Distinguishing species of geoemydid and trionychid turtles from shell fragments: Evidence from the Pleistocene at Niah Caves, Sarawak
Date
2009
Authors
Pritchard, P. C. H.
Rabett, R J
Piper, Philip
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons Inc
Abstract
Fragments of chelonian carapace and plastral dermal plates are well-represented from archaeological sites in the world's dry and wet tropics. However, although these bones are easily identified at an element level, few archaeological reports have explored the potential of using features of form and surface sculpturing as a way to refine that identification to genus or species. The ability to achieve such a refinement would benefit environmental and human subsistence strategy models alike. The objective of the current paper was to isolate recurrent and readily visible surface characteristics on the dermal plates from a selection of commonly occurring Southeast Asian hard- and soft-shelled turtles. Using these criteria, analysis is made of the chelonian assemblage from pre- and post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) cultural deposits in the West Mouth of Niah Cave.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: Geoemydidae; Niah Cave; Pleistocene; Trionychidae; Turtle identification
Citation
Collections
Source
International Journal of Osteoarchaeology
Type
Journal article
Book Title
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DOI
10.1002/oa.1038
Restricted until
2037-12-31