DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1318365.

Abstract. On the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Patagonia, Argentina, shell middens form part of the archaeological evidence for hunter-gatherer occupation. We performed biometric studies on calcareous exoskeletons of molluscs recovered in shell middens in order to evaluate the existence of a trend or pattern of size change over time. The results allowed us to recognize a reduction in size change over the course of the late Holocene. We discuss the paleoenvironmental, ecological and/or cultural implications of these findings. Finally, we relate the discussion to the dynamics of human occupation and resource use.

Keywords: Biometric studies, Molluscs, Calcareous exoskeletons, Shell middens, Patagonia.

Reference:

Hammond, H., L. Zilio. 2016.
Cambios en el tamaño de exoesqueletos calcáreos de moluscos durante el Holoceno tardío: arqueomalacología de concheros en la costa norte de Santa Cruz, Patagonia Argentina.
Arqueología Iberoamericana 32: 17-24. http://purl.org/aia/323.

Publication date: November 17, 2016.