摘要
Enamel stable carbon isotope analyses were conducted on the large fossil ape Gigantopithecus blacki and an associated mammalian megafauna from Longgudong Cave in Jianshi and Juyuandong Cave in Liucheng, South China. The range in δ13C values (-18.8‰ to -14.1‰) indicates that G. blacki and other large mammals fed on solely C3 biomass, and lived in forest habitats, and not open country or savannas. These results are consistent with other faunal and floral analyses for that time. The diet and habitat of G. blacki were significantly different from those of early hominins (Australopithecus and Paranthropus) from South and East Africa. Extinction of G. blacki probably was a result of forest habitat fragmentation and deterioration.
Enamel stable carbon isotope analyses were conducted on the large fossil ape Gigantopithecus blacki and an associated mamma- lian megafauna from Longgudong Cave in Jianshi and Juyuandong Cave in Liucheng, South China. The range in δ13C values （-18.8‰ to -14.1‰） indicates that G. blacki and other large mammals fed on solely C3 biomass, and lived in forest habitats, and not open country or savannas. These results are consistent with other faunal and floral analyses for that time. The diet and habitat of G. blacki were significantly different from those of early hominins （Australopithecus and Paranthropus） from South and East Africa. Extinction of G. blacki probably was a result of forest habitat fragmentation and deterioration.
基金
supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41072016)
the State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy of Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology (103105)
the International Cooperation Program of MOST of China (2009DFB20580)
the Specific Basic Research Program of MOST of China (2007FY110200)
