Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Rodriguez R, Johan A

Titel

Comparative osteology of Boa and Iguana vertebrae with implications for neotropical zooarchaeology

Ort / Verlag

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

Erscheinungsjahr

2010

Quelle

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses A&I

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Animal protein has been considered a limiting factor for cultural development in Amazonia. This assumption is based on the lack of and/or underestimation of animal remains from archaeological sites. Nevertheless, it can be revised if zooarchaeological data are maximized through detailed analysis. Bones from small-sized animals are underestimated in part due to ambiguity in the identification of certain elements (e.g., ribs, vertebrae, spines). This study compares vertebrae from Boa and Iguana specimens as an example to identify two specimens with similar traits in their vertebral structures. The results show zygantra and postzygapophysis facets are useful traits to identify and differentiate vertebrae from boas and iguanas. However, comparison is more reliable when based upon the vertebral column region. This exploratory methodology might be useful for gaining more information from small zooarchaeological remains, increasing the faunal sample, and helping to support the idea that protein is not a limiting factor in Amazonia.