A taphonomic and taxonomic analysis of Pleistocene fauna from Oldupai BedsI-IV

Identifier:  TDX:4535

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4535

Authors:  Achieng, Pamela Akuku

Abstract:
perfiles de mortalidad de bóvidos, patrones de fragmentación ósea y análisis espacial para entender cómo los homínidos utilizaban el paisaje. Los hallazgos en Ewass Oldupa del Lecho I revelan comportamientos complejos de carroñeo y caza con un uso esporádico del sitio. Las comparaciones con otros yacimientos, como FLK Zinj, destacan la variabilidad en las interacciones entre homínidos y carnívoros, mostrando estrategias adaptativas en diversos paisajes. Los Lechos II y III proporcionan más información, con un uso esporádico en el Lecho II y prácticas sistemáticas de carnicería en Engaji Nanyori del Lecho III, indicando caza organizada. En el Lecho IV, las evidencias de marcas de corte y explotación de recursos acuáticos en Emurutoto sugieren procesos cognitivos avanzados y herramientas especializadas. Este estudio revela la complejidad de la evolución humana y las capacidades cognitivas y sociales de los homínidos del Pleistoceno. This study investigates early hominin behaviour through faunal remains at Oldupai Gorge, dating back approximately 2 million years. These remains are crucial in debates about Pleistocene hominin meat procurement methods—whether through hunting or scavenging. Taphonomic analyses have established that hominins hunted medium to large fauna and had primary access in competitive landscapes, supplementing their diet with marine resources. However, Oldupai Gorge has few sites with clear lithic and faunal assemblage correlations and even fewer with exclusively hominin-accumulated assemblages. The study aims to (1) understand the relationship between fauna and hominins, (2) determine access types to carcasses, and (3) establish occupation types. The hypotheses suggest that early Homo and probably Paranthropus included meat in their diet, had both early and late access to carcasses, and consistent food searches led to concentrated deposits at various sites such as kill, butchery, and living spaces. Methodologies include standard taphonomic protocols considering anatomical and taxonomic composition, bovid mortality profiles, bone fragmentation patterns, and spatial analysis to understand hominin landscape utilization.