TEXT S4: MICROWEAR AND INCREMENTAL LINES OF VON EBNER Methods for Assessing Wear Eight teeth referred to Nigersaurus taqueti were examined for microwear features on enamel and dentine surfaces using a light microscopy-based method [1]. Surfaces

TEXT S4: MICROWEAR AND INCREMENTAL LINES OF VON EBNER Methods for Assessing Wear Eight teeth referred to Nigersaurus taqueti were examined for microwear features on enamel and dentine surfaces using a light microscopy-based method [1]. Surfaces were cleaned before molding with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove surface dust or dirt. Two molds were made for the worn surface of each tooth using a polyvinylsiloxane mold material (President Microsystem 6012, Coltene). The first cast was discarded as any surface artifacts or debris would adhere. High-quality clear epoxy resin was used to make the second cast of each tooth. Wear facets were examined under a light microscope at 70x magnification using reflected light. Wear features were examined in a 0.3mm x 0.3mm area and sorted into four categories: fine scratches (narrow and shallow), coarse scratches (wider and deeper), pits roughly circular depressions), and gouges (irregularly shaped or oblong pits). Preservation permitting, up to four sites were examined on each facet to survey areas of enamel and dentine to eliminate variation. Images were taken using a Spot CCD camera (Spot Insight 11.2 Color Mosaic, Diagnostic Instruments) at the highest resolution available (36 bits/pixel), mounted on a Nikon SMZ 1500 microscope.