mostly to size) among the Trinity Group samples (see Discussion). The conules are distinct and positioned close to the protocone (the metaconule appears to be absent from the holotype M3, but there is breakage in that region).

A single M4 is known, preserved along with an M3 as part of the holotype (SMP-SMU 61725; Fig. 5D). The metacone and metastylar lobe are strongly reduced relative to the M3, while the paracone and parastylar lobe are wide and very prominent. The preparacrista runs to the stylocone. The protoconal region is missing from this specimen, so no other information is available.

Lower molars: Only trigonids are preserved of all lower molars referred to P. pattersoni (Fig. 5). While there is some variation in size, none of the differences typically attributable to position are evident. The trigonid is roughly equilateral in occlusal view, with a prominent protoconid and subequal paraconid and metaconid. The paracristid is somewhat stronger and more heavily notched than the protocristid, but not to the degree seen in deltatheroidans. Cusp fis prominent and nearly vertical, while cusp e is much smaller though still distinct. From what is preserved, the cristid obliqua appears to have met the trigonid beneath the protocristid notch, and a distal metacristid is present.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully, Turtle Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Tomato Hill (V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type species: Holoclemensia texana Slaughter, 1968b, Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

1989 Comanchea hilli Jacobs, Winkler, and Murry, 1989: 4992, fig. 1.

Holotype: SMP-SMU 61997, RM2 missing the protoconal region.

Type locality: Butler Farm, north-central Texas, USA.

Type horizon: Upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian)

Referred material.—PM 1000, LM1 (missing protoconal region); PM 1004, RM1 (missing paracone, parastylar lobe, and protoconal region); PM 886, RM2 (missing paracone, parastylar lobe, and protoconal region); SMP-SMU 62009, RM3; SMP-SMU 61727, Lm1; PM 887, Rm1 (trigonid only); PM 966, Lm1 (trigonid only); PM 1005, Rm2; PM 3877, Lm2 (trigonid only); SMP-SMU 62131, Lm2; SMP-SMU 62721, Rm2; OMNH 62412, Rm3; OMNH 62414, Lmx (talonid only); OMNH 63894, Rmx (talonid only); SMP-SMU 62722, Rmx (talonid only).

Tentatively referred material.—SMP-SMU 61948, LP4; SMP-SMU 71848, LDP5 (holotype of Comanchea hilli); SMP-SMU 62399, Lp5.

Emended diagnosis.—Basal eutherian mammal differing from all other basal eutherians in presence of a very large central stylar cusp (= mesostyle); differs from stem tribosphenidans in very small size of stylocone, the presence of a very large mesostyle, relatively narrow metastylar lobe at all loci, a prominent, flange-like parastylar lobe on mesial molars, very tall, bulbous metaconid on lower molars, and highly mesiodistally compressed trigonid; differs from deltatheroidans in presence of three molars, relatively weak postmetacrista, small stylocone, and small, inclined paraconid; differs from Slaughteria in larger size, presence of metaconid on p5, metaconid taller than paraconid on molars, and absence of distal metacristid; differs from Pappotherium in presence of three molars, shallower ectoflexus, more separated paracone and metacone, narrower metastylar lobe, metaconid taller than paraconid, and absence of distal metacristid.

Description

Upper premolars: Two upper premolars are tentatively referred to Holoclemensia texana. SMP-SMU 61948 (Fig. 6G) is a very large, trenchant premolar, complete except for some minor breakage along the lingual margin. Both Slaughter (1968{a,b?}: 135) and Butler (1978: 14) interpreted this breakage to indicate the presence of a small protocone on this specimen; whether this was indeed the case or if simply a lingual cingulum was present is impossible to judge. Separate mesiobuccal and distobuccal cingula each bear a small cuspule (the distal one is larger). The size and morphology of the principal cusp on this specimen strongly suggest that it is a p4 (see the discussion of serial homology in Davis 2011). H. texana is the largest tribosphenidan known from the Trinity Group, and the only taxon appropriate in size for referral of this specimen. However, the possibility that another larger, unknown taxon was present in the fauna cannot be excluded.

SMP-SMU 71848 (Fig. 6F) is a worn and fragmentary upper molariform tooth, established as the holotype of Comanchea hilli by Jacobs et al. (1989), who implicitly regarded it to be a molar. However, it possesses features that are more consistent with a deciduous premolar, especially in light of the upper molar morphology of H. texana. The paracone is large and swollen, and the metacone is very small and well separated from the paracone. A very weak preparacrista connects to a very small parastyle, which is the first in a line of four stylar cusps. An equally small stylocone is immediately distal to the parastyle, and it is followed by a very large mesostyle (equal in size to the metacone), positioned distobuccal to the paracone. A weak ridge connects the mesostyle with a smaller cusp (possibly equivalent to stylar cusp D). The protoconal region is transversely narrow but somewhat long mesiodistally; a distinct but small paraconule is present. This specimen compares well with the morphology of the upper molars of H. texana, except in ways that are characteristic of deciduous premolars (Cifelli 1999a): the parastylar and protoconal regions are reduced, and the paracone is large and swollen relative to the metacone. Considering how strongly molariform this specimen is and how much smaller it is than the referred P4, it is most likely a DP5.

Upper molars: All specimens except for the M3 are missing the protoconal region of the crown. The M1s (Fig. 6A, B) are heavily worn, but together they provide morphology for the entire buccal half of the crown. The paracone was clearly larger than the metacone. The preparacrista appears to have been low, but observation is difficult due to wear and breakage. The postmetacrista is much weaker than in Pappotherium or deltatheroidans. The stylocone is small and positioned at the buccal margin of a wide, wing-like parastylar lobe which projects beyond the buccal extent of the metastylar lobe (in a similar fashion to but to a greater extent than in Prokennalestes; see Kielan-Jaworowska and Dashzeveg 1989). The mesostyle is much larger than the stylocone but not as tall as the metacone, and is positioned at or just mesial to the middle of the centrocrista; a low bulge just distal to it indicates the presence of another stylar cusp (in the position of stylar cusp D). An ectoflexus is lacking. The preprotocrista is obliterated by wear in PM 1000, but it probably participated in the large parastylar lobe. The postprotocrista does not extend buccally past the base of the metacone.

The M2 (Fig. 6C, D) is larger than the M1. The paracone is taller than the metacone and relatively well separated from it, and the preparacrista, postmetacrista, and centrocrista are all low. The stylocone is very small (equal in size to the parastyle), and positioned mid-way on a wide, mesiobuccally projecting parastylar lobe; it anchors the preparacrista. The mesostyle is large and centrally positioned, as on the M1. The metastylar lobe is much narrower than the parastylar lobe, but relatively wider than on the M1. There is weak evidence of a small cuspule on the distal stylar shelf, and an ectocingulum is absent. The postprotocrista has the same extent as on the M1.

SMP-SMU 62009 (Fig. 6E) represents the M3 and is the most complete upper molar, missing only the lingual portion of the protocone. The crown is transversely wide and mesiodistally compressed, with substantial reduction to the metacone and metastylar lobe, as is typical for ultimate molars. The paracone is large and dominant, while the metacone is low and thin; the preparacrista is oriented toward the parastyle, but terminates prior to reaching it. The parastylar lobe is short and wide, with a large, sharp parastyle and a much smaller stylocone. The mesostyle is delicate and spire-like as compared to the other molars. The protocone is also tall, about two-thirds the height of the paracone, and is flanked by a small paraconule and metaconule. The conules are closely appressed to the protocone. The preprotocrista is interrupted for a brief stretch mesial to the paracone.

Lower premolar: SMP-SMU 62399 (Fig. 7A) is a semimolariform premolar. The protoconid is rounded much like that on a typical molar, and a low but distinct metaconid is present directly lingual to the protoconid. The mesialmost portion of the crown is broken, but there is no evidence that a paraconid was present. A weak ridge runs down the distal face of the metaconid, parallel to a stronger crest from the protoconid, bounding a wide trough; the crests meet at a single, very low heel cusp. The heel bends slightly lingually (in occlusal view); the distobuccal portion of the crown is basally expanded, and bears a very small isolated cuspule. While it agrees well morphologically with the expected p5 for H. texana, it is considerably mesiodistally shorter than the referred lower molars; its referral to this taxon is therefore tentative. An additional premolar from Butler Farm, SMP-SMU 61947 (see Butler 1978: fig. 4G), may also represent the p5 for H. texana (Alexander Averianov personal communication, 2011). This specimen is better preserved than SMP-SMU 62399, but it does not differ appreciably in morphology and was unavailable for study at the time of this project.

Lower molars: Specimens representing all three lower molar loci are known for H. texana. In general, all share a mesiodistally compressed trigonid bearing a large metaconid and a much smaller, somewhat procumbent paraconid. The ml (Fig. 7B, C) is characterized by less inflation of the metaconid relative to the other loci, and less height and transverse width differential between the trigonid and talonid. The hypoconid is very prominent (it would likely have been taller than the paraconid), while the other two talonid cusps are subequal in size. The talonid basin is deep but not well enclosed mesiolingually due to the absence of a prominent entocristid.

The trigonid of the m2 (Fig. 7D) is much taller than the talonid, and it is transversely much wider than mesiodistally long. The metaconid is heavy and inflated (more obvious in lingual view). The paraconid is small, slightly inclined, and set somewhat buccal to the metaconid. The protocristid is more prominent and more strongly notched than in Pappotherium. The morphology (and presence) of the e and f cusps are variable; cusp e is either absent or represented by two very tiny cuspules on the mesiolingual base of the paraconid. Cusp f is much more prominent, and varies from a strong, oblique ridge to a short flange. The cristid obliqua meets the trigonid below the protocristid notch, and a distal metacristid is absent. The three talonid cusps are evenly spaced, though the hypoconid is again by far the tallest cusp. The entoconid is slightly smaller than the hypoconid, and lacks a strong entocristid.

One heavily worn and abraded specimen is referred to the m3 (OMNH 62412; Fig. 7E). In trigonid morphology, it clearly represents Holoclemensia but it demonstrates typical trends in distal molar loci, and resembles what would be appropriate for an ultimate molar of this taxon. The crown is smaller overall than the other specimens. The trigonid is more strongly mesiodistally compressed than the other loci, and while the major cusps are largely broken it is clear that the metaconid was very large and the paraconid was much smaller and set buccally. The protocristid was strong and notched. Cusp e is apparently absent (breakage of the paraconid could have removed it), and cusp f is represented by a strong, worn cingulid that occupies the entire mesial face of the trigonid and extends to the buccal side of the protoconid. The talonid is heavily worn such that no individual cusps can be discerned. The basin is, however, open mesiolingually as in the other referred specimens (due to a weak entocristid).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully, Turtle Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Pecan Valley Estates (SMP-SMU locality 157), Paluxy Formation (Albian); Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA; Willawalla, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA.

Referred material.—SMP-SMU 61726, Lmx.

Description.—SMP-SMU 61726 (AP: 2.06, ANW: 1.43, POW: 0.90; Fig. 7F) is a complete but heavily fractured lower molar. It is referable to Holoclemensia in trigonid proportions—the trigonid is wide and mesiodistally compressed, the paraconid was much shorter than the metaconid (broken) and positioned somewhat buccally, and a distal metacristid is absent. However, the talonid is elongate and curled, in a manner similar to Kermackia. The cristid obliqua meets the trigonid more lingually than in specimens of H. texana, and the entoconid is relatively much larger (subequal to or larger than the hypoconid). This specimen is too poorly preserved to be of any other taxonomic use.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA.

Type species: Kermackia texana Butler, 1971, Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

1978 Trinititherium slaughteri Butler, 1978: 10, fig. 3.

Holotype: SMP-SMU 62398, Rmx.

Type locality: Butler Farm, north-central Texas, USA.

Type horizon: Upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Referred material.—OMNH 67134, Rp5 (missing the mesiobuccal corner); OMNH 63731, Lmx (talonid only); OMNH 63893, Lmx (trigonid only); PM 922, Rmx; PM 1046, Lmx (trigonid only); PM 1245, Rmx; SMP-SMU 61728, a left dentary fragment preserving m3 (the holotype of Trinititherium slaughteri Butler, 1978).

Tentatively referred material.—SMP-SMU 62402, RM1 (missing the mesiobuccal corner).

Emended diagnosis.—Very small tribosphenidan characterized by the following unique combination of characters: lower molars with a very large, broad metaconid (much larger than the paraconid), distal metacristid hypertrophied such that it meets the cristid obliqua at a notch immediately mesial to the hypoconid (instead of at the base of the trigonid), and large, inflated upper molar paracone.

Description

Upper molar: SMP-SMU 62402 (Fig. 8A) is tentatively referred to Kermackia texana on the basis of size and occlusal fit; the only other taxon from the sample of equivalent size is Slaughteria, but the lower molar morphology of K. texana (described below) suggests that its upper molars are somewhat modified as represented by SMP-SMU 62402. The paracone is very large and inflated, while the metacone is substantially smaller and positioned slightly buccally with respect to the paracone. The postmetacrista is only moderately developed. The parastylar lobe is largely broken, but from the pattern of breakage the stylocone appears to have been very large and closely appressed to the paracone. The ectoflexus was moderately deep, and the parastylar lobe was probably narrower than the metastylar lobe. There is no evidence of stylar cusps other than the stylocone. The protoconal region is well developed (the protocone is as tall as the metacone) and bears both conules. The metaconule is situated close to the protocone, while the paraconule is equidistant from the protocone and paracone. The tooth is heavily abraded, obscuring any other features (including wear facets). This specimen is considered to be a first molar based on the width of the metastylar lobe (tends to be reduced on ultimate molars), and the inferred approximation of the stylocone to the paracone (the parastylar lobe is typically wider on second molars). Kermackia is interpreted to have had three molars (see below).

Lower premolar: OMNH 67134 (Fig. 8B) is a small, semi-molariform premolar broken obliquely at about the midline of the protoconid. The main cusp is large but with heavy apical wear; it is flanked lingually by a mesiodistally broad metaconid. The two cusps are connected by a weak crest. Two additional crests descend distally from the protoconid and meet a crest running mesially from a large heel cusp. A strong notch is present at this juncture; a very similar (and probably serially homologous) notch is found in lower molars of Kermackia texana (see below). The talonid is otherwise undeveloped, except for a faint, low rim enclosing the lingual margin. The small overall size, broad metaconid, and strongly notched heel crest support referral of this specimen to K. texana. The absence of any molarization of the talonid indicates that this premolar is from the adult series, and the presence of a prominent metaconid suggests it is the ultimate premolar. Without material to suggest otherwise, Kermackia is interpreted to possess the primitive tribosphenidan condition of five premolars and three molars (see Davis in press, and references therein).

Lower molars: The lower molars of Kermackia are highly distinctive (Fig. 8C–G), but the limited preservation of the current sample precludes identification of any specimens to locus except the ultimate (interpreted as m3; see below). In occlusal view, the entire crown appears to bow lingually, due to the small size of the paraconid on the mesial end, the poorly-developed lingual margin of the talonid on the distal end, and the hypertrophied distal metacristid on the prominent metaconid in the middle. The trigonid is taller than the talonid and bears a high protoconid and a lower but large, broad metaconid. The paraconid is by far the smallest trigonid cusp and varies from being delicately constructed to low and robust (this likely reflects some positional or intraspecific variation). Cusp f is developed as a shelf but it is limited to the mesial base of the trigonid. Cusp e is present as a distinct ridge projecting from the mesiolingual corner of the paraconid, resembling the keel-like structure characteristic of marsupials (Cifelli 2004: 70, footnote 2).

The distal metacristid, as defined by Fox (1975) and modified by Davis (in press), typically descends from the apex of the metaconid to the point at which the cristid obliqua meets the distal wall of the trigonid, typically below the protocristid notch. In Kermackia, however, the distal metacristid is modified into a very strong ridge that projects from the apex of the metaconid and descends to meet a foreshortened cristid obliqua immediately mesiolingual to the hypoconid; a well developed notch is present where the two crests meet. The rationale for this interpretation (and the functional implications) is discussed later in the text. As a consequence of the long, ridge-like distal metacristid, the talonid is set much farther distally than would be expected for its small size and degree of development. The hypoconid is the largest cusp, followed by the hypoconulid which is slightly larger than the entoconid. The cusps are evenly spaced, but the entoconid lacks an entocristid so the shallow talonid basin is open lingually (there is substantial space between the entoconid and the trigonid).

The holotype of Trinititherium (SMP-SMU 61728; Fig. 8G) comprises a small dentary fragment bearing a single molar posterior to two alveoli. It also preserves a small portion of the ascending ramus, visible distobuccal to the talonid of the molar. This suggests that the single preserved tooth is the ultimate molar, and accompanying features such as a reduction in the height of the metaconid and a decrease in the size of the talonid (and absence of the entoconid) can account for any differences between this specimen and those otherwise referred to Kermackia. Trinititherium is therefore a junior synonym of Kermackia, and this specimen represents the m3.

Comments.—William Clemens proposed that Trinititherium may be a distal molar of Kermackia (personal communication in Butler 1978: 11), and this view is supported here (see the description).

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Type species: Slaughteria eruptens Butler, 1978, Butler Farm, upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Holotype: SMP-SMU 61192, a left dentary fragment preserving the p2, p3, dp4 and dp5 (partially developed and unerupted replacement teeth at the p4–5 are visible in CT; Fig. 9E).

Type locality: Butler Farm, north-central Texas, USA.

Type horizon: Upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian).

Referred material.—PM 1098, Rp5 missing the mesial half of the protoconid; OMNH 63726, Rmx missing portions of the talonid, and OMNH 63721, Rmx (talonid only).

Emended diagnosis.—Very small tribosphenidan characterized by strongly molariform dp4 and dp5; permanent p5 premolariform but with an expanded talonid; differs from Pappotherium in smaller size, presumed presence of three molars, stronger paracristid; differs from Holoclemensia in absence of metaconid on p5, subequal paraconid and metaconid, presence of distal metacristid, and relatively smaller talonid; differs from Kermackia in absence of a metaconid on p5, subequal paraconid and metaconid, weaker distal metacristid, relatively taller trigonid, and relatively mesiodistally shorter talonid; differs from deltatheridiids in presence of five lower premolars and three molars, subequal paraconid and metaconid, and possession of entoconid.

Description

Detailed descriptions of the holotype and referred molar material of Slaughteria eruptens can be found in Davis (in press), and will not be repeated here. However, an additional premolar is herein referred, and the morphology of the rest of the hypodigm is summarized to facilitate comparisons between the various tribosphenidan taxa described in this paper.

Lower premolars: The holotype of S. eruptens (SMP-SMU 61192; Fig. 9D–E) was interpreted by Davis (in press) to preserve the p2, p3, dp4, and dp5. Both deciduous premolars are strongly molariform but have low trigonids bearing a small, procumbent, and buccally positioned paraconid as well as a relatively broad, well developed talonid. CT data revealed the presence of two permanent premolars developing within the jaw (Kobayashi et al. 2002; Davis [in press]. The permanent p4 is large and trenchant with a single small heel cusp, while only the tip of the principal cusp of the p5 is calcified. PM 1098 (Fig. 9A) is an ultimate lower premolar missing the mesial half of the principal cusp. This cusp was tall and conical; because of damage the presence or absence of a metaconid or paraconid cannot be ascertained. A crest descends the main cusp to meet a small but prominent heel cusp. This cusp is situated on the buccal side of the talonid, and is connected by a weak crest to an additional, distolingually positioned cusp. A faint ridge encloses the lingual margin of the talonid. This specimen agrees well in size with S. eruptens, and is most likely a p5 based on its semimolariform morphology (the p4 should have a much taller, trenchant principal cusp).

Lower molars: OMNH 63726 (Fig. 9B) is a mostly complete lower molar, missing only portions of the talonid. The trigonid is tall and equilateral, with subequal paraconid and metaconid. The paracristid is high and strongly notched, and a distal metacristid is present. The talonid was somewhat narrower than the trigonid, is well basined, and bears a distinct entoconid.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA; Tomato Hill (OMNH V706), middle Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

Material.—PM 1075, L ultimate upper molar; PM 948, Rmx.

Description

There is nothing to suggest that these two specimens necessarily belong to the same taxon, and they are described here under the same heading for convenience.

Upper molar: PM 1075 (Fig. 10A) is an ultimate upper molar. The metacone and metastylar lobe are very strongly reduced; the parastylar lobe and protoconal region are of equal width. The preparacrista is strong and meets the stylocone, which is subequal to the parastyle. No ectoflexus is present. The protocone is low but distinct, and no conules are evident. The preprotocrista is wide and continuous to the parastyle. This molar is superficially similar to the M4 of Pappotherium pattersoni, except that the distal portion of the crown is more reduced. It cannot be determined from the data on hand if PM 1075 is an M4, which are typically reduced in the larger taxa from the Trinity Group (such as Pappotherium and Oklatheridium), or an M3 from a smaller taxon (such as Kermackia or Slaughteria).

Lower molar: PM 948 (Fig. 10B) is a complete but slightly damaged lower molar. The trigonid is much taller than the talonid; the protoconid is the dominant cusp, but the metaconid is broken at its base so relative heights are impossible to judge. The paraconid does not appear to be particularly small (as in Holoclemensia) or large (as in deltatheroidans), and it supports a strong, notched paracristid. The cusps are evenly spaced. Cusp f is a wide, oblique ridge. Interestingly, cusp e begins as a small mesiolingual projection but extends around the entire lingual base of the paraconid as a cingulid (much as in the “peramuran” Minimus (Sigogneau-Russell 1999) and the enigmatic, non-tribosphenic australosphenidans from Gondwana (see Luo et al. 2001; Rougier et al. 2007). A distal metacristid is present. The talonid is mesiodistally short but as wide as the trigonid. The cusps are leveled by abrasion, but the hypoconid was clearly the largest. A small ring of enamel indicates the position of the hypoconulid, which is situated a substantial distance from the hypoconid, placing it much closer to the entoconid. The entoconid was very small and elongate. A crescentic swath of abrasion covers the entire distal and lingual margins of the talonid, delimited internally by what appears to be a separate crest that is concentric with the hypoconulid, entoconid, and entocristid. The talonid basin is developed between this crest and the cristid obliqua, which is low and meets the trigonid below the protocristid notch. The pattern of wear on the talonid of this specimen is interesting, as well. Wear facets 3 and 5 are developed (sensu Crompton 1971), but facet 4 is not evident. The occlusal surface of the talonid bears evidence of strong apical wear. The combination of these features and the lingual cingulid on the paraconid indicate that this specimen represents a separate taxon from those described above, one which possibly possessed a different occlusal relationship between upper and lower molars.

Stratigraphic and geographic range.—Greenwood Canyon (Triconodont Gully), upper Antlers Formation (Aptian—Albian), north-central Texas, USA.