McMaster University
ANTHROP 3FA3
Department of Anthropology
Fall 2023
LAB 4: TAPHONOMY
Worth 10% of final grade
Student Name
: Rozhin Enamzadeh Student #
: 400295728
INSTRUCTIONS:
Make sure you read each question carefully and answer what is being asked
. Be as specific and detailed
as possible, all while being succinct
. Use only the space indicated: anything beyond that space will not be graded
. Question 1:
One of these bones have been scavenged by a carnivore and one has been chewed by a rodent. Identify which is which and explain by identifying the specific changes you observe. (4 marks, 5 lines max.)
Image A been scavenged by a carnivore; based on scalloped edges, splintering, ragged
edge marks and evidence of marrow extraction all ques of carnivore scavenging. Image B chewed by a rodent; according to parallel gnawing grooves and the focus on the edges of bone which rodents use to sharpen their teeth.
Question 2:
All three of these bones are white but have different shades of white and different textures due to different processes. One has been chemically processed, one has been exposed to the sun, and one has been burned. State which bone has been exposed to which process and why you think so. (6 marks; 9 lines max.)
Image A indicates characteristics of sun exposure bones, turning tan/ white exhibit slight
discoloration or a weathered look due to long term exposure showing both longitudinal and transverse cracking, appearing highly fragile and dusty. Image B subjected to chemical processing exhibits a glossy white surface devoid of erosion or biological contamination. Image C appears to be burnt due to exposure to temperature exceeding 800 degrees Celsius based on matte white with flaky edges and crust.
Question 3:
There are many instances where one single bone shows evidence of multiple taphonomic processes. Identify the taphonomic changes shown on this bone (3
marks). How does understanding these changes help aid determining medicolegal significance? (2 marks; 9 lines max. total)
The vibrant green coloration suggests that the bone may have been exposed to a grassy or vegetated environment. The presence of parallel grooves on the bone's surface indicates rodent gnawing. The brown and flaky appearance indicates soil erosion. It suggests that the bone has been in contact with soil, possibly for an extended
period, leading to the weathering and deterioration of its surface. Understanding these techonomic changes is critical for medicolegal purposes due to estimation post-mortem Intervals (PMI); For example, the vibrant green coloration may suggest recent exposure,
