The taxonomy and distribution of Macropus (Fissuridon) pearsoni (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).

Abstract

Macropus pearsoni, previously known only from the Pleistocene eastern Darling Downs, Queensland, is now recorded from the early Pleistocene Kanunka local fauna of the Katipiri Sands, South Australia. The presence of M. pearsoni as well as other species of macropodids in both the Darling Downs and Kanunka deposits may indicate a close temporal relationship between the faunas from these two localities. Fissuridon Bartholomai, 1973, appears to be a junior synonym of Macropus Shaw, 1790, but is retained as a subgeneric name and expanded to include Macropus (Fissuridon) pan DeVis, 1895.