Molar Microwear of Narrow-Headed Vole (Microtus gregalis Pall., 1779) Depending on the Feed Abrasiveness

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Zoology
• Dental Microwear Analysis

Background:

• Enamel microwear analysis provides insights into the diet and feeding behaviors of fossil and extant mammals.
• The narrow-headed vole (Microtus gregalis) serves as a model organism for studying dental adaptations in rodents.
• Understanding tooth-food interactions is crucial for reconstructing paleoecology and evolutionary history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze enamel microwear patterns on the first mandibular molar of the narrow-headed vole under controlled laboratory conditions.
• To determine the relationship between feed composition, abrasive properties, and enamel lesion formation.
• To evaluate the potential of enamel contour preservation as an indicator of diet in Microtus species.

Main Methods:

• Microscopic examination of enamel microwear on the protoconid and entoconid anterior enamel wall of the first mandibular molar.
• Quantification of classic microwear parameters and enamel prism lesion areas.
• Comparison of microwear patterns between voles fed diets with varying abrasive properties.

Main Results:

• Distinct enamel lesion patterns were identified, attributable to tooth-tooth and tooth-food interactions.
• Differences in microwear were observed based on feed abrasive properties and molar location (lingual vs. buccal conids).
• The ratio of micro-lesions (pits and scratches) was independent of feed abrasive properties in Microtus species.

Conclusions:

• The extent of enamel contour preservation on the anterior edge of the molar is directly influenced by feed composition.
• Enamel contour preservation can serve as a reliable indirect indicator for evaluating the diet of Microtus species.
• This study enhances our understanding of dental microwear as a dietary proxy in small mammals.