Cautionary lessons from assessing dental mesowear observer variability and integrating paleoecological proxies of an extreme generalist Cormohipparion emsliei

摘要: Abstract Dental mesowear is an inexpensive and expedient method used to characterize the average diet of herbivorous mammals, capturing wear produced over several months in lifetime animal by both attrition abrasion. Most dental methods focus on qualitatively categorizing cusp shapes as sharp, round, or blunt with high low relief, sometimes classifying teeth into numerical categories that integrate these variables (typically 0 6, from sharp/high relief blunt/low relief). As requires observer make subjective judgments regarding tooth categories, we assess variability carbon isotope data clarify if similarly records dietary information extreme generalist herbivore (i.e., Cormohipparion emsliei ). Stable samples C. Bone Valley Florida (~ 5 Ma) yield a δ 13 C range 13.7‰, suggestive highly generalized behavior ranging primarily browsing grazing. While values for this population are partially consistent mixed feeding diet, individual lack significant relationships all variables, excluding relief. Further, individuals consuming disparate diets lowest highest − 12.9‰ 0.8‰, respectively) similar (4.20 3.75, respectively). analyses conducted experienced versus minimally trained not significantly different one another, suggesting can be easily taught; however, incorporation multiple observers reduce variability. Caution should exercised when interpreting based alone.