Low-magnification microwear in Carnivora and dietary diversity in Hyaenodon (Mammalia: Hyaenodontidae) with additional information on its enamel microstructure

Cheek teeth of extant Carnivora were examined, and different microwear patterns were found for taxa with different dietary habits. A broad taxonomic sample including Hyaenidae, Felidae, Canidae, Viverridae and Nandiniidae was chosen in order to elucidate the microwear pattern for a bone/meat, meat/bone, meat, mixed carnivorous (meat/plant matter) and fruit based diet. Enamel microwear for the hyaenodont Hyaenodon was compared to this extant sample. Heavy gouging and extensive pitting and scratching of enamel surfaces, as well as the occurrence of zigzag Hunter-Schreger bands in the enamel microstructure analyses, indicate the inclusion of tough foods like bone in the Hyaenodon diet. Species from different continents (North America and European taxa) occupied slightly different dietary niches. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.