 Reference Base  Analyses texturales des micro-usures et des hypoplasies d... |
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Hullot, M., 2021. Analyses texturales des micro-usures et des hypoplasies de l’émail dentaire chez les Rhinocerotidae actuels et fossiles (Mammalia, Perissodactyla): inférences paléobiologiques et paléoécologiques. Dissertation presented to the University of Montpellier: pp. 1-901 - https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-03475279
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World |
| Subject: |
Taxonomy |
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Sumatran Rhino |
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Abstract : The Miocene epoch is a key period of the Cenozoic with major climatic and ecosystem changes, during which tropical forests in Eurasia were progressively replaced by grasslands and savannahs as the global climate deteriorated. Among large herbivore mammals, Rhinocerotidae are abundant and diverse components of Miocene terrestrial ecosystems, with species-rich assemblages frequently found in association in fossil-yielding localities. Despite this, rhinocerotids have been under-investigated in a paleoecological perspective thus far. The aim of this PhD thesis was therefore to propose an assessment or re-assessment of the dietary preferences and stress susceptibility of the main Miocene Rhinocerotidae from Europe, Iran (Maragheh), and Pakistan (Bugti Hills). Using complementary tooth-based methods (microwear textures [DMTA] and enamel hypoplasias), first calibrated in the five living rhinoceros species, was inferred the trophic paleoecology of 29 fossil rhinocerotid species, encompassing Rhinocerotinae (Rhinocerotina, Teleoceratina, Aceratheriina, and incertae sedis) and Elasmotheriinae (Elasmotheriina) from 21 localities spanning the entire Miocene (MN2–MN13). Clear differences between species, localities, and time periods were observed and placed in their phylogenetic and biostratigraphic context. The DMTA revealed mainly browsing and mixed-feeding behaviors throughout the Miocene, sometimes very different between associated species (niche partitioning), and sometimes very overlapping (interspecific competition). Hypoplasia was found to be a good marker of fine local conditions, sometimes quite distinct from the regional and global contexts. Combining the results of both methods suggests that taxa with more flexible feeding preferences (mixed feeders) were less affected by hypoplasia.
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