Taphonomy of Fossil Small Mammals in Eastern Africa
A Methodological Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61258/mt.148650Abstract
Eastern Africa, with its rich and diverse fossil record, provides a unique setting for taphonomy studies. This region's complex geological history and climatic variability have made it a focal point for understanding environmental and climatic shifts over millions of years. Small mammals, ranging from rodents to shrews, are particularly significant in this context, offering insights into past habitats and climatic conditions, which are essential for reconstructing the region's ecological and evolutionary history.
Despite the importance of small mammals in taphonomic studies, their analysis presents unique challenges due to their susceptibility to taphonomic bias and the intricacies involved in their collection and interpretation. Methodological advancements in taphonomy have significantly improved our understanding of these small mammals, highlighting their crucial role in paleoenvironmental reconstructions and studies on human evolution.
Recent advancements in digital technologies, such as 3D digitization, geometric morphometrics, and advanced microscopy, have revolutionized the analysis of small mammal fossils. These tools allow for detailed, non-destructive examinations of bone surface modifications, providing more precise reconstructions of past behaviours and environmental conditions.
This review paper examines various methodologies used in taphonomic analysis of small mammal fossils from eastern Africa. It identifies the strengths and limitations of these methods and proposes ways to enhance their reliability and reproducibility. By addressing these methodological challenges and integrating advanced digital tools, taphonomic research can offer a more comprehensive understanding of eastern Africa's paleoenvironmental history and contribute significantly to our knowledge of ecological and human evolution in this region.
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