The ever-browsing Deinotheriidae (Mammalia, Proboscidea): Did climate change affect conservative herbivory during the Miocene?
- Author(s)
- Alexandros Xafis, Erik Wolfgring, Doris Nagel, Fridgeir Grimsson
- Abstract
The family Deinotheriidae includes middle- to large-sized proboscidean taxa, which were present in European palaeocommunities from early to late Miocene. Deinotheriids have been considered exclusive browsers that did not shift their dietary behaviour over time. Nevertheless, dental wear data representing this group are limited, and the possible effects of major climatic events on their dietary ecology has never been investigated. For this study, a comprehensive dataset was established, utilizing dental microwear and mesowear analyses. The results demonstrate a typical leaf browsing behaviour for the two deinotheriid genera: Prodeinotherium and Deinotherium. However, a time-based analysis indicates that the dietary habits of Deinotheriidae were unstable and fluctuated in response to climate. Specifically, during the middle Miocene Climatic Optimum deinotheres feasted on softer food resources such as soft foliage. Contrariwise, throughout cooler time intervals during the late Miocene, deinotheriids fed on harder food resources, possibly including drier vegetation and hard-shelled fruits. At the same time, a sudden decrease in abrasive food intake is observed, possibly corresponding to resource partitioning, due to newly radiated browsing megaherbivores. Conclusively, the results suggest that the ever-browsing dietary habits of Deinotheriidae were influenced by climatically controlled factors, such as temperature and vegetation changes, and possibly sympatry.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Palaeontology, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
- Pages
- 59
- No. of pages
- 1
- Publication date
- 12-2020
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 105118 Palaeontology
- Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 13 - Climate Action
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/4839fe65-86c4-4113-af0d-73b716e68dc4