Revision in the macropodid subfamily Sthenurinae (Marsupialia: Macropodoidea) and the relationships of the species of Troposodon and Lagostrophus.

Abstract

As part of a cladistic analysis of the Macropodoidea, the subfamily Sthenurinae (Macropodidae) has been redefined to include species of Lagostrophus, Troposodon, Sthenurus, Simosthenurus and Procoptodon. Lagostrophus fasciatus is structurally the most primitive species of the subfamily. Retention of some primitive dental, pedal and reproductive character states indicate that sthenurines represent an early division within the Macropodidae. Synapomorphic character states for sthenurines include the possession of a sinuous-shaped occlusal edge on I1 , a well-developed postlink on upper molars, a degree of overlap between the postmetacrista and the posthypocrista, the possession of a well-developed premetacristid that usually contacts the paracristid, and a tendency towards fusion of the mandibular symphysis.