Mortality date estimation using fetal pronghorn remains

Bibliographic Data

ID4721783
AuthorsJ N Fenner (0000-0002-6857-9309, University of Wyoming, corresponding author), D N Walker, Denetra Walker (0000-0001-6076-2259)
Year2008
Volume18
Issue1
Pages45-60
Publication date2008-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Osteoarchaeology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1047-482X • E-ISSN: 1099-1212
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/oa.923
OpenAlexW2132702757
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited15

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) fetal remains are sometimes recovered from archaeological contexts. Pronghorn have consistent reproductive schedules so their remains may provide information on seasonality of site occupation and number of mortality events. To investigate the reliability of fetal remains for seasonality and mortality event assessment, bone size and tooth eruption were measured in a sample of modern fetal pronghorn remains with known mortality dates. Results indicate a strong correlation between bone size and mortality date, but no significant correlation between tooth eruption level and mortality date. Fetal bone size was used to estimate a late April or early May mortality date at both the Oyster Ridge (48UT35) and Trappers Point (48SU1006) archaeological sites. The number of mortality events at Trappers Point was also investigated. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Biology · Estimation · Geography · Seasonality · Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes · Demography · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Ecology