Revision of the extinct gigantic rat kangaroos (Potoroidae: Marsupialia), with description of a new Miocene genus and species and a new Pleistocene species of Propleopus ( Australia).

Ekaltadeta ima n. gen. and sp., from freshwater limestones of probable middle Miocene age in northwestern Queensland, is a primitive relative of Pliocene and Pleistocene species of Propleopus. Three Pleistocene species of Propleopus are recognized. Aspects of M₂ and probably I₁, morphology indicate that E. ima and the species of Propleopus are monophyletic. The primitive arrangement of the cuspids on the trigonid of M₂ and the morphology of the masseteric canal further suggest that the giant rat kangaroos of the genus Propleopus and Ekaltadeta are the plesiomorphic sister group of all other potoroids. Within the current framework of macropodoid systematics, this group requires recognition at the subfamily level. Accordingly, Propleopinae is proposed as a name for the group. Propleopines may have been omnivores and/or carnivores.-from Authors