Cenomanian and Turonian (Early Late Cretaceous) multituberculate mammals from southwestern Utah

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Multituberculate faunas from the Dakota Formation (upper Cenomanian) and the Smoky Hollow Member of the Straight Cliffs Formation (middle or upper Turonian) are described. The presence of Cimolodon is established in the Cenomanian; a new genus, possibly cimolodontid, is present as well. A new genus (Dakotamys) is described from the Dakota Formation, and another (Bryceomys) from the Smoky Hollow Member. Neither of the new genera are assigned to suborder or family, and both are morphologically closer to Paracimexomys than to other described taxa. Paracimexomys and, possibly, cimolomyids are present in both faunas. The difference in composition of mammalian faunas from the Cenomanian to Turonian may reflect ecologic changes causing geographic shifts in mammalian faunas rather than an episode of catastrophic extinction.