Introduction

I presume the reader possesses some basic knowledge of archaeological, paleontological, biological, ecological, and anatomical principles and concepts, but it is important to review some basics of vertebrate skeletal anatomy. In this chapter I present a general discussion of what appear to be taphonomically significant properties of bones, teeth, and related materials. Both microscopic and macroscopic features are reviewed, as well as the principles of ontogeny and allometry. While only superficially covered here, these topics all warrant careful consideration in many taphonomic analyses, and the serious student will find the references cited a good place to start learning more about them.

I also consider some basic issues regarding the quantification of vertebrate remains. In this chapter I review the quantitative units commonly used in vertebrate taphonomy; additional details are provided in other chapters. As with the structure of vertebrate skeletons and skeletal tissues, an extensive literature concerning the quantification of vertebrate remains exists, and the interested reader is encouraged to inspect that literature.

Ontogeny and allometry

Ontogeny and allometry are two interrelated phenomena that often play an influential role in controlling the kind of skeletal tissue upon which taphonomic processes might operate and upon the possible effects of those processes. Ontogeny involves the growth and development of an organism from its conception to its death (Figure 4.1).