Hostname: page-component-7bb8b95d7b-wpx69 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-09-28T14:43:37.819Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Biological Techniques in Archaeology1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 June 2018

Charles L. Douglas*
Affiliation:
Wetherill Mesa Archeological Project, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Abstract

Analysis of color and cuticular patterns of mammalian hair and examination of epidermal plant cells may be used to identify fragmentary remains from archaeological sites when standard taxonomic procedures cannot be applied. The techniques described will help the non-biologist decide when to request assistance from the specialist. An inexpensive apparatus for taking photomicrographs is described.

Type
4 Techniques
Copyright
Copyright © Society for American Archaeology 1965 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

1

This is Contribution No. 24 of the Wetherill Mesa Archeological Project.

References

Brusven, M. A. and Mulkern, G. B. 1960 The Use of Epidermal Characteristics for the Identification of Plants Recovered in Fragmentary Condition from the Crops of Grasshoppers. North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Report, No. 3. Fargo.Google Scholar
Chamberlain, K. 1957 An Introduction to the Science of Photography. Macmillan Company, New York.Google Scholar
Cockrum, E. L. 1962 Introduction to Mammalogy. Ronald Press, New York.Google Scholar
Dusi, J. L. 1949 Methods for the Determination of Food Habits by Plant Microtechnique and Histology and Their Application to Cottontail Rabbit Food Habits. Journal of Wildlife Management, Vol. 13, pp. 295–98. Lawrence.Google Scholar
Esau, K. 1960 Plant Anatomy. John Wiley & Son, Inc., New York.Google Scholar
Guyer, M. F. 1953 Animal Micrology. University of Chicago Press, Chicago.Google Scholar
Metcalfe, C. R. and Chalk, L. 1950 Anatomy of the Dicotyledons. 2 vols. Clarendon Press, Oxford.Google Scholar
Williams, Olwen 1959 Modified Gum Syrup. Turtox News, Vol. 37, No. 10. Chicago.Google Scholar