Deer Teeth Research Articles

Isotope values reveal “canopy effect” in deer territoriality and maize consumption for dogs from archaeological sites in Kentucky dating to the Middle Woodland through Late Fort Ancient time periods

This research analyzes stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope values in tooth collagen and enamel to investigate foraging and territorial behavior in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) and maize (Zea mays Linneaus) consumption in dogs (Canis familiaris Linneaus). The study analyzed 22 deer teeth from 13 archaeological sites in Kentucky covering a span of approximately 1,500 years of human occupation. The article presents evidence of foraging and territorial behavior in white-tailed deer, identified through the “canopy effect” observed in deer stable carbon isotope values in remains spanning from the Middle Woodland (200 BCE – CE 500) to Late Fort Ancient (CE 1400 – 1680) time periods in Kentucky. Additionally, teeth samples from nine dog and one wolf (Canis lupus Linneaus) were analyzed and indicate significant consumption of maize in seven of the dog samples. These specimens came from seven archaeological sites in Kentucky dating from the Early through Late Fort Ancient (CE 1400 – 1680) time periods. The study also contributes to the growing database of isotope studies in the Eastern Woodlands by presenting carbon and nitrogen isotope values on deer bone collagen from nine deer bone samples from three of the same archaeological sites dating to the Middle Woodland to Early Late Woodland.

Analysis of the Concentration of Selected Elements in Teeth Hard Tissues and Their Role in Biomineralization Processes

The role of trace elements, heavy metals, and their effect on the development of hard tissue mineralization balance is poorly documented and the available results are often contradictory. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the concentration of the selected elements in the teeth of deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) with respect to their potential role in maintaining biomineralization balance in teeth hard tissues. Moreover, the aim was to determine whether trace elements accumulate in teeth with age. This study was conducted on 22 molar teeth of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and 54 molar teeth of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Poland. Samples were analyzed with the use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry equipped with a concentric nebulizer and cyclonic spray chamber in order to determine their Al, Ba, Cd, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn contents. There were strong positive correlations between strontium and zinc with heavy metals, particularly in dentine, which may affect the neutralization of the negative effects of heavy metals on tooth tissue and, consequently, maintaining ionic balance. The accumulation of trace elements with age in serenades has not been confirmed.

Ecology of large ungulates in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula during the Upper Palaeolithic through stable isotopes and tooth wear analysis

The northeastern Iberian Peninsula acted as a refuge zone during the Late Pleistocene where the persistence of terrestrial ecosystems could provide hunter-gatherers with large prey, mainly horse (Equus ferus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Isotopic (δ13C, δ18O, δ15N) and dental wear (mesowear and microwear) analyses have been applied on the remains of both species from the archaeological sites of Arbreda and Bora Gran at Serinyà (Girona), where evidence of human occupation from the Mousterian to the Magdalenian has been attested. The incremental enamel analysis on horse teeth revealed seasonal variation in carbonate δ18O but no detectable change in carbonate δ13C values, reflecting a rather stable diet and habitat over the year. Nevertheless, higher inter-individual than intra-individual contrast in carbonate δ13C indicate different environmental conditions from one individual to another for each stratigraphic unit. In red deer teeth, seasonal signals in enamel carbonate δ13C and δ18O demonstrated mirrored trends. Further, red deer show higher δ13C values than those of horses, both in enamel carbonate and bone collagen, as well as higher variability in mesowear and microwear scores, reflecting a mixed-feeding habit. Despite a strong grazing signal in mesowear and microwear, the lower δ13C values for horses suggest a higher dependence on relatively more humid habitats than red deer, which likely foraged in dryer environments with xeric plants during winter. These differences in ecological partitioning are particularly well illustrated in distinct collagen δ13C and δ15N values during the harsh climatic conditions of the Final Gravettian coeval to the GS-3 or Last Glacial Maximum. The capacity of red deer to adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions contrasts with the niche persistence of horse allowed by the availability of mosaic habitat.

Tooth in the spotlight: exploring the integration of archaeological and genetic data to build multidisciplinary narratives of the Past

The article addresses the challenges posed by the interdisciplinary collaboration that led to the recent Nature article presenting results of the extraction of ancient human DNA from a perforated deer tooth found in Denisova Cave. We provide a critical analysis of the contextual data that directly impacts the interpretation of the genetic data and the evaluation of the potential of the new DNA extraction technique for future studies. We discuss in greater detail Denisova, the only site that has produced truly exploitable palaeogenetic results. We highlight major unresolved dating inconsistencies at Denisova that need inquiry and explanation. We also emphasize the lack of an appropriate theoretical framework in the analysis of the tooth, of information on the lateralization, sex, age, perforation technique, wear, on the ochre residues, and the release of erroneous information on the associated faunal assemblage. We conclude that quality archaeological data and their sound evaluation should complement paleogenetic data to create unified, reliable, and verifiable narratives about human history.

Ancient human DNA recovered from a Palaeolithic pendant

Artefacts made from stones, bones and teeth are fundamental to our understanding of human subsistence strategies, behaviour and culture in the Pleistocene. Although these resources are plentiful, it is impossible to associate artefacts to specific human individuals1 who can be morphologically or genetically characterized, unless they are found within burials, which are rare in this time period. Thus, our ability to discern the societal roles of Pleistocene individuals based on their biological sex or genetic ancestry is limited2–5. Here we report the development of a non-destructive method for the gradual release of DNA trapped in ancient bone and tooth artefacts. Application of the method to an Upper Palaeolithic deer tooth pendant from Denisova Cave, Russia, resulted in the recovery of ancient human and deer mitochondrial genomes, which allowed us to estimate the age of the pendant at approximately 19,000–25,000 years. Nuclear DNA analysis identifies the presumed maker or wearer of the pendant as a female individual with strong genetic affinities to a group of Ancient North Eurasian individuals who lived around the same time but were previously found only further east in Siberia. Our work redefines how cultural and genetic records can be linked in prehistoric archaeology.

Life, Death and Teeth of Late Neolithic Sheep and Red Deer Excavated at Ness of Brodgar, Orkney Islands (UK)

ABSTRACT The faunal remains from the late Neolithic site of Ness of Brodgar on the Orkney Islands (UK) provide a unique opportunity to investigate past adaptations of animal husbandry strategies to the Northern island environment, as well as the potential management of red deer. In this study, sheep and red deer mandibles and loose teeth (dP4 & M3) from the Ness of Brodgar were studied to construct age-at-death profiles, and analysed for δ13C, δ15N and δ18O. The mortality profile showed that around half of the analysed sheep were slaughtered when they reached maturity (i.e. after 2–4 years of life), consistent with a husbandry regime targeted at meat production. The stable isotope evidence indicates seaweed consumption in winter by several sheep (domesticates), but not by red deer (wild, possibly managed fauna). This dietary difference may have resulted from anthropogenically mediated influences, e.g. restriction of red deer habitats to upland areas. The varying extent of seaweed consumption between individual sheep and between Neolithic Orkney sites suggests differences in sheep husbandry practices across Orkney, indicating that the adaptation to consume seaweed was not ubiquitous on Orkney in the Neolithic, and did not follow a linear development.

Assessing supernumerary root occurrence as a possible adaptation enhancing teeth performance in Mediterranean deer populations

Teeth root morphology and integrity are essential to provide appropriate attachment, allowing for continuous and functional movement, with implications for adequate food processing, animal performance, and longevity. We studied the occurrence of supernumerary roots in mandibular molariform teeth of red deer ( Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) from seven separate populations spanning a range of latitudes in the Iberian Peninsula. We analyzed the influence of several factors, including sex, origin (native vs. reintroduced), lineage, and habitat, to assess extra root prevalence variations. The highest prevalence in deciduous teeth was found in pm3 (14%) and in permanent teeth in M1 (3%). We found significant differences between areas, lineages, and soil type; however, no significant relationships were found with the origin or the sex of individuals. We speculate that the high prevalence of supernumerary roots in M1 might be related to increased wear in grazers. Furthermore, we suggest that this high prevalence in deciduous teeth might be associated with a hard diet, dry climatic conditions, and a harsh weaning period, which indicate that supernumerary roots might have an adaptive value.

An Upper Paleolithic Perforated Red Deer Canine With Geometric Engravings From QG10, Ningxia, Northwest China

Personal ornaments are key archaeological remains to investigate prehistoric symbolic systems, and, whenever hard animal remains were used for their manufacture, explore topics on the status attributed to faunal resources by past human groups. Since the onset of the Upper Paleolithic, animal tooth pendants have been widely used in Eurasia as personal adornments or grave goods. However, only two Late Paleolithic Chinese sites have yielded such adornment types until today, i.e., Zhoukoudian Upper Cave, near Beijing, and Xiaogushan, in the Liaoning Province. Here, we present results from the multidisciplinary analysis of a perforated animal tooth from QG10, a multi-stratified archaeological site located on the Ordos Plateau between the arid and sub-arid belts of Northwest China. Although only partially preserved, zooarchaeological analysis indicates the tooth is a right upper canine of a female red deer (Cervus elaphus). Scraping marks on the labial aspect suggest the tooth was extracted from the animal maxillary shortly after its death. Technological analysis of the perforation confirms it was made by rotation with the help of a lithic point hafted onto a drill. The root and occlusal aspect of the tooth were further modified with five sets of notches and incisions, including four incisions making a hashtag pattern on the occlusal aspect. Technological and morphometric analyses indicate these sets were made by two, perhaps three, individual, i.e., one left-handed and one, perhaps two right-handed, with different tools and techniques. Use wear analysis suggests that the adornment was affixed to the body with the tooth crown facing upward. Finally, chemical characterization of red and black residues still adhering to the root indicates that hematite and charcoal may have been used in the production of an adhesive that would have helped stabilize the personal ornament on the body. Collectively, our results and interpretations shed a new light on the complexity of Late Glacial symbolic system carried by populations living in Northern China. We argue this perforated red deer tooth was introduced in the site following a number of social exchanges over long distance and a long period of time rather than producedin situ.

Проблемы культурно-хронологической идентификации Усть-Илирского могильника (Южное Приангарье)

The search for the Middle Neolithic burial complexes in Baikal-Yenisei Siberia is one of the most important fields of modern regional research. It is directly related to the problem of the so-called hiatus, which is characterized by the absence of dated burials for several hundred years between the Early and Late Neolithic in the range of ~7–5.5 ka cal BP (or ~6.6–6 ka cal BP to updated data). We see the greatest prospects at this stage of research in identifying the burials of hunter-gatherers who owned the technique of making Ust-Belaya pottery, so the connection of this ceramic type with some burials is already quite clear. This article proposes a new view on the cultural and chronological affiliation of the Ust-Ilir burial ground, which was discovered in 1990 at the mouth of the Ilir River, the left tributary of the Iya River (Southern Angara region). It is distinguished by the originality of the mortuary rite and inventory and stands out against the background of the known Neolithic burial complexes in Baikal-Yenisei Siberia. In the grave, partially destroyed by the Bratsk Reservoir, the remains of three people, fire traces and “ocher” spots (powdered red mineral pigment) were found. During the excavation of the burial, along with various tools, bone needle cases with carved ornaments, pendants from deer teeth, and bone pendants that imitate the latter in shape, unique objects of art were found - miniature bone sculptures with images of waterfowl. In addition, on the beach where the burial was discovered, exhibited finds were collected, including stone and bone tools, as well as fragments of ceramics of the Ust-Belaya type, which most likely belong to this complex. As a result of the analysis of the elements of mortuary rite and inventory of the Ust-Ilir burial ground, its similarity to some Neolithic burials of Krasnoyarsk, the Northern and Southern Angara region, whose cultural and chronological affiliation has not yet been clearly defined, has been established. The closest to Ust-Ilir is the burial complex discovered in 1959 in Krasnoyarsk near the Gremyachii Klyuch stream, in the materials of which there are similar artifacts with images of waterfowl and needle cases with an ornament. We recently obtained a radiocarbon date for this complex from a deer bone sample (from the inventory), which shows its age at 5280±25 BP (6182–5943 cal BP). Given the above facts, the Ust-Ilir burial ground can be synchronous with the Gremyachii Klyuch burial. These complexes, as well as burials close to them from other areas of Baikal-Yenisei Siberia, with a high degree of probability could have belonged to hunter-gatherers who own the Ust-Belaya pottery tradition and inhabited the region in the Middle Neolithic.

Applied anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor).

There is no previously reported information on the applied anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillofacial and mandibular regions of the barking deer and sambar deer. Therefore, the present study was designed to provide some important clinical landmarks related to tracking of the infraorbital, mental and mandibular nerves with its clinical implications in regional anaesthesia in both the species. In the present study, the distance between the most lateral bulging of the facial tuberosity to the infraorbital foramen and from the latter to the root of the alveolar tooth directly ventral to it was found to be 2.65 ± 0.01 cm and 0.90 ± ± 0.02 cm in males; 2.75 ± 0.01 cm, 1.11 ± 0.01 cm in females of barking deer and 4.57 ± 0.01 cm and 1.83 ± 0.02 cm in males; 4.52 ± 0.02 cm and 1.76 ± 0.02 cm in females of sambar deer. The infraorbital foramen was small, elliptical and was located at the level of first superior premolar teeth in barking deer and sambar deer. The facial tuberosity was located above the third superior premolar teeth in the barking deer but was located at the level of the first superior molar teeth in sambar deer. The distance between the lateral alveolar root of the third inferior incisor tooth to the mental foramen was 2.84 ± 0.01 cm in males, 2.78 ± 0.01 cm in females of barking deer and 3.04 ± 0.02 cm in males, 2.96 ± 0.01 cm in females of sambar deer which is an important landmark for achieving the location of the mental foramen nerve for the regional nerve block in both the species. The mandible of both the species showed oval-shaped mental foramen with unossified mandibular symphysis. The present study revealed that most of the parameters showed a statistically significant difference between the sexes in barking deer and sambar deer; however, from the practical point of view, these differences were meager. The results were discussed with regard to their clinical applications in various regional anaesthesia performed in maxillofacial and mandibular regions of both the species.

Fluoride concentration in teeth of the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) from areas of Poland industrially uncontaminated with fluoride compounds.

The last biomonitoring study in Poland on intoxication with fluoride compounds of deer was conducted almost two decades ago. Given the fact that fluoride level in air and water is not widely monitored in Poland, it is justified to undertake monitoring of F- levels in people and other long-lived mammals. This paper provides the assessment of the present level of fluoride accumulation in mineralized tissue of large herbivorous mammals. The aim of the present study was to determine fluoride concentration in teeth of deer inhabiting the areas of Poland which are industrially uncontaminated with fluoride compounds, to establish possible correlations between the analysed parameters, and to provide a comparison of the present results with those obtained in other studies. Mean concentration of fluoride in all analysed samples amounted to 231.0 F mg/kg, with the minimum value of 22.0 F mg/kg and the maximum of 935.0 F mg/kg. This results from the development of industry and a widespread use of fluoride-supplemented caries prevention products which contributes to an intense accumulation of these substances in vertebrates, predominantly in mineralized tissue.

Continuation of fishing subsistence in the Ukrainian Neolithic: diet isotope studies at Yasinovatka, Dnieper Rapids

Yasinovatka is one of around 30 prehistoric cemetery sites of fisher-hunter-foragers located along the Dnieper River in southern Ukraine. Dating to c. 5540–4930 cal BC, the skeletal remains at Yasinovatka suggest that around sixty-eight individuals were interred at the cemetery, during three broad phases of interment: A-type burials (c. 5540–4930 cal BC), Ƃ1 pit burials (c. 5550–4750 cal BC), and Ƃ2 pit burials (c. 4980–4460 cal BC). The burials are characterized, in part, by the inclusion of a number of Mariupol-type plates of boar tusk, in addition to deer tooth pendants, Unio shells, knife-like flint blades, Cyprinidae teeth, sherds of Neolithic pottery, and significant deposits of ochre in the later burial pits. Here we analyse δ13C and δ15N values for 50 human bone collagen samples from the site. The majority of the isotope results show a fisher-hunter-forager population reliant predominantly on freshwater aquatic proteins, which is in keeping with previous dietary isotope studies in the area. Two individuals however have δ15N values that are clearly depleted when compared with the main population; these reflect dietary protein intakes based on plant and animal terrestrial resources rather than the predominant focus on aquatic resources. Notably, the δ13C values of these anomalous individuals are not enriched compared with the fauna samples analysed from the region; this supports the possibility that they were incomers to the area, potentially from a nearby agrarian population.

Behind white-tailed deer teeth: A micro- and mesowear analysis from three Panamanian pre-Columbian archaeological sites

The white tailed-deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann 1780) is one of the largest mammals in Holocene America. It was a primary resource for pre-Columbian communities in the wooded savannas of Panama for several millennia. The oldest remains yet found refer to the Late Preceramic period (6000-4500 cal yr BP), when people were already farming (i.e. at Cerro Mangote). Deer bones, antlers, and inferentially, sinews and skins, were used for tools, ornaments, musical instruments, and furniture. A prominent role in regional (i.e., Greater Coclé) symbolism is evidenced by the frequent representation of these cervids on ceramic, gold, and bone art objects at hierarchized villages and burial grounds during the period 2300-500 cal yr BP. We infer the duration and seasonality of human-deer interactions across a region characterized climatically by ~4 month intense dry seasons, and ~8 month unpredictable wet seasons. We combine microwear and mesowear analyses of deer teeth at three pre-Columbian sites with different time spans –Cerro Mangote (AG-1) (5900-3020 cal yr BP), Sitio Sierra (AG-3) (2300-500 cal yr BP), and Cerro Juan Díaz (LS-3) (2300-400 cal yr BP)–. The two dental wear methods indicate that the white-tailed deer was a browser at these sites. The microwear results, based on the degree of variability in the numbers of microwear traits such as scratches and pits, show that white-tailed deer hunting was restricted to wet seasons at Cerro Mangote and Cerro Juan Díaz while, at Sitio Sierra, different kinds of occupational events involving white-tailed deer occurred throughout the year.

Stable isotope analysis of white-tailed deer teeth as a paleoenvironmental proxy at the Maya site of La Joyanca, northwestern Petén, Guatemala

ABSTRACTCarbon and oxygen isotopes ratios from herbivore teeth have previously been used as paleo-environmental proxies in temperate zones. However, their utility in tropical zones remains uncertain. In this study, sequential sub-samples from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) teeth (second and third molars) from the Maya archaeological site of La Joyanca, located in northwestern Petén, Guatemala, show that δ18O of enamel carbonate corresponds broadly to modern observed precipitation δ18O over the 10-month period of tooth formation, capturing rainfall seasonality. The analyses also detect significant diachronic differences in the δ18O between the periods 1100–1000 BP (850–950 A.D.) and 1000–900 BP (950–1050 A.D.) at La Joyanca. The δ13C in both periods are indicative of a C3-plant based diet, which suggests cultivation of maize did not differentially affect deer diet during this period.

Implications of multi-modal age distributions in Pleistocene cave deposits: A case study of Maludong palaeoathropological locality, southern China

The occurrence of multi-modal ages for inclusions contained within cave sediments is probably far more widespread and problematic than has been appreciated by archaeologists until now. This phenomenon is likely to be a relatively common situation in caves especially in tropical/sub-tropical areas like southern China where karstification and sedimentation would have been rapid within a context of active hydrological regimes over protracted periods during the Pleistocene. The availability of various cost-effective dating techniques applicable to both Pleistocene cave sediments and a range of sedimentary inclusions means that archaeologists are now better placed to understand this phenomenon than ever before. Here we describe the results of Uranium-series dating of a randomly selected sample of deer bones and teeth from Maludong in southern China which demonstrate the existence of disparate multi-modal ages among sedimentary inclusions at the site. These results have implications for previous reconstructions of the palaeoenvironment of the site as well as for interpretations of the possible significance of enigmatic hominin remains from Maludong for understanding the late phases of human evolutionary history in the region. We conclude that the complexities of reconstructing sedimentary history and allied challenges of dating sedimentary inclusions in caves require urgent and serious attention by archaeologists especially in light of the growing international attention being paid to later Middle and Late Pleistocene sites in tropical East Asia.

The relationship between the phosphate and structural carbonate fractionation of fallow deer bioapatite in tooth enamel.

RationaleThe species‐specific relationship between phosphate (δ18OP values) and structural carbonate (δ18OC values) oxygen isotope ratios has been established for several modern and fossil animal species but until now it has not been investigated in European fallow deer (Dama dama dama). This study describes the relationship between phosphate and structural carbonate bioapatite in tooth enamel of extant fallow deer, which will help us further understand the species' unique environmental and cultural history.MethodsThe oxygen isotope composition of phosphate (δ18OP value) and structural carbonate (δ18OC value) of hydroxylapatite was determined in 51 modern fallow deer tooth enamel samples from across Europe and West Asia. The δ18OC values were measured on a GV IsoPrime dual‐inlet mass spectrometer and the δ18OP values on a temperature‐controlled elemental analyser (TC/EA) coupled to a DeltaPlus XL isotope ratio mass spectrometer via a ConFlo III interface.ResultsThis study establishes a direct and linear relationship between the δ18OC and δ18OP values from fallow deer tooth enamel (δ18OC = +9.244(±0.216) + 0.958 * δ18OP (±0.013)). Despite the successful regression, the variation in δ18O values from samples collected in the same geographical area is greater than expected, although the results cluster in broad climatic groupings when Koppen‐Geiger classifications are taken into account for the individuals' locations.ConclusionsThis is the first comprehensive study of the relationship between ionic forms of oxygen (phosphate oxygen and structural carbonate) in fallow deer dental enamel. The new equation will allow direct comparison with other herbivore data. Variable δ18O values within populations of fallow deer broadly reflect the ecological zones they are found in which may explain this pattern of results in other euryphagic species.

Ecological factors affecting eruption timing of mandibular teeth in roe deer

Increasing evidence suggests that conditions in early life have important consequences for body size and fitness in mammals. As regards herbivores, teeth play a central role in the long-term performance of individuals. So far, however, patterns of teeth eruption have been scarcely investigated in relation to environmental and climatic factors experienced by herbivores. We described the eruption timing of mandibular teeth in a population of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) located in the Apennines (Central Italy), through the analysis of 2161 jaws of fawns (1176 females and 985 males) shot in their first winter of life over three hunting seasons (2013–2015). Results showed that the percentage of juveniles exhibiting permanent teeth depends on the cohort. Among the factors that may affect both incisiviform and molariform teeth replacement timing, our findings include body mass and population density. Additional factors determining the relative speed of teeth replacement are (1) food availability for the mother during the last part of gestation, the birth period and the lactation, (2) winter temperature experienced by the mother, and (3) temperature experienced by fawns during their first summer and autumn. Besides, for the first time in literature, elevation was reported to delay front teeth replacement. A greater number of climatic factors were found to shape the eruption timing of the third molar (M3) in comparison to that of incisiviform teeth. Also, a different pattern was found in males and females. The eruption of M3 is, indeed, a costly and long-lasting process requesting optimal nutritional conditions and the meeting of a threshold jaw size. Our results indicate a strong correlation between environmental conditions and eruption process, i.e., between resource availability during the gestation and rearing periods and eruption timing.

Stable isotope signatures in white-tailed deer as a seasonal paleoenvironmental proxy: A case study from Georgia, United States

Oxygen and carbon isotopes from herbivore teeth have previously been used as paleoenvironmental proxies. However, their use in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) remains rare. Here, we present the results of analysis of sequential sub-samples from second and third molars of wild and non-wild deer from Georgia, United States in order to assess their application in humid subtropical climates. In wild deer, enamel carbonate δ18O corresponds broadly to the recorded precipitation δ18O over the 10-month period of tooth formation, capturing the rainfall seasonality across the physiogeographic regions of the state. Non-wild deer show significantly lower values compared to both measured and modeled δ18O precipitation. While δ13C in tooth enamel carbonate appears to reflect diet, it does not reflect seasonality in either population. The δ13C and δ15N from bone collagen values suggest that diet and source of drinking water influence the potential of white tailed deer tooth enamel carbonate to record the δ18O seasonality in the study area; therefore, special attention on the provenance of deer are necessary for obtaining accurate paleoclimate reconstruction.

Age-Related Patterns in Trace Element Content Vary Between Bone and Teeth of the European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Game animals, such as the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), have long been used as bioindicators of environmental contamination. Most ecotoxicological research on ungulates has focused on trace element content in soft tissues and antlers. Also, only fragmentary information exists about whether and how trace element concentrations vary with the age of wild-living animals and whether these age-related patterns are similar for different types of tissues. The purpose of this study was to measure concentrations of seven trace metals (barium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, strontium, zinc) and fluoride in bone and teeth of roe deer and to determine whether significant variation is evident with individual age. For this purpose, we collected permanent molars and fragments of mandible bone from more than 130 female roe deer in Central Poland. We found that concentrations of four trace elements (barium, manganese, zinc, and fluoride) in teeth of deer showed positive linear relationships with individual age. No such trends were recorded for trace element content in bone. We suggest that these striking differences in age-related patterns of trace element bioaccumulation between bone and permanent teeth of roe deer might be explained by higher turnover rate and constant remodelling of bone tissue. The results suggest that analysis of permanent teeth may be useful for assessing throughout-life intoxication by environmental pollution in the roe deer and possibly in other mammal species. Our study reinforces the need to carefully account for age-related variation in ecotoxicological research on wild-living animals.

Eruption of posterior teeth in the maxilla and mandible for age determination of water deer

ObjectiveEruption of posterior teeth, including premolars and molars in the mandible rather than in the maxilla, is accepted as an accurate reference for age determination of deer. In water deer, Hydropotes inermis, the eruption age of mandibular molars has been described in two studies, but the ages were inconsistent with each other. In this study, we aimed to confirm the eruption age of mandibular posterior teeth for the accurate age determination of water deer and to evaluate the efficacy of maxillary posterior teeth for the age determination of deer. DesignThe eruption of mandibular and maxillary posterior teeth was investigated in the dry skulls of individual wild water deer of both sexes, up to an age of about 15 months. ResultsThe eruption age of mandibular molars in water deer was consistent with that of a previous study. The eruption age of posterior teeth was almost the same in the maxilla and mandible of individual water deer. The deciduous mandibular fourth premolar and the permanent maxillary fourth premolar were two easiest teeth to be identified for the age determination. ConclusionsThe former controversial eruption age of mandibular posterior teeth in water deer was confirmed. Our study first presented the eruption age of maxillary posterior teeth in water deer. It is suggested that posterior teeth not only in the mandible but also in the maxilla are useful indicators for the age determination of water deer.