A conceptual model for freshwater mussel (family: Unionidae) remain preservation in zooarchaeological assemblages |
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Authors: | Steve Wolverton Charles R Randklev James H Kennedy |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Geography, Center for Environmental Archaeology, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, 1704 W. Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76203, USA;2. Department of Biology, Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA |
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Abstract: | Expectations for survival of vertebrate remains have been well developed and intensely studied in the zooarchaeological taphonomic literature. Taphonomic studies of shellfish remains focus on marine species and on variables relevant to remains from paleontological contexts (e.g., fossil marine beds). In this paper we develop a conceptual framework from which to derive expectations concerning the preservation of freshwater mussel remains focusing on two parameters, shell microstructure and shell shape. Shell size does not influence survivorship. Our model is validated through application to late Holocene zooarchaeological mussel assemblages from north Texas. Taphonomically robust species are important regarding zooarchaeological and biogeographic interpretations based on mussel paleofaunas, and fragile species are important indicators of whether or not an assemblage is well preserved. |
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Keywords: | Shell taphonomy Freshwater mussels Zooarchealogy Morphometry Shell preservation |
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