Miocene rodent evolution and migration. Muroidea from Pakistan, Turkey and Northern Africa. Geologica Ultraiectina (307)

Abstract

Detailed research on fossil rodents from Pakistan, Turkey, northern Africa and Europe provides a better understanding of the evolutionary history of the Muroidea, especially of the Murinae, Myocricetodontinae and Rhizomyinae. The origin of these rodent groups lies in the Early Miocene of south-western Asia. Their development seems to be enhanced by a changing environment induced by climate change. The Pakistani Murinae evolved rapidly during the Early and Middle Miocene and dispersed to many areas in the Late Miocene. Short periods with mammalian faunal exchange between Eurasia and northern Africa occurred between 20 and 16 million years ago, due to temporary land bridges. Only since 14 million years ago a permanent connection is present. The Murinae dispersed all over Europe 10 million years ago. They evolved rapidly and became a dominant faunal element in the Late Miocene. The Murinae were less successful in the Late Miocene of Africa where the Myocricetodontinae and the Gerbillinae remained to be the dominant faunal elements. The Myocricetodontinae and Gerbillinae were apparently better adapted to the prevailing dry and warm African climate.