Presence of a Gomphotheriidae indet. (Proboscidea, Mammalia) in the Vallesian fauna of Afoud AF6 (Ait Kandoula Basin, Morocco), inferred from the enamel microstructure of a molar chip

International audienceThe Ait Kandoula basin is one of the richest Miocene micromammals bearing areas known in the South of the High-Atlas, whereas the large mammal remains are scarce. The Afoud section in the center of the basin is well calibrated with the Geomagnetic Polarities Time Scale (KC95), and shows a succession of six fossiliferous layers. Beside rodents, the Aloud AF6 layer yields among some large mammal remains, a proboscidean identified as a Gomphotheriidae indet. from the enamel microstructure of a molar chip. This determination is grounded on the thickness of the enamel, on the prisms type, on the thinness and characteristics of the 3D zone and outside on the preferential course of the prisms. (c) 2006 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves