Taphonomic Signatures Research Articles

The diet of osprey Pandion haliaetus on Marawah Island (Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates) and its implications for the study of archaeological assemblages

The Osprey Pandion haliaetus is one of the most widely distributed raptor species in the world, present on all continents except Antarctica. Since its diet is mainly based on fish, this raptor is typically encountered close both to marine and fresh waters. Ospreys are well represented in the Arabian Peninsula where remote islands are the location for some of their key breeding sites. On Marawah Island (Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), ospreys have been reported to build nests on top of abandoned man-made structures, including archaeological sites. The discovery of fish remains associated with numerous bird bones and eggshell fragments in archaeological deposits raises the question of the potential contamination of ancient faunal accumulations by birds of prey. To date, the possible impact of ospreys on zooarchaeological assemblages has been little considered and the taphonomic signature of this fish-eating raptor has never been described. However, ospreys are effective competitors to traditional and small-scale fisheries and should be considered as potential accumulators of fish remains on archaeological sites located close to water bodies. Indeed, zooarchaeological analyses demonstrate that fish had always played a major role in the daily subsistence of the ancient inhabitants of Marawah Island since the first traces of occupation dating back some 8000 years. The present study will enable researchers working in the region as well as in other geographical area to determine if ospreys are accumulation agents for fish remains on archaeological sites.The present diet assessment of ospreys allows us to specify the taphonomic signature of this raptor: targeted species are mainly medium to large-sized fish swimming just beneath the surface (e.g. needlefish and queenfish) and slow benthic fish occurring in shallow waters such as tripodfish, emperors, and groupers. Bone accumulations are almost entirely composed of skull elements, indicating specific discarding behaviours. Certain traces left on jaw bones, in particular maxillae, can also help to differentiate osprey accumulations from archaeological ones.

Crassostrea patagonica (d'Orbigny, 1842) shell concentrations from the late Miocene of Río Negro province, NE Patagonia, Argentina

The Río Negro Formation (late Miocene-early Pliocene) mainly consists of continental deposits, but it contains a middle member of marine origin. It represents a transgressive-regressive sequence that can be seen at several outcrops along the N Patagonian coast. The taphonomical approach to the El Espigón marine deposits permits the identification of four main layers containing different kinds of skeletal accumulation, which mainly consists of oyster shells [Crassostrea patagonica (d'Orbigny, 1842)]. These concentrations display three different morphologies (pouches, pavements and bouquets) with a different taphonomic signature. These deposits were formed in shallow marine environments influenced by wave activity that produced valve concentrations of different entities. They contain several shell beds that represent event, composite, hiatal to lag skeletal concentrations. Trace of bioturbation in the sediment (Thalassinoides, Teichichnus) and bioerosion on the shells (Entobia, Gastrochaenolites, Caulostrepsis), and encrusters (cirripeds, bryozoans), are also abundant in the outcroup and constitute common components of these Miocene materials. Layers 1 and 2 of the sequence were deposited in shoreface(foreshore environments at the beginning of a highstand systems tract, while layers 3 and 4 were deposited at the end, or at the beginning of a forced regression, in foreshore environments, A final erosional episode cut the top of layer 4, which truncated the abundant bioturbation developed there

Distinguishing the taphonomic signature of wolves from humans and other predators on small prey assemblages

The study of human subsistence strategies in prehistoric hunter-gatherer communities is essential to understanding the evolution of human behaviour. An important topic of interest is the expansion of dietary breadth, resulting in the procurement of a larger number of small game species. However, to make accurate interpretations of human subsistence, the correct identification of the agents responsible for archaeofaunal assemblages is crucial, and actualistic studies that establish the taphonomic signature of the different predators are indispensable. Despite being one of the most ubiquitous carnivores in prehistoric archaeological sites, the role of wolves (Canis lupus) as agents responsible for small-prey accumulations has never been examined. The aims of this study are to analyse the taphonomic patterns left by wolves on rabbit remains and to put forward a series of criteria that can help distinguish assemblages produced by this carnivore from those accumulated by people or by other predators. Our results reveal that wolves ingest and consume the whole rabbit carcass, with the consequence that all rabbit remains accumulated by wolves come from the scats. The referential framework provided in this study will make it possible to discriminate wolves as agents of fossil rabbit accumulations.

Identifying the accidental‐natural mortality of leporids in the archaeological record: insights from a taphonomical analysis of a pitfall without evidence of human presence

ABSTRACTLeporids (Lagomorpha, Mammalia), especially the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), have been among the most abundant small game in western Europe since the Pleistocene. These animals are preferred prey for more than 40 predators, which increases the chances of finding their skeletal remains at archaeological or natural sites, and in particular karstic formations alternately occupied by Palaeolithic human societies and other predators. Moreover, specific eco‐ethological characteristics for both species also offer the possibility to produce a substantial quantity of their bones accumulated by natural mortality without predation, making it more difficult to identify their origin in the fossil record. Despite this fact, the taphonomic signature of accidental‐natural accumulations of leporids in karsts, such as pitfalls, has never been properly characterised. In order to address these issues, we carried out a detailed taphonomic study of leporid remains in a pitfall without any evidence of human activity, namely at Coulet des Roches (Monieux, Vaucluse, south‐eastern France). At this site, leporids are the most abundant species throughout the Last Glacial Maximum sedimentary sequence. The bone accumulation was analysed in order to determine the most relevant criteria to identify a natural accumulation that results from the accidental fall of individuals in the pitfall. The relative proportions of each species are consistent with their current ethology, and their mortality profiles are compatible with the structure of a living natural population. The completeness rate of the different skeletal portions for both species is relatively high, bones are less fragmented and, unlike what might be expected, very few anatomical connections were preserved. The observed anatomical representation, breakage, and bone surface modification patterns are discussed and compared with available data concerning accumulations with predation. Taken together, the identified criteria contribute valuable help in the recognition of accidental mortality in the fossil record, as well as to evaluate the proportion of leporid bones accumulated naturally and those accumulated by predation, human or not, in a deposit.

Taphonomic signature of Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) on small sized preys: A comparative study of ingested and non-ingested leporid bones

In order to generate a more comprehensive understanding of the accumulations produced by small-sized predators in the fossil record, a feeding experiment with captive Geoffroy’s cat was carried out and the bone modifications generated on leporid bones were studied. In this paper, we present the results from the analysis of the ingested bones. These results were compared with previously published data on the non-ingested bones from the same experiment, as well as ingested samples from wild Geoffroy’s cat and other small-sized predators. Results show that leporid remains consumed by the Geoffroy’s cat are extensively fragmented, with light to heavy categories of digestion, and a scarce amount of tooth marks. The taphonomic signature of Geoffroy’s cat on ingested bones differs from the non-ingested sample. When evaluating both the ingested and non-ingested remains together the Geoffroy’s cat bone modification pattern is characterized by a moderate average relative abundance of elements, a low percentage of tooth marks and a moderate percentage of digestive corrosion.

Variations of the trace fossil Zoophycos with respect to paleoenvironment and sequence stratigraphy in the Mississippian Mobarak Formation, northern Iran

Zoophycos in the Mississippian Mobarak Formation (Central Alborz, Iran) shows its potential in interpreting depositional settings, ecological features and sequence stratigraphy. Zoophycos A (ZoA), Zoophycos B (ZoB), Zoophycos/Phycosiphon (Zo/Phy) and Phycosiphon (Phy) ichnocoenoses are identified in the middle and outer ramp facies of the Mobarak Formation on the basis of shape, ichnodensity, ichnocomplexity degree and size of Zoophycos and other trace fossils. Zoophycos portrays a proximal-to-distal trend in the storm-dominated ramp sequence. In deeper parts of the ramp with long-term stable conditions and organic enrichment, Zoophycos producers selected equilibrium strategies (K-selected), whereas into the shallower parts they opted for opportunistic behavior (r-selected) due to short-term stable conditions with low food flux. The feeding behavior proposed in this study is based on general morphology as well as mode of sediment exploiting, and includes deposit feeding and the caching model. Moreover, this study confirms that the distribution pattern of the Paleozoic Zoophycos producers within a sequence stratigraphic framework that was totally different from that of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. During the late transgressive systems tract (TST) and early highstand systems tract (HST), the excess of benthic food and the environmental stability, together with the prevalence of dysaerobic conditions, caused intense burrowing by the Zoophycos producer in proximal outer ramp to distal middle ramp. Its ethology, paleoecologic strategies and taphonomic signatures suggest that erosionally-exhumed, dewatered muddy beds (firmground) were not able to provide appropriate conditions for deposit-feeding Zoophycos producers as a consequence of their lower environmental stability. Therefore, Zoophycos as a standard component of the resident fair-weather community cannot be a good representative of the distal expression of the Glossifungites ichnofacies.

Amusium cristatum shell beds in the lower Pliocene deposits of Almería-Níjar Basin (SE Spain)

Densely packed monospecific-paucispecific Amusium cristatum-dominated shell beds are signifi cant features in the lower Pliocene deposits of the Almería-Níjar Basin (SE Spain), embedded in distal prodelta fi ne-grained sand and silt. The shells in these concentrations are exceptionally well preserved: articulation is relatively high, fragmentation is low, abrasion is almost lacking, and many shells preserve the original colour pattern. These taphonomic signatures suggest in situ deposition forming autochthonous fossil assemblages, i.e. biological concentrations. Benthic foraminiferal assemblages found in the prodelta deposits indicate that they formed in mesotrophic mid-shelf settings.The A. cristatum accumulations show similarities withrecent concentrations of A. balloti from the Shark Bay (NW Australia). The latter species form dense populations in restricted positions of the bay from 10 to 75 m depth. The lowermost depth range of A. balloti is similar to the palaeobathymetry inferred for the A. cristatum beds. Furthermore, the shell beds studied occur in the centre of a relatively enclosed palaeobay. Apart from these coincidences, the proximate ecological causes accounting for the recent concentrations of A. balloti are still obscure. Thus, no straightforward actualistic comparison explains the biological origin of the A. cristatum shell beds. Based on benthic foraminiferal assemblages in the prodelta deposits, A. cristatum concentrations are most likely related to intermittent nutrient and food-particle supply from several deltas feeding the palaeobay. The advance of the deltas to the centre of the basin guaranteed rapid burial and the excellent preservation of the shells.

Spatial patterning of the archaeological and paleontological assemblage at Dmanisi, Georgia: An analysis of site formation and carnivore-hominin interaction in Block 2

This study addresses the roles of biotic agents in site formation in the B1 strata of Block 2 at Dmanisi, Georgia, using theoretical and analogous frameworks for the interpretation of spatial behaviors of carnivores and hominins. For this study, stone material, faunal remains, and coprolites are analyzed to determine if any spatially distinct behaviors can be identified, located, and attributed to either hominins or carnivores. Faunal, stone, and coprolite assemblages are compared with each other, and lithic, taxonomic, and taphonomic subassemblages are compared with the overall distribution of their parent material. The spatial and taphonomic signatures suggest that hominin activity was only a small part of the contributing factors to site formation, whereas carnivores played a major role in the accumulation of bone.

Paleoecology and proliferation of the bivalve Chondrodonta joannae (Choffat) in the upper Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous) Adriatic Carbonate Platform of Istria (Croatia)

Chondrodonta joannae (Choffat) is a morphologically variable oyster-like bivalve with a predominately calcitic shell. An exceptional exposure of C. joannae-bearing strata of late Cenomanian age crops out along the seaside in northern Istria (Croatia) and permits a taphonomical and functional analysis in order to define the life habit and growth strategies of this bivalve. The C. joannae population from the studied succession is characterized by highly-elongated, large and curved shells, reaching about 50 cm in height and 5 cm in length. This shell shape is typical of the club-like bivalve morphotype, which was adapted to soft-bottom substrates with high sediment accumulation. The shell is slightly inequivalve and characterized by a reduced body cavity, a few centimetres high, and a dorsal region up to 10 times longer. The shell opening mechanism was mostly based on the resilium located between the chondrophores which protrude in the body cavity. The abandoned dorsal cavity is filled by a calcite hinge plate, the ventral edge of which acted as fulcrum for the valve flexibility. In the hinge plate, the function of chondrophores changed. They acted as a hinge to keep tightly interlocked the valves, which considerably emerged above the sediment-water interface. The individuals were arranged in low shrub-type congregations, which produced low-relief mounds. The functional morphology and taphonomic signature suggest that C. joannae individuals collected food at a greater distance from the bottom with respect to the co-occurring rudists. We speculate that the C. joannae proliferation could be related to a late Cenomanian phase of environmental instability predating the OAE2 with fluctuating climatic conditions and ocean fertility.

Small prey exploitation during the final Gravettian in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula: The case of Level D from Arbreda Cave

AbstractArbreda Cave is one of the most important sites in the Reclau Caves complex (Serinyà, north‐east Iberian Peninsula). Its stratigraphy reveals that the cave was intensively occupied during the Upper Palaeolithic. As in other archaeological sites in the western Mediterranean regions, a shift towards an intensification in small prey exploitation has been observed over the course of this period. This trend is indicated by the presence of large quantities of small mammal remains, mainly rabbits, in the archaeofaunal assemblages. However, the anthropogenic origin of these bone accumulations requires to be proved through the detailed taphonomic analysis because their presence in the archaeological record may be consequence of the activity of different agents. On this question, neotaphonomic studies have become a valuable tool with which to distinguish the taphonomic signatures produced by terrestrial carnivores, birds of prey, and humans.Although most researchers agree on the importance of small prey in the human diet during this period, this issue has not yet been resolved. Because data are still scarce, subsistence in some Upper Palaeolithic episodes, such as the final Gravettian, is not well understood. The aim of this paper is to establish the origin of the small mammal prey assemblages from Level D of Arbreda Cave and to assess the importance of these animals for the subsistence of humans in western Mediterranean regions. This level has been dated to ca. 25–20 kyr 14C BP and is mainly contemporary with the palaeoenvironmental cold conditions derived from the Greenland Stadial 3. The results of this study indicate that Level D small mammal prey assemblages have a remarkable anthropogenic footprint. Rabbits were intensively exploited, but other small mammals, such as hedgehogs, were also part of the human diet. The animal carcasses were brought whole to the cave, where they were butchered, cooked, and consumed. In addition, marrow exploitation was also practiced in the case of the rabbits.Although at Arbreda Cave, ungulates were a primary resource in the subsistence of hunter–gatherers; small prey also played an important role in human diet during the final Gravettian.

A Cenomanian–Santonian rudist–bearing carbonate platform on the northern Arabian Plate, Turkey: facies and sequence stratigraphy

Recent studies have shown that Cenomanian–Santonian carbonate sedimentary rocks rich in rudists are widespread throughout southeastern Turkey. The Derdere and Karababa formations have been analysed in the Sabunsuyu section (Kilis Province). On a field scale, we can distinguish rudist–rich beds that rhythmically alternate with bioclastic levels composed of bivalves, gastropods and roveacrinids in these formations. Although pelagic faunal elements (predominantly planktic foraminifera and pithonellids) are documented in the lowermost part of the series, the rudist–rich facies are represented mainly in the Derdere and Karababa formations. Rudists, benthic and planktic foraminifera indicate middle–late Cenomanian and Turonian–Santonian ages for the Derdere and Karababa formations, respectively. Based on studied facies, five microfacies have been recognised and categorised in three facies groups: inner ramp, mid ramp and outer ramp. Evidence such as gradual changes in facies and absence of extensive uninterrupted barrier reefs indicate that the Derdere Formation was deposited in a ramp depositional system. The sedimentology and taphonomic signature of the rudist shell beds have been described in order to obtain a better understanding of the depositional environment and the physical processes that controlled Cenomanian–Santonian sedimentation. Monospecific tabular beds characterise mainly the upper part of the series (topmost part of Derdere Formation and Karababa Formation); more complex rudist concentrations, characterised by moderate species diversity, increase upsection. The rudist levels are associated with highstand systems tract deposits because of the suitability of trophic conditions in the rudist–dominated ramp.

Analysing Deposition and Site Formation Processes in Medieval Cess Pits Using Bone Fragmentation

Signatures of animal bone fragmentation have huge potential for understanding deposition and archaeological site formation processes, yet they are scarcely studied, especially in medieval urban contexts. Archaeological investigations at 1–5 Benjamin Street, Farringdon uncovered a number of medieval cess pits and other contexts associated with the Hospitaller Priory of St John of Jerusalem. The well-preserved zooarchaeological assemblage from these contexts was deemed an excellent case study for in-depth bone fragmentation analysis to both test and display the utility of the method at this type of site. The analysis revealed that material from the lowest fills of the cess pits differed from the upper fills in that fragmentation was more intensive. Based on the size and weight of fragments, and surface modifications related to burning and taphonomy, we postulate that floor and hearth sweepings were occasionally deposited in the cess pits whilst they were in use. This material was likely further fragmented when cess pits were periodically emptied. Faunal specimens in the upper fills have different fragmentation and taphonomic signatures and more likely relate to opportunistic refuse deposition or capping after the use of the cess pits. This analysis shows the archaeological potential of this approach when aligned with specific research questions concerning deposition.

TO EAT, DISCARD, OR VENERATE: FAUNAL REMAINS AS PROXY FOR HUMAN BEHAVIORS IN LOWLAND MAYA PERI-ABANDONMENT DEPOSITS

AbstractInterpreting middens, feasting events, ritual, or terminal deposits in the Maya world requires an evaluation of faunal remains. Maya archaeologists consistently evaluate other artifact classes, but often offer simply number of identified specimens values for skeletal elements recovered from these deposits. To further understand their archaeological significance, we analyzed faunal materials from deposits at the sites of Baking Pot and Xunantunich in the Upper Belize River Valley. We identified the species, bone elements, bone or shell artifacts, taphonomic signatures, and quantitative ratios recovered to test whether a deposit can be identified as a midden, part of a feasting ritual, terminal ritual, or other rituals significant to the Maya. Our analyses allow us to begin building a system for using faunal remains as a proxy for interpreting the significance of these deposits. In this paper, we present our results and hope to open the conversation for future evaluations of faunal remains in similar deposits.

Features of meteoric diagenesis in coquinas of Morro do Chaves Formation (Barremian-Aptian of Sergipe-Alagoas Basin)

The Morro do Chaves Formation (Barremian-Aptian of the Sergipe-Alagoas Basin) presents a sedimentary succession of approximately 150 m of thickness, composed of coquinas. Despite the sedimentological, stratigraphic, and petrophysical studies developed in coquinas, the general understanding of the relationship between sedimentary processes and meteoric diagenesis is not clear. The aim of this study is to recognize and understand the features of meteoric diagenesis in bioclastic from a well core drilled at Atol quarry. The core is composed of calcarenites and calcirudites interbedded with sandstones and shales. Taphonomic signatures show a low degree of physical alteration, without shells in life position. The main features related to meteoric diagenesis are bioclasts with bioerosive macrostructures (Caulostrepsis isp. and Oichnus isp.) and destructive micritization process. This was the main alteration process identified in the bioclasts and occurs throughout the coquinas interval and, in some beds, it was possible to distinguish three different stages of micritization. The differentiation of the stages results from different periods of variation of water depth, intensity of microorganisms attack, time of alteration, and variations in siliciclastic input. Additionally, one interval exhibits extremely micritized shells, curved fissures, and carbonate nodules, interpreted as having been deposited and subsequently altered in a palustrine environment.

Taphonomic signatures of a new Upper Triassic phytosaur (Diapsida, Archosauria) bonebed from India: aggregation of a juvenile-dominated paleocommunity

ABSTRACT A monotaxic bonebed containing numerous phytosaur specimens is reported from the Upper Triassic Tiki Formation of India. The comprehensive minimum number of individuals is estimated to be 21, which includes multiple juveniles and subadults, and only a few adults. Such intraspecific aggregation of juvenile-dominated phytosaurs is explained here by parental care and juveniles living in cohorts, as are evident from extant phylogenetic bracketing of either lepidosaurs or crocodiles and birds. The cause of this mass death is probably disease related, after which the carcasses bloated, floated, and disarticulated at the site of death, resulting in an autochthonous assemblage. The carcasses remained submerged under shallow, slow-moving or standing water for a prolonged time and later were subaerially exposed after the recession of water. Subsequently, flooding events resulted in their burial under the overbank fines. Comparison of biostratinomic variables with those of a rhynchosaur-dominated bonebed recovered previously from the same stratigraphic horizon showed distinct differences in their causes of death and fossilization pathways. The latter may be attributed to their habitat differences because the phytosaurs lived in the low-lying areas or ponds and the rhynchosaurs resided on relatively higher and drier areas of the Tiki floodplain.

Tafonomía y preservación diferencial de restos óseos humanos del norte de la provincia del Neuquén (República Argentina)

Se presentan los resultados de los análisis tafonómicos realizados a dos conjuntos de restos óseos humanos de los sitios arqueológicos Aquihuecó y Hermanos Lazcano (departamento Chos Malal, provincia del Neuquén). Ambos se caracterizan por su similitud cronológica (comienzos del Holoceno tardío >3.500 años), posición geográfica y material asociado, pero el estado de preservación resulta desigual. Aquihuecó presenta un conjunto muy bien preservado con ejemplares óseos escasamente fragmentados. De forma contraria, Hermanos Lazcano se caracteriza por numerosos elementos óseos fragmentados. A los efectos de explicar esta preservación diferencial se realizó el análisis tafonómico y geoquímico en ambos sitios. Los resultados indicaron la presencia de una matriz sedimentaria favorable para la preservación de restos óseos para ambos sitios. A nivel tafonómico se registró un alto contenido de carbonato de calcio sobre los restos de Aquihuecó. Interpretamos que los depósitos de carbonato cálcico son responsables de su mejor estado de preservación, mientras que en Hermanos Lazcano la disolución ósea es el principal proceso de deterioro. Se destaca la necesidad de profundizar el rol del carbonato de calcio en la preservación ósea como también en los análisis geoquímicos y geoambientales a los efectos de aportar nuevas explicaciones a la historia tafonómica de los individuos.

First assessments of the taphonomic behaviour of jaguar (Panthera onca)

In this paper we analyse the taphonomic signatures of captive jaguars (Panthera onca) in order to explore the potential of experimental frameworks to distinguish between different felid agents in carnivore-altered palaeontological and archaeological bone assemblages. Many papers have considered carnivore ecology and the bone altering behaviour of different animals since the development of taphonomic research since the 1980's, as part of the hunter vs scavenging debate to understand early hominin sites. Hyenas have been the most studied carnivore, followed by felids and lastly canids. Within felids, lions and leopards have been the focus of most research, whereas other agents, such as jaguars or tigers are still relatively uncharacterised taphonomically. Here we present the results of an experimental feeding program to assess the nature and extent of alterations that captive jaguars can produce on horse (Equus ferus caballus) appendicular bones. Working with captive animals has some limitations, namely the generally greater extent of alterations on captive-analysed assemblages in relation to their wild counterparts. Despite this issue, we aim to start developing a broader referential framework of felid ethology that includes jaguars, a relevant taphonomic agent for understanding bone assemblages of the European and American Pleistocene.Therefore, in this preliminary study on the taphonomy of jaguars, we aim to show their prowess as bone-altering agent, capable of generating tooth-marks on long limb bone diaphyses and epiphyseal deletion. The taphonomic behaviour of jaguars has not been documented experimentally in any detail so far.

Taphonomic signature of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) on the avian accumulation of Cau del Duc (Lleida, Spain)

ABSTRACT The study of small prey has been the focus of interest during the past few decades, especially due to its implications for the subsistence and cultural behaviours of human populations. In this regard, a growing body of evidence has shed light on the human exploitation of small prey, including birds. Nevertheless, small animal accumulations are not always a result of anthropogenic inputs, as they are important prey for many other predators (e.g. mammalian carnivores and birds of prey). As a consequence, establishing the taphonomic pattern of each predator is a basic step towards determining the origin of faunal accumulations, and actualistic studies provide essential information in that respect. The present work aims to characterise the avian accumulations generated by the Eurasian eagle-owl for its subsequent application to the archaeological record. To this end, a modern avian accumulation from the small cave of Cau del Duc (Lleida, Spain) was analysed following a taphonomic approach. Our results show specific characteristics fitting with the previous studies carried out on Eurasian-eagle-owl-made bone accumulations, as well as some inputs of mammalian carnivores indicating secondary actions in the faunal assemblage.

Taphonomic signature of Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) on fish remains

Fish bones are often found in Palaeolithic cave deposits, but the origin of their accumulation is generally poorly known. Knowledge of the accumulator is essential to understand the role of fish in human subsistence activities, and the Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) is frequently recognized as an accumulator of skeletal remains on archaeological sites.We analyzed 27 Eurasian eagle owl pellet samples from Tautavel (Pyrenees Orientales) in southern France. From this sample, we identified 1812 fish remains distributed across seven species: allis shad (Alosa alosa), European eel (Anguilla Anguilla), gudgeon (Gobio gobio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), Mediterranean barbel (Barbus meridionalis), chub (Squalius cephalus) and tench (Tinca tinca). These remains were characterised by relatively complete skeletal representation, minimal bone fragmentation and low digestive surface damage. On the basis of surface modification, we produced a set of criteria to be applied to the fossil record in order to highlight the role of this owl in cave fish deposits.

The São Jerônimo da Serra Site, Rio do Rasto Formation (Middle/Upper Permian), Paraná Basin, Brazil: faciological and taphonomic context

ABSTRACT: In this contribution, we present an analysis of the main faciological features of the Sao Jeronimo da Serra Site, related to the Morro Pelado Member of Rio do Rasto Formation (Middle/Upper Permian), from Parana State, Brazil, integrated to its taphonomic context. The outcrop, rich in vertebrates and bivalves remains, presents a succession of red siltstones bedded with fine to medium sandstones in which three architectural elements were observed: SF (sheetflood deposits), FF (fine of flood plain) and CS (crevasse). These data, allied to the taphonomic signatures of fossils assigned to eight levels, allowed the identification of three taphofacies. The taphofacies I is characterized by preserved bones in floodplain facies, with different articulation grades and absence of any sign of transport. The taphofacies II is composed by small isolated or fragmented bones and fish scales deposited in terminal splay facies. The taphofacies III is characterized by sandy layers with bivalve shells and fish scales, preserved in crevasse-splay deposits. The obtained data shows that the studied sedimentary succession was generated on a dry trend environment, with sporadic water supply, which conditioned the fossil preservation.