Direct Comparisons of 2D and 3D Dental Microwear Proxies in Extant Herbivorous and Carnivorous Mammals

摘要: The analysis of dental microwear is commonly used by paleontologists and anthropologists to clarify the diets extinct species, including herbivorous carnivorous mammals. Currently, there are numerous methods employed quantify microwear, varying in types microscopes used, magnifications, characterization wear both two dimensions three dimensions. Results from studies utilizing different not directly comparable human quantification features (e.g., pits scratches) introduces interobserver error, with higher error being produced less experienced individuals. Dental texture (DMTA), which analyzes dimensions, alleviates some problems surrounding two-dimensional reducing observer bias. Here, we assess accuracy comparability within between 2D 3D analyses mammals at same magnification. Specifically, compare observer-generated data photosimulations identical scanned areas DMTA extant African bovids carnivorans using a scanning white light confocal microscope 100x Using this magnification, quantified were able separate grazing frugivorous scratch frequency; however, variables better discriminate disparate dietary niches Further, results demonstrate significant differences data, index remaining least variable observers, consistent prior research. Overall, our highlight importance analyzing order consistently interpret accurately.