This article is entirely based on the data kindly given to me by Hideo Nakaya many years ago. The raw measurements are Tables A and B.
In the following study I describe the fossils of Konso referring to the chronological order given by Gen Suwa et al., 2003:
– Interval 1, KGA 4 loality, (…)
Earlier Fauna, Interval 1, KGA 4 locality, around 1.9 My old
Metacarpals
There are six fragments, KGA 4-359, KGA 4-1801, and KGA 4-2179 and (Fig. 1). The diaphysis of KGA 4-2179 is abnormally flat. Its distal dimensions as well as that of KGA 4-1801 are much smaller than in KGA 4-359. (…)
Interval 4, KGA 10 and 11 localities, around 1.42 My old
Metacarpals
Nine MC out from eleven are wide and flat in the diaphysis (measures 3 and 4), have large supra-articular widths (10), and relatively large maximal condylar depths (14-13). Some have also deep keels (12).
The only (…)
Interval 5, KGA 12, around 1.3 My old
Metacarpals
Three specimens (Fig. 12) have relatively flat and wide diaphyses, wide suptra-articular breadths and deep keels..
Metatarsals
They are robust, with wide suptra-articular breadths, and deeper diaphyses than most of Konso metapodials. (…)
Interval 4 or 5, KGA 7/8 localities
Cranium
The data (Table A) and photographs of the cranium KGA 8-374 were kindly communicated by Dr Hideo Nakaya (Fig. 17).
The cranium (Basilar Length : 529mm) is about the size of E. grevyi, complete, and belonged to an adult male. The cheek (measure (…)
Discussion
Gen Suwa et al., 2003 distinguish an earlier fauna, with endemic bovids, prior to 1.7 Ma, followed by “an influx of external elements…most likely related to a general East African trend of climatic drying†, resulting in “the post-1.5 Ma characterized by newly occurring taxa (…)
Conclusions
The material from Konso comprises one beautiful cranium and many limb bones most of which are unfortunately fragmentary. The whole is not homogeneous.
Most limb bones suggest the existence all through the sequence of a robust Equus. Only those from Interval 5, KGA 12 have (…)