Dietary reconstruction and evidence of prey shifting in Pleistocene and recent gray wolves (Canis lupus) from Yukon Territory

摘要: Abstract We investigate if and how diets of gray wolves from the Yukon Territory, Canada, have changed Pleistocene (>52.8 ka BP to 26.5 ka [±170 y BP]) recent Holocene (1960s) using dental microwear analysis carnassial teeth stable isotope analyses carbonates (δ13CCO3 δ18OCO3) collagen (δ13Ccol δ15Ncol) bone. find that patterns are similar between specimens, indicating there has been no change in carcass utilization behaviours, where flesh, not bone, is primarily consumed. Based on minimal changes δ13CCO3 δ13Ccol values, we that, over thousands years, remained generalist predators feeding upon several large ungulate species. Interestingly, δ15Ncol values suggest extinction megafaunal species at ~11.7 Ka induced a shift diet comprised horse (Equus sp.) one based cervids (i.e. moose caribou). Survival large-bodied cervids, such as caribou (Rangifer tarandus), was likely key wolf survival. Although survived end megafauna demonstrate degree ecological flexibility, failure preserve major elements their current niche (e.G. caribou) may result continued population declines, especially face increasing anthropogenic influences.