Taphonomic bias, taxonomic bias and historical non-equivalence of faunal structure in early hominin localities

摘要: Environmental interpretation of fossil assemblages requires an accurate reconstruction the community from which assemblage was derived, in turn depends on quality a comparative model usually based study modern equivalents. The degree inaccuracy introduced by taphonomic and other types bias is often difficult to assess suitability models has rarely been addressed this light. Here we apply recently developed method present range key hominin bearing localities Neogene East South Africa. ecological structure several investigated faunas can be shown depart substantially that comprehensive faunas. Bias, where present, affects primarily small mammals, tend under-represented, large primary consumers, over-represented. This potentially significant implications for past future palaeoecological these as numerous methods are currently use rely extensively either mammals or particular bovids. Understanding nature bias, when will go some way towards improving environmental reconstructions.