Biogeochemical and Ecomorphological Inferences On Prey Selection and Resource Partitioning Among Mammalian Carnivores In An Early Pleistocene Community

Abstract

Abstract Biogeochemical (δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O values) and ecomorphological analyses of the early Pleistocene fauna of Venta Micena (Orce, Guadix-Baza basin, SE Spain) provide interesting clues on the physiology, dietary regimes, habitat preferences, and ecological interactions of large mammals. Such inferences are useful in deciphering aspects of paleocommunity structure and predator-prey relationships. Specifically, the hypsodonty index combined with δ13C values allows classifying the ungulates among grazers from open habitat (Equus altidens, Bison sp., Praeovibos sp., Hemitragus albus, Hippopotamus antiquus, and Mammuthus meridionalis), mixed feeders (Soergelia minor and Pseudodama sp.), and browsers from canopy areas (Stephanorhinus sp. and Praemegaceros cf. verticornis). Given that δ13C values indicate that all these herbivores fed exclusively on C3 plants, significant differences in isotopic values between perissodactyls (monogastric, hindgut fermenters) and ruminants (foregut fermenters) reflect dif...