A mixed-feeding Equus species from the Middle Pleistocene of South Africa

Auteurs :
KAISER, T.M.
FRANZ-ODENDAAL, T.A.

Description :
The dietary regime of Equus capensis from the Middle Pleistocene of South Africa is investigated by mesowear analysis. Results indicate that the mesowear signature of this species resembles that of 2 extant mixed feeders, the Grant's Gazelle and the Thomson's Gazelle, suggesting a mixed feeding dietary strategy for E. capensis. The mesowear signature of a contemporaneous population of Equus mosbachensis from Europe (Arago, France) is also determined for comparative purposes and has a typical grazing signature. However, a considerable degree of dietary flexibility is recently reported. The dietary signal of E. capensis is considered to be the result of feeding on the unique fynbos vegetation.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Quaternary research, issn : 0033-5894, 2004, vol. 62, n°. 3, p. 316-323, nombre de pages : 8, Collation : Illustration, Références bibliographiques : 62 ref.

Date :
2004

Editeur :
Pays édition : Etats-Unis, San Diego, CA, Elsevier