Datos isotópicos (δ13C, δ18O) de la fauna pleistocenica de la Laguna de las Cruces, San Luis Potosí, México

Abstract

Using bioegeochemical markers δ13C and δ18O, we determined the diet and habitat of three extinct mammals: Camelops hesternus, Equus sp. and Mammuthus columbi, found in Laguna de las Cruces (San Luis Potosí, México). The statistical comparisons assayed among them showed that there are not differences in their diet since all of them may be classified as C3/C4 mixed feeders. Camelops hesternus used to have the major consumption of C4 plants, meanwhile Mammuthus columbi and Equus sp. ate more C3 plants. Those little differences in their feeding habits should explain their coexistence them at the site, that was a grassland with some trees, during Late Pleistocene.