Geochronology of Oreopithecus - bearing succession at Baccinello (Italy) and the extinction pattern of European Miocene hominoids

In recent years, fieldwork activity has increased our knowledge of the geology and sedimentology of the Baccinello-Cinigiano Basin (Grosseto), and this has led to a better understanding of the sedimentary/environmental evolution of the basin and the biochronology of mammal faunas within the succession. Within the framework of this field research, a primary deposited volcanic tephra has been identified. Ar/Ar dating of the ash allows a chronological calibration of Oreopithecus-bearing deposits, an issue that has long been contentious. The aim of this paper is to report on the geochronological determination and to briefly discuss the implications of the new dating.