The evolution of Palaeoloxodon skull structure: Disentangling phylogenetic, sexually dimorphic, ontogenetic, and allometric morphological signals

This paper presents a reappraisal of evolution in the extinct Pleistocene straight-tusked elephant Palaeoloxodon, based on cranial morphology. Particular emphasis is given to the parieto-occipital crest (POC), a specialised structure of the Palaeoloxodon skull. A key aim of this contribution is to discuss the systematic significance of the so-called “Stuttgart” and “namadicus” cranial morphs among Eurasian Palaeoloxodon. Materials examined and...