New species of Ontocetus (Pinnipedia: Odobenidae) from the Lower Pleistocene of the North Atlantic shows similar feeding adaptation independent to the extant walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)

Abstract

Ontocetus is one of the most notable extinct odobenines owing to its global distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. Originating in the Late Miocene of the western North Pacific, this lineage quickly spread to the Atlantic Ocean during the Pliocene, with notable occurrences in England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Morocco and the eastern seaboard of the United States. Reassessment of a pair of mandibles from the Lower Pleistocene of Norwich (United Kingdom) and a mandible from the Upper Pliocene of Antwerp (Belgium) that were referred to as Ontocetus emmonsi reveals existences of features of both Ontocetus and Odobenus. The presence of four post-canine teeth, a lower canine larger than the cheek-teeth and a lower incisor confirms the assignment to Ontocetus; simultaneously, characteristics such as a fused and short mandibular symphysis, a well-curved mandibular arch and thin septa between teeth align with traits usually found in Odobenus. Based on a combination of these characters, we describe Ontocetus posti, sp. nov. Its mandibular anatomy suggests, a better adaptation to suction-feeding than what was previously described in the genus suggesting that Ontocetus posti sp. nov. likely occupied a similar ecological niche to the extant walrus Odobenus rosmarus. Originating from the North Pacific Ocean, Ontocetus most likely dispersed via the Central American Seaway. Although initially discovered in the Lower Pliocene deposits of the western North Atlantic, Ontocetus also left its imprint in the North Sea basin and Moroccan Plio-Pleistocene deposits. The closure of the Isthmus of Panama during the Mio-Pliocene boundary significantly impacted the contemporary climate, inducing global cooling. This event constrained Ontocetus posti in the North Sea basin leaving the taxon unable to endure the abrupt climate changes of the Early Pleistocene, ultimately going extinct before the arrival of the extant counterpart, Odobenus rosmarus.