Stable isotopes reveal ecological differences amongst now‐extinct proboscideans from the Cincinnati region, USA

摘要: The mobility and dietary preferences of now-extinct proboscideans have not been comprehensively examined in the central USA. We used stable carbon (δ13C), oxygen (δ18O) strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopic signatures molar enamel to investigate foraging ecology four mastodons (Mammut americanum) eight mammoths (Mammuthus spp.) from southwestern Ohio northwestern Kentucky. tested two hypotheses: (i) these individuals were nomadic migrants that passing through region when they died; (ii) foraged different environments. Unexpectedly, our results suggest 11 12 sampled regional residents. With exception one mastodon, 87Sr/86Sr ratios for water samples statistically indistinguishable; slightly lower waters glacial loess has an impact on modern samples. Amongst identified as residents, indicate discrete geographical areas, δ13C values imply differences between genera, which is consistent with expectations. Oxygen isotope may be able distinguish animals lived during Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) those more recently. Three mastodon yielded δ18O are similar precipitation surface water, but too high estimated drinking LGM. propose a relatively warm period following Compellingly, mammoth highest value also lowest value, suggesting this individual was alive after vegetation shifted open parkland deciduous forest dominated by C3 species. Our demonstrate wealth information can gleaned fossil museum specimens lay foundation future work other extinct megafauna Midwest