Dietary reconstruction of Hezhengia bohlini (Artiodactyla, Bovidae) from the late Miocene Linxia Basin of China using enamel microwear

Dietary behavior of the middle late Miocene bovid Hezhengia bohlini from the Linxia Basin (Liushu Formation) of China was reconstructed using enamel microwear. Results were compared to a large comparative database of known ungulate microwear patterns. Results indicate a dietary regime that included both grass and browse. While scratch numbers reflect this heterogeneous dietary pattern, scratch width scores of H. bohlini are more typical of extant grazers. Also, enamel surfaces did not display the heavy pitting and large pits and gouges typical of extensive grit consumption indicating that fairly abrasive browse and/or grass was likely consumed. These results are consistent with paleohabitat reconstructions of the late Miocene Linxia Basin as mixed habitat including woodland/grassland mosaics.