Towards a better knowledge of the molar morphology and ecology of extant and fossil grass rats (Muridae: Arvicanthis Lesson, 1842)

African rodents of the genus Arvicanthis are presently restricted to sub-Saharan savannas and to the Nile Valley. In contrast, their distribution during the Quaternary included most of northern Africa, leading to the emergence of local fossil species. To date, there have been no comprehensive studies of Arvicanthis populations in northern Africa, neither to clarify their taxonomy nor their paleoecology. The present study aims to explore both morphology and diet of modern and fossil Arvicanthis species using geometric morphometric and dental microwear analyses on first upper molars. The geometric morphometric analysis efficiently discriminates the studied extant and fossil Arvicanthis species and allowed for the identification of probable geographical variations within the A. niloticus group. Although all extant species of the genus Arvicanthis are predominantly grass-eaters, microwear analyses also highlighted diet differences in various modern populations of A. niloticus, as well as paleodiet inferences in the A. arambourgi fossil species, but no clear link between molar size or shape and diet can be established. This work helps set the stage for a complete revision of the fossil remains of Arvicanthis from northern African Quaternary deposits, and for a better understanding of the geographical and temporal morphological variability of this genus in Africa.

Automated summary

The study utilizes geometric morphometric and dental microwear analyses to investigate the morphology and diet of modern and fossil species of the Arvicanthis genus. The geometric morphometric analysis successfully distinguishes the extant and fossil Arvicanthis species, and identifies probable geographical variations within the A. niloticus group. Microwear analyses reveal diet differences in various modern populations of A. niloticus and paleodiet inferences in the A. arambourgi fossil species. This research lays the groundwork for a comprehensive revision of Arvicanthis fossil remains from Quaternary deposits in northern Africa and enhances our understanding of the morphological variability of this genus in Africa.