| Praepusa | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Carnivora |
| Parvorder: | Pinnipedia |
| Family: | Phocidae |
| Subfamily: | Phocinae |
| Tribe: | Phocini |
| Genus: | †Praepusa Kretzoi, 1941 |
| Species | |
| |
Praepusa is an extinct genus ofearless seals from Neogene marine deposits in Europe. Five species,P. boeska,P. magyaricus,P. pannonica,P. tarchankutica andP. vindoboensis, are known.
Praepusa's occipital bones possess well-developed jugular processes. Thecanine teeth are developed, and themolars are predominantly tricuspid in form, and, like thepremolars, are packed closely together. The mandible as a whole is small and thin,[1] with asymphyseal portion that is bluntly rounded, and the chin is most prominent between premolars 3–4.[2] The facial part of the skull is relatively low and shortened, and the mandible is more compact. Thedeltoid crest of the humerus is sharp, with maximal distention at itsproximal end. The trochanteric fossa of the femur is wide and medially open, though deep.[3]
There are five recognized species ofPraepusa.P. boeska, known fromPliocene deposits in the Netherlands, is notable for being the smallest fossil seal, with a size comparable to the smallest extant seals of the genusPusa.[4] The other species includeP. magyaricus, found inSerravallian-age deposits in Hungary,[3]P. pannonica, known from Miocene marine deposits in the easternParatethys,[5]P. tarchankutica, known from theMiocene of Ukraine,[6] andP. vindobonensis, known from Miocene marine deposits in central and eastern Europe.[7]
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