Simultaneous Taxonomic and Sex Identification of Bos and Bison Teeth Using Low-Invasive High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Differentiating between the genera Bos and Bison from fossil bones and teeth can be difficult and even impossible due to taphonomic deterioration, which can also muddle the identification of the sex of the animal. Both are key issues for paleobiological and paleoecological studies, as the two species are generally considered having quite similar spatial distributions but distinct ecological preferences and likely similar social behaviors with males separated from female groups during most of the year. However, identifications are usually limited to “Bos/Bison” and “Sex indeterminate”, which severely limits interpretations. Here, we propose minimally invasive methods with mass spectrometry for the simultaneous taxonomic and sex distinction of Bos and Bison teeth, with application on Middle Pleistocene large bovid teeth from the Lazaret cave. The results obtained show that enamelin, COL1A3, and α-2-glycoprotein allow for taxonomic differentiation between Bos and Bison, while AMELX/Y sequences of the same samples allow for sex identification. Both were successfully performed on the 160–120 ky archeological teeth, without affecting the specimen. This study highlights the potential of proteomics for simultaneous taxonomic and sex determination for other modern or fossil samples, including rare or precious materials, using low-invasive high-resolution mass spectrometry. It opens up unprecedented avenues for paleobiological studies as well as cultural and natural heritage and will widely participate to strengthen our knowledge of past animal and human communities.