Diversity, population structure and palaeoecology of the Pleistocene large cervids from the Padang Highlands, Sumatra

Gruwier, Ben; de Vos, John; Wirkner, Mathias; Hertler, Christine; Kovarovic, Kris

Abstract

This chapter deals with the dentognathic remains of the Late Pleistocene large cervids from the Padang Highlands caves in Sumatra. We used linear and geometric morphometric techniques to
investigate variation, taxonomic position and body size trends in a dataset of upper and lower molars. Dental mesowear was used to assess dietary preference in a subsample. The results suggest the Padang Highlands cervids belonged to multiple populations of an early stock of Rusa deer the size of sambar (Rusa unicolor), but morphologically reminiscent of Javan rusa (Rusa timorensis). The Rusa sp. of Sumatra was reconstructed as a mixed feeder with an increase in the grazing component with age.

Citation

Gruwier, B., de Vos, J., Wirkner, M., Hertler, C., & Kovarovic, K. (2024). Diversity, population structure and palaeoecology of the Pleistocene large cervids from the Padang Highlands, Sumatra. In J. Louys, P. C. Albers, & A. A. van der Geer (Eds.), Quaternary Palaeontology and Archaeology of Sumatra (121-143). ANU Press. https://doi.org/10.22459/ta56.2024.06

• Online Publication Date: Apr 4, 2024
• Publication Date: Apr 4, 2024
• Deposit Date: Apr 18, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 18, 2024
• Pages: 121-143
• Book Title: Quaternary Palaeontology and Archaeology of Sumatra
• Chapter Number: 6
• ISBN: 9781760466312
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22459/ta56.2024.06
• Keywords: Cervidae, Rusa, taxonomy, Sundaland, morphometrics, mesowear
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2387738
• Publisher URL: https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/series/terra-australis/quaternary-palaeontology-archaeology-sumatra#pdf