A calf mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) from Rancho Carabanchel, San Luis Potosí, México and its feeding habits

Abstract A Columbian mammoth from Rancho Carabanchel, San Luis Potosi, Mexico is described based on fragments of a mandible with a molar, a left maxilla with partial tusk and M1 and M2. Individual ontogenetic age was inferred to less than a year and carbon isotopic values indicated a C 3 /C 4 mixed diet, while the values for tusk shows a similarity to C 3 plant feeders; furthermore, there were also differences between both bone elements for δ 18 O values. This may be due to the processes that occur to each proboscidean element when they are under development, and because of that the carbon and oxygen isotopic values could show different stages during the life of the animal.