Reconstructing the palaeodiet of Florida Mammut americanum via low-magnification stereomicroscopy

Stereoscopic microwear results were compared to an extant herbivore microwear trophic triangle representing average scratch and pit morphospaces for extant taxa, including graminivores, folivores, and frugivores. Enamel scar patterns for M. americanum for six microwear variables are consistent with a browsing diet but apparently one unlike that of typical extant browsing forms. Evidence for extensive bark consumption and some fruit consumption is presented. Cluster analysis reveals a clear segregation of M. americanum from typical extant browsing forms, from grazing or mixed feeding forms, and from extant African and Indian elephants. Euclidean distance comparisons reveal a dietary profile most similar to that of the extant Diceros bicornis (black rhino), a well-known browser with a prehensile lip that is used for gathering twigs into its mouth. Our results are consistent with reports for Florida mastodons showing a preponderance of twigs such as Taxodium (bald cypress) in preserved digesta.