The palaeodietary and morphometric responses of Pleistocene spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben, 1777) to environmental changes in Europe
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PhD Title
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The palaeodietary and morphometric responses of Pleistocene spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben, 1777) to environmental changes in Europe |
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Research Theme
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Biodiversity and Ecology |
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Primary Supervisor
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Secondary Supervisor
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Abstract
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Spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta Erxleben, 1777) are today restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, yet during the Pleistocene, they ranged throughout Eurasia and were subject to widely fluctuating climatic and environmental conditions. This study assesses palaeodietary and morphometric variability in the spotted hyaena against this backdrop of Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental change in Europe. The study comprises first a detailed examination of modern Crocuta from sub-Saharan Africa, in order to establish baseline parameters of body mass variation, sexual dimorphism, tooth wear/breakage and the impact of competition and local environment. It is followed by a detailed examination of fossil Crocuta from the Middle and Late Pleistocene of Britain, paired with a study of Late Pleistocene Crocuta from Ireland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Serbia. Influences upon present-day C. crocuta population biomass were compared with those of its main competitor, the lion (Panthera leo), revealing a stronger relationship between environmental conditions and C. crocuta biomass, than between the environment and P. leo. Morphometric analysis of present-day C. crocuta revealed ontogenetic variation in the craniodental and post-cranial elements, in addition to a lack of sexual size dimorphism in many features. Finally, the frequency of broken teeth varied according to sex and age. The results of these analyses were then used to aid interpretation of the fossil assemblages. Reconstructed Pleistocene body masses of C. crocuta, coupled with the morphometric analyses, indicated a lack of consistent body size response to environmental changes (in contrast to patterns seen in other large carnivores), although the Island Rule was manifested in individuals from Sicily. Body mass, morphometrics and tooth breakage frequencies suggested palaeodietary variation, particularly regarding the degree of bone consumption and predation behaviours. Finally, the reasons for C. crocuta extirpation from Europe focussing on climate, vegetation, presence of prey species, and competition for food and shelter were examined. |
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