Stable isotopes and diets of Pleistocene horses from southern North America and South America: similarities and differences

Abstract

The diet and habitat for two Pleistocene Equidae genera that lived in southern North America (southern USA and Mexico) and South America are inferred using carbon and oxygen isotopic data. The South American Hippidion fed upon C3 plants and lived in forest. Equus from both subcontinents were mixed feeders and preferred living in grasslands, prairies, and savannas, while some individuals or populations specialised in consumption of C3 or C4 plants. These results indicate that Equus were generalist in their diet and habitat, while Hippidion were specialists on both traits.