ABSTRACT

The first known primate fossil from the Atlantic Coastal Plain, a mandibular fragment representing the family Omomyidae, is described from the early Eocene Fisher/Sullivan Site in northeastern Virginia. The jaw, containing m1–m2, was found near the base of the Potapaco Member, Bed B, of the Nanjemoy Formation, indicating an early Ypresian age, ca. 54.5 Ma. As the specimen lacks diagnostic antemolar dentition, its precise identity cannot be confidently determined. However, its diminutive size and plesiomorphic molar morphology suggest that it represents a primitive omomyid. Comparison with a diversity of omomyids finds that nearly all omomyid genera are larger and/or derived in various features compared to the Nanjemoy specimen. Closest resemblances are to the primitive omomyids Steinius, Anemorhysis, Loveina, Melaneremia, and especially Teilhardina.

摘要

来自大西洋沿岸平原的第一个已知灵长类动物化石是代表 Omomyidae 科的下颌骨碎片，描述于弗吉尼亚州东北部的早期始新世 Fisher/Sullivan 遗址。包含 m1-m2 的下颌被发现在 Nanjemoy 组的 Potapaco 段 B 层附近，表明伊普勒斯时代早期，约 20 年。54.5 毫安。由于标本缺乏诊断性的前臼齿，因此无法确定其准确身份。然而，它的小尺寸和同形磨牙形态表明它代表了原始的ommyid。与多种 omomyids 的比较发现，与 Nanjemoy 标本相比，几乎所有的 omomyid 属都更大和/或具有各种特征。最相似的是原始 omomyids Steinius，Anemorhysis、Loveina、Melaneremia，尤其是Teilhardina。