Geometric morphometric assessment of the fossil bears of Namur, Belgium: Allometry and ecomorphology

The Namur area in Belgium is useful to study brown (Ursus arctos) and cave bears spelaeus) as the assemblage contains little temporal no geographical variation. Here, we aim assess ontogenetic allometry within bears, well ecomorphological differences between adult (n = 9), 5) juvenile 3). Landmarks for 3D digitization of mandible were chosen based on taphonomical damage specimens. Extant extinct Pleistocene digitized with a Microscribe G2. Generalized Procrustes superimposition was performed coordinates. Allometry studied using regression analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) conducted groups. 61% shape variance predicted by size 8, p < 0.01). have relatively deep horizontal rami. In ramus much narrower dorsoventrally. Juvenile small masseteric fossa short coronoid process, whereas both are larger, relative size, bears. This made likely less effective masticators than fully grown PCA, principal (PC) 1 accounts 45.0% total PC2 27.6%. Fossil U. arctos from fall 95% confidence interval modern North American PCs, but more similar average extant bear. From similarity fossil it can be deduced that diet probably also range their conspecifics, although they might been efficient at masticating plant matter.