Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
and Nonpreferential Alterations, Based upon Microdamage to the Makapansgat Limeworks Bone Breccia Material.
Potential Taphonomic Changes
Preferential Alterations
a
Nonpreferential Alterations
a
Stages
Related Processes
LIVING ANIMAL
Senility, dehydration, starvation,
disease, accident, human
perimortem violence
Pathological conditions, blunt force
trauma, projectile wounds, cutting
or chopping (sharp force trauma),
carnivore toothmarks
Pathological conditions, blunt force
trauma, projectile wounds, cutting
or chopping (sharp force trauma),
carnivore toothmarks
Transition to death
(“perimortem” interval)
DEAD ANIMAL
Defleshing, disarticulation, tool use,
consumption, scavenging by
carnivores, scavenging by other
fauna (including avian species),
chemical decomposition, insect
scavenging, biological decay
Dismemberment cutmarks,
hammerstone impact scars,
carnivore toothmarks, bird talon
and beak marks, cut and chop
marks, abrasion, polish, wear,
microchipping
Carnivore toothmarks, trampling
scratches, soft part removal,
abrasion, polish, wear
Destruction of carcass
SKELETAL REMAINS
Weathering, trampling, insect
boring, biological decay, rodent
action, root etching
Gnawing marks
Borings, tunnels, abrasion, etching,
soft part removal, gnawing marks
Breakdown of skeletal remains
SKELETAL REMAINS
AVAILABLE FOR BURIAL
Sediment coverage, sediment
infiltration, compression,
trampling, depression, decay
Depression and compression
features related to soil pressure
Abrasion, polish, root grooves,
insect borings
Burial
BURIED REMAINS
Impregnation, mineralization,
leaching, cracking, shearing
Fossilization
Transportation
Hill wash, water, wind, predators,
faunal exploitation
Abrading of extruding parts
Abrasion, erosion, stomach acid
etching, attrition, pitting
FOSSILIZED REMAINS
Erosion, excavation, blasting,
drilling, wedging, levering
Abrasion, “fresh” scratches
Recovery
RECOVERED REMAINS
Selection, mechanical preparation,
acid preparation, surface coating
Excavation damage, preparator
marks, applied coatings, etching,
smoothing, obliteration of surface
Preparation and conservation
STORED/
DISPLAYED
REMAINS
Handling, breakage, destruction,
measuring, disappearance
Surface patina from handling
Labeling, repair, mounting (of
remains that were curated in
historical period)
Study
a
“Preferential alterations” are effects that occur at a preferred site on bone surface, whereas “nonpreferential alterations” are randomly distributed. The categories are not mutually exclusive.
Adapted from Schrenk, F. and J. Maguire 1988:287, 290, Tables 1 and 2.
