Enamel microstructure in the fossil bovid Myotragus balearicus (Majorca, Spain): Implications for life-history evolution of dwarf mammals in insular ecosystems

► We estimate the rate of dental development in an extinct insular dwarf bovid. ► Results show that dental development was delayed twofold the time of other bovids. ► This provides empirical evidence to the slow life history hypothesis. Insular mammals evolve towards slow growth, delayed maturity and extended lifespan. ► Density-dependent resource limitation is hypothesized as the main trigger.