Comparative feeding strategies of two Neotropical cervids (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) from Costa Rica based on dental wear proxies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/2qn2gs59Keywords:
dental mesowear, dental microwear, Odocoileus virginianus, Mazama temama, feeding ecologyAbstract
Introduction: Dental mesowear and microwear analyses provide complementary proxies for reconstructing herbivore feeding ecology at different temporal scales. While mesowear reflects long-term dietary abrasion, microwear captures short-term feeding behavior, allowing evaluation of dietary stability and variability in seasonally dynamic tropical environments. Objectives: To assess short- and long-term dietary patterns in two Neotropical cervids, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the Central American red brocket deer (Mazama temama), and to evaluate the ecological significance of microwear variability in relation to habitat, seasonality, and foraging behavior. Methods: Dental mesowear and low magnification microwear analyses were conducted on lower molars of modern cervid specimens from Costa Rica. Microwear variables, including pits, scratches, and scratch texture, were recorded within standardized enamel areas. Scratch variability was assessed using standard deviation and coefficient of variation, and results were interpreted through comparative and descriptive approaches. Results: Odocoileus virginianus exhibited moderate mesowear values combined with low microwear dispersion, indicating a stable feeding strategy. In contrast, M. temama showed greater variability in microwear features, particularly in scratch counts, showing a broader diet. Conclusions: Tropical cervids may maintain consistent long-term feeding strategies while exhibiting variable short-term dietary responses driven by ecological context and resource availability. Integrating mesowear, microwear, and microwear variability provides a robust framework for interpreting cervid feeding ecology in both modern and archaeological contexts, with implications for future comparative studies across tropical environments.
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