Neuroanatomy and palaeoecology of the Early Pleistocene Dama-like deer from Pirro Nord (Apulia, Italian Peninsula)

Medium-sized deer are frequently found in Early Pleistocene fossiliferous deposits of Southern Europe, and hence they represent a reference group for the Villafranchian fauna. Their evolutionary history is still highly debated, as multiple classifications and systematic revisions have been proposed with specimens being ascribed to several genera such as Pseudodama, Metacervoceros, Euraxis, Praeelaphus, Axis, Dama, or Cervus. Whereas most studies focus on the taxonomy of the group, a few have addressed how these cervids evolved in relation to the major Early Pleistocene climatic events such as the onset of the Quaternary glaciations. A remarkably rich collection of Dama-like deer has been unearthed from the Early Pleistocene site of Pirro Nord (Apricena, south-eastern Italy). Here we analyse palaeoecological and palaeoneurological data of the Pirro Nord sample to investigate both habitat occupation and the evolutionary history of this group during the Early Pleistocene. To do so, we integrate dietary proxies (dental wear patterns and stable isotope signal) with morphological data from a virtual endocast of a well-preserved male specimen, a largely unexplored research path in cervid palaeobiology studies. Moreover, palaeoneurological data may also provide clues to solve the systematic issue of this group. Dental mesowear results point to a long-term mixed diet for the Pirro Nord deer, while a leaning towards a grazing behaviour is suggested by dental microwear patterns. The range of the stable isotope δ13C ratios suggests that it foraged on abrasive water-stressed C3 vegetation in warm woodland and semi-open habitats. Palaeoneurological data seems to confirm a closer affinity in the endocranial morphology of this taxon to the extant fallow deer Dama compared to other Early Pleistocene forms. Our research represents a novel approach to the study of Early Pleistocene fossil deer palaeoecology that can be extended also to other groups to investigate their evolutionary history in relation to climate changes.