The Scope of Traditional and Geometric Morphometrics for Inferences of Diet in Carnivorous Fossil Mammals

摘要: Molar morphology is one of the most used proxies for paleoecological inferences in mammals. Since 19th century, several authors associated some dental morphological traits with diet animal by means qualitative and descriptive analyses. Later on, since last different studies tooth function have various quantitative shape (i.e., morphometric ratios or angles) degree vertebrate flesh consumed animal. However, because same species can be found literature, it becomes crucial to carry on comparing power proxies. In this work, we compared utility classic indices (RGA, AI angle ?) three-dimensional landmarks configuration regarding inferences. Based a previously published dataset from our working group, calculated performed three classification methods. Our results demonstrate that when using scores configuration, better reclassified than indices. Furthermore, considering intraspecific variation making appears fundamental. perspective inferring ecological characteristics extinct animals, consideration extant organisms safeguard prevent any misinterpretation recontruction past ecologies. doi: 10.5710/AMGH.24.07.2019.3255