Taphonomic interpretations of a new Plio-Pleistocene hominin-bearing assemblage at Kromdraai (Gauteng, South Africa)

作者: Jean-Baptiste Fourvel , John Francis Thackeray , James S. Brink , Hannah O’Regan , José Braga

DOI: 10.1016/J.QUASCIREV.2018.04.018

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摘要: Abstract Within the past 80 years, Kromdraai site in South Africa has provided a diverse Early Pleistocene fauna (notably bovids, carnivores, primates, large rodents, birds, proboscidea). Since 2014, bone accumulation been focus of intensive fieldwork that demonstrated is much larger than previously recognised. In present taphonomic study new and faunal sample including more 2400 remains, stratigraphically controlled, we aim to test previous interpretations assemblage as representing death trap or carnivore lair. particular, discuss relationships between communities context either predator-prey predator-predator interactions. We investigate relative abundance anatomical elements their fragmentation, mortality profiles tooth-mark frequency. conclude carnivores (particularly felids hyenids) played major role from Member 2, which (thus far) oldest depositional period investigated at Kromdraai. However, high species diversity suggests secondary predators (scavengers) could have modified deposit produced by primary predators. The presence hominin remains also questioned. Our results shed light on palaeoecology 2 hominins, terms opportunistic and/or prey carnivores.

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