NEW RHINOCEROTIDAE FOSSILS IN BAYRAKTEPE (ÇANAKKALE)

Abstract

In the Bayraktepe area (Çanakkale) Begertherium grimmi'(Heissig) and Aceratherium aff. simorrense (Lartet) are found in Sarpdere, and Aceratherium aff. simorrense (Lartet) and Aceratherium sp. are found in Dutiudere. On the basis of correlations with the Turkish and Eurasian forms, it seems that the Sarpdere forms are late Astaracian (late Middle Miocene) MN 8 (upper) in age, and the Dutiudere forms are late Vallesian (early Late Miocene) MN 10 in age. The pateoecotogical characteristics of the transported fossils indicate an open humid and warm forest with patches of bushes.