Original scientific paper

Preservation Bias in the Hominid Krapina Sample? A Randomization Approach

ADAM VAN ARSDALE ; Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA

Abstract

The processes which led to the formation of the Krapina hominid sample have been extensively debated with important implications for the interpretation of Neandertal behavior. This paper enters the debate by examining the issue of preservation bias between different skeletal elements within the sample. A null hypothesis of equal preservation among the different elements with deviations from expectation the result of chance alone is tested using an integrated set of re-sampling methodologies. While initial observations
suggest an excess of cranial and mandibular elements relative to
expectations, additional examination of the quantitative parameters of the sample suggest these findings are consistent with a model based solely on randomness. The null hypothesis, consistent with expectations of intentional burial, can therefore not be rejected. The implications of these results are discussed as they relate to interpretations of the taphonomic processes responsible for the Krapina hominid sample.

Keywords

Krapina; nested re-sampling; taphonomy; MNI; skeletal element representation

Hrčak ID:

74679

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/74679

Publication date:

31.8.2007.

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