MULTIPROXY-BASED RECONSTRUCTION OF THE FEEDING HABITS FROM THE LATE MIDDLE PLEISTOCENE STRAIGHT-TUSKED ELEPHANT POPULATION OF POGGETTI VECCHI (SOUTHERN TUSCANY, ITALY)

Abstract

The palaeodietary preferences from the elephants of Poggetti Vecchi, which radiometrically dated around 171,000 years BP, have been investigated by cross-comparing the results obtained with low-magnification analysis of microwear (LDM), 2D-roughness parameters and surface geometry assessment, mesowear and stable isotope analysis. Proboscideans tend to be opportunists, and this improves their ability to respond to climate impacts and environmental fluctuations. The dietary signal of the last meals suggests the consumption of a great amount of Graminaee or other plants quite rich in phytoliths. Conversely, mesowear data indicate more browsedominated, mixed dietary behaviour, which probably reflects seasonal variations, and environmental changes.Palaeodietary