Extended Data Fig. 5: LA-ICP-MS trace-element mapping of primate and non-primate mammals.
From: Elemental signatures of Australopithecus africanus teeth reveal seasonal dietary stress
a–f, All teeth specimens are from the grassland-dominated ecosystem of South Africa (frequently referred as savannah) and were recovered from wild, modern animals. a, M2 molar of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis; herbivore). b, P4 premolar of caracal (Caracal caracal; carnivore). c, Third molar (M3) of chacma baboon (Papio ursinus; omnivore). d, First premolar (P3) of red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus; omnivore). e, Second molar (M2) of bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis; insectivore/carnivore). f, P. ursinus first molar (M1). All mammals exhibit Ba/Ca and Sr/Ca banding (except for e, in which no strontium lines can be observed). Li/Ca banding is absent from animal teeth except from the two P. ursinus teeth (c, f) and—perhaps—the P. porcus tooth (d). The Ba/Ca banding pattern in Papio is very similar to that observed in A. africanus: apart from the lack of clear periodicity, the baboon teeth are comparable to those of A. africanus. Baboons have a unique nursing cycle and an opportunistic seasonal feeding habit.
