Ecomorphological correlates of craniodental variation in bears and paleobiological implications for extinct taxa: an approach based on geometric morphometrics

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2008.00511.x
• Publication Date: 2008-10-07T09:06:39Z
• Authors: B. Figueirido; P. Palmqvist; J. A. Pérez‐Claros
• Keywords: Cheek teeth; Morphometrics; Omnivore

Abstract Relative warp analyses of landmarks describing cranial and mandibular shape are used for investigating patterns morphological variation among extant bears (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae) indicative diet feeding behavior. These deriving inferences about the autecology two extinct species previously assumed to have had different dietary preferences, North American giant, short‐faced bear Arctodus simus Eurasian cave Ursus spelaeus . Results reveal a set shared craniodental traits herbivorous bears, including short vaulted skulls with well‐developed zygomatic arches, lateralized orbits small canines, concave jaws highly positioned condyle, large moment arms temporalis masseter muscles, long cheek teeth. In contrast, those that consume animal resources frontalized deep symphysis, low muscle leverages, condyle situated at level tooth row reduced The morphology omnivorous is intermediate between faunivores herbivores. This also case bear, which suggests previous reconstructions ecology these (highly carnivorous A. U. ) should be revised.