Browsers and grazers: symphyseal shapes in equids and tapirs (Perissodactyla, Mammalia)

A tentative interpretation of Vallesian, Turolian, and Plio-Pleistocene Hipparion diets is based on the proportions af the mandibular symphysis in 47 tapirs, 47 Hipparion, and 46 Equus. Modern Equus (grazers) and tapirs (browsers) differ by the shape of the mandibular symphysis. Vallesian Hipparion (Turkey, Moldova, Algeria) and most Turolian Hipparion (Spain, Moldova, Georgia) have proportions akin to the modern tapirs. Some Turolian Hipparion. (Samos and Saloniki) have the proportions of grazers. Both types of symphyses are found during the Pliocene aind Pleistocene of Africa, Europe, and Asia. There is no clear association with the enamel pattern of the lower cheek teeth, nor with the shape of the lower incisors. The existence of various "mosaic" associations of characters in various species precludes any reliable extrapolation from a single character to a specific determination.