Résumé
In Western Europe, the subsistence of Palaeolithic hunter was mainly based on the hunting of Ungulates, such as Cervidae, Equidae and Bovinae. From the latter family, the fossil species Bison priscus (Steppe Bison) and Bos primigenius (Aurochs) are found in the vast majority of faunal assemblages from archaeological and palaeontological sites since the Middle Pleistocene (aside the less common Bison schoentensacki and Bison bonasus). However, the distinction between the two genera, Bos and Bison, is difficult due to their strong anatomical similarities. It is therefore common in faunal determinations to group bisons and aurochs under the categories “Bos/Bison” or “Bovinae”, without further clarification. Being able to identify the presence of Aurochs and/or Bison have paleoenvironmental implications and provide key information for understanding past human-animal interactions, as the behaviour of these species differs. The Steppe Bison is seen as a highly migratory animal favouring wide-open fields, whereas the Aurochs is described as a sedentary grazer, favouring forest cover. While the two species likely represent different preys for humans, their resemblance challenges our ability to determine the huntingchoices of Palaeolithic societies. How can we approach the subsistence strategies of humans without being able to distinguish between “Bovinae” taxa? Detailed morphometric analyses through 2D geometric morphometrics could be the answer to that age-old question. In this communication, we present the first results of the morphological shape analysis of lower molars from a solid Bovinae referential, and henceforth propose a new method to distinguish between bison and aurochs. Coupled with dental microwear texture analysis, this multidisciplinary approach allows us to reconstruct paleoenvironment changes, large herbivores communities and to understand past human populations’ place in those environments.