Oligo–Miocene macropodoids and peramelemorphians: biochronology, palaeoecology and systematics

Fossil remains from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area (WHA), northwestern Queensland, have significantly improved our understanding of the evolution of various vertebrate groups in Australia over the past four decades. Here, we will present the results of several research projects on peramelemorphians (bandicoots and bilbies) and macropodoids (kangaroos and their relatives) from Riversleigh. These include dental remains of the oldest bilby and peramelid (family in which all modern bandicoots belong), craniodental remains showing the first evidence of sexual dimorphism in fossil peramelemorphians, and craniodental remains of the oldest sthenurines. We also report on new species of balbarids and bulungamayines represented by cranial and postcranial remains from Riversleigh WHA and from Leaf Locality (Kutjamarpu Local Fauna, Lake Ngapakaldi, South Australia). The results of these research projects should not only improve current understanding of the biochronology of Australian Oligo–Miocene fossil localities, but also shed light on the palaeoecology and the phylogenetic relationships of these extinct specie