Abstract
Recent studies using geometric morphometrics for taphonomy have yielded interesting results, opening new horizons of research in both archaeological and paleontological sites. Here we present the analysis of tooth pits left by male and female individuals of two different carnivore species (Panthera tigris and Panthera pardus) in order to see if sexual dimorphism influences the morphology of tooth pit marks. In the process, 3D-scanning and applied statistics were used. Based on samples derived from two individuals of different sexes, the present results indicate sexual dimorphism in these felid species to not be a conditioning factor of tooth pit morphology.
Highlights
The present study considers the possible differences that may be produced by sexual dimorphism, among felid individuals
And contrary to what would typically be expected in species of high sexual dimorphism, notable shape–size relationships are absent when comparing male and female animals
The results obtained highlight aspects and inferences that might be relevant for archeology and for sub-disciplines associated with zoology and applied taphonomy
Summary
Great methodological achievements are being accomplished from an archaeologicalpaleontological perspective [1,2], with possibilities for further applications in forensic analyses of livestock predation [3]. In archaeological and paleontological contexts, investigation into carnivore activity is typically based on the tooth marks these animals leave on bone. From this perspective, many authors have specialized in the metric study of these traces [4–6], the amount of overlap observed between samples leaves much to be desired when classifying precise carnivore agencies. In modern day ecological contexts, many studies have delved into discerning the carnivores responsible for livestock predation, with methods based on the traces carnivores may leave on skin, meat, or hair [7–10]. In cases where other scavengers or external processes may have intervened, leaving only the skeletal remains of the carcass, these traces are no longer present
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