Latitude matters: an examination of behavioural plasticity in dietary traits amongst extant and Pleistocene Rangifer tarandus. (15th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rivals, Florent; Semprebon, Gina M.
• Is Part Of: Boreas. Volume 46:Number 2(2017:Apr.)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 263
• Publication Date: 2016-09-15
• Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic -- Quaternary -- Periodicals; 551.79
• DOI: 10.1111/bor.12205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-9483

Abstract

Abstract : The geographical distribution of species affects their dietary traits relative to resources available in different latitudes. Dietary traits of Rangifer tarandus, a species with a wide geographical distribution, were investigated using tooth mesowear and microwear methods in eight extant populations from Canada. The data show a latitudinal shift corresponding to a vegetational gradient from the taiga to the tundra, i.e. an increase of lichen consumption from the low to the high latitudes. This pattern is also evidenced in the Pleistocene fossil record of Europe where R. tarandus populations from low latitude localities show a lower consumption of lichen than at higher latitudes.