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7.3: Reconstructing Paleo-environments

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    Reconstructing Paleo-environments

    Format: In person or online


    Dicrostonyx torquatus, a Euroasian species of rodent.

    Author: Gillian Wong

    Source: Activity 10.1. Amanda Paskey and AnneMarie Beasley Cisneros. 2020. Digging into Archaeology. CC BY-NC. https://asccc-oeri.org/wp-content/up...Final_4_29.pdf

    Time needed: 60 minutes

    Learning Objectives

    • Detect the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary
    • Familiarize yourself with archaeological research questions that can be answered using microfaunal remains

    Supplies Needed

    • Microfauna descriptions and data set (attached)
    • Paper and pen/pencil

    Readings

    • King, Sarah and Lee Anne Zajicek. 2019. Chapter 7: Understanding the Fossil Context. Explorations. CC BY-NC.
    • Paskey, Amanda W. and Cisneros, AnneMarie B. 2020. Chapter 10: Reconstructing Environments and Subsistence Patterns, pages 123–127. In Digging into Archaeology. CC BY-NC.

    Introduction

    Hi, I’m Gillian Wong, a zooarchaeologist who specializes in using microfauna—small animals like rodents, insectivores, bats, reptiles, and amphibians—to reconstruct past environments. I use these reconstructions to address questions about hunter-gatherer landscape use and adaptation. This exercise uses a fictional data set but is based on work I did for my Ph.D. at a site in southwestern Germany.

    Our first year of excavation at the site was a year of test excavations, meaning we were testing the location for intact archaeological deposits. As the faunal analyst for the site, I first addressed the task of determining whether the site was from the Holocene (11,700 years ago to the present), the Pleistocene (2,580,000 to 11,700 years ago), or both. This temporal distinction allowed us to predict what cultural remains would likely be present. Fortunately, we can use the rodent and insectivore remains from a site to make this determination, which tends to be much faster than using 14C dating.

    Rodent and insectivore (insect-eating) remains are deposited in archaeological sites as a result of predation by raptors and small carnivores; they almost never end up at sites in large numbers as a result of human activity. Many rodents and insectivores live only in specific environments, and the latest Pleistocene and Holocene environments in Central Europe were very different. During the latest part of the Pleistocene, the environment in Central Europe was primarily cold, dry tundra and steppes (forestless grasslands). During the Holocene, the environment was warmer and was forested.

    About the data:

    The data set and excavation methods presented in this activity are based on work conducted for my Ph.D. and excavation methods used by the University of Tübingen.

    The data set describes remains found at Paleolithic rock shelter sites in southern Germany. The fictional site has five archaeological horizons (strata), numbered from the top layer and proceeding downward as 1, 2, 2a, 3, and 4.

    The fictional site was excavated in quadrants that were 1 meter by 1 meter in dimension. Each quadrant has its own “find numbers,” meaning that more than one quadrant can produce the same find number. Therefore, each artifact is identified by the designation of the quadrant (A, B, C, etc.) and the find number—A112, for example, signifies that the artifact was the 112th find from quadrant A.

    Microfaunal remains, usually bones and teeth, were recovered during screening because of their small size. In the following database, all of the microfaunal remains came from water-screened sediment so the Artifact Type for those lines is “Sediment Bucket.” All of the macrofaunal specimens yielded by a bucket of sediment (from several to hundreds) were assigned a single find number.

    Most of the recorded data describe teeth. You’ll notice, for example, many references to “lower M1” in the Element column. This means that the specimen recorded is a lower first molar. You’ll also see “lower P4,” which refers to lower fourth premolars. “C” stands for canine and “I” stands for incisor.

    Steps

    • This activity could be done individually or in groups. Depending on time and class size, the instructor may choose to divide the class into five or more groups, assigning one or more of the five archaeological horizons (1, 2a, 2b, 3, and 4) to each group.
    • Review the microfauna database (attached below).
    • Use the database and information about rodent and insectivore environmental preferences to determine whether there is evidence for a stratigraphic differentiation between the cold, open Pleistocene and the warm, forested Holocene at the site.
    • Present your results:
      • Make a figure showing the presence or absence of cold-adapted and warm-adapted microfauna for each archaeological horizon.
      • Make a table quantifying the number of specimens belonging to each taxon (genus and species) for the five archaeological horizons.
      • Write a report that includes: i. whether you could find a Pleistocene-Holocene transition at the site and, if so, its stratigraphic location. ii. The data you used to draw your conclusions. iii. Any uncertainties presented by the data.

    Conclusion

    This activity will give students an appreciation for the archaeological significance of microfauna and what it reveals about specific environment conditions. In this example, students will learn to analyze microfaunal evidence in order to determine the Pleistocene-Holocene boundary, a time period marked by several changes in human behavior, such as the development of the bow and arrow, more sedentary lifestyles, and the eventual development of farming. Throughout this exercise, students will acquire the ability to examine and synthesize a large data set.

    Adapting for Online Learning

    Rank how adaptable to online learning this lab/activity is:

    If applicable, include tips and suggestions on how to adapt this lab for online learning.

    Tips and Suggestions

    • When working with big data sets like this one, I find it easiest to play around with the data first. I read through it a few times. I look for things that I do and don’t understand. If I have the data on a computer, I like to reorganize it a few times. For example, I might start by sorting it by archaeological horizon, then I might sort it by different species of microfauna.
    • When I sort the data, I look for any patterns or anomalies that stick out to me. This can help me feel more comfortable before I really dive in.
    • When reading the “About the data” section, try to imagine the site and the way things are organized. Sketch a picture or take some notes for yourself that you can refer to later if the database starts to feel confusing. I like to draw a picture of the stratigraphy (called “archaeological horizons” in this data set) before I get started so I can remember which layers are on top and which are on the bottom.
    • In archaeology, we almost never know the answer completely, so it’s normal to have some finds not fall within your predictions. Discuss the broad, overall picture, then address any finds that don’t agree with this picture and what might have caused this.
    • Consider the behaviors of these microfaunal species when they were alive. Do they live in groups? Do they live underground? What do they eat? How are they hunted? Who hunts them? Think about how this can inform your conclusions or lead you to further research questions.

    For Further Exploration

    Habitat preferences of microfauna species:

    The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: https://www.iucnredlist.org

    Animal Diversity Web:

    https://animaldiversity.org/

    Using animal remains to reconstruct past environments:

    Lyman, R. L. 2017. Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction from Faunal Remains: Ecological Basics and Analytical Assumptions. Journal of Archaeological Research 25: 315-371.

    Andrews, P. 1995. Mammals as palaeoecological indicators. Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia 38(1): 59–72. http://www.isez.pan.krakow.pl/en/acta-zoologica.html.

    Faith, J. T. and Lyman, R. L. 2019. Paleozoology and Paleoenvironments: Fundamentals, Assumptions, Techniques. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

    References

    Mathias et al. 2017. Microtus agrestis (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Mammalian species 49(944): 23-39.

    Niethammer, J. and Krapp, F. 1982. Handbuch der Säugetiere Europas. Band 2/I Nagetiere II.

    Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft Wiesbaden.

    The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: https://www.iucnredlist.org.

    Walker, Ernest P. 1968. Mammals of the World. Second Edition. Volume II. The Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore.

    Image Attribution

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/F..._torquatus.png

    Paleoenvironments: Worksheet

    After examining the microfauna descriptions and analyzing the data set(s):

    a. Make a figure showing the presence or absence of cold-adapted and warm-

    adapted microfauna for each archaeological horizon.

    Archaeological horizon Cold-adapted microfauna? (X = present) Warm-adapted microfauna? (X=present)
    1    
    2a    
    2b    
    3    
    4    

    b. Make a table quantifying the number of specimens belonging to each taxon

    (genus and species) for the five archaeological horizons.

    Taxon # in horizon 1 # in horizon 2a # in horizon 2b # in horizon 3 # in horizon 4
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               

    c. Write a report that includes: i. whether you could find a Pleistocene-Holocene transition at the site and, if so, its stratigraphic location. ii. The data you used to draw your conclusions. iii. Any uncertainties presented by the data.

    Paleoenvironments: Data Set

    Environmental Preferences of Microfauna*

    Common Name Species Name Environmental Preference Comments
    Common Shrew Sorex araneus

    Prefers habitats that have dense vegetation and are damp, such as riparian forests and reed beds

    Does not live in very dry (arid) habitats

    		 Insectivore; from the subfamily Soricinae (red-toothed shrews)
    Eurasian Water Shrew Neomys fodiens Prefers to live near streams, lakes, and marshes

    Insectivore; from the subfamily Soricinae

    (red-toothed shrews)
    Common Mole Talpa europaea No specific preference except for ground that is diggable (not frozen or close to bedrock), because they live almost their entire lives underground

    Insectivore; identifiable by its teeth, cranium, and forelimb long bones

    (such as the humerus)

    Edible

    Dormouse

    		 Glis glis Prefers to live in woodlands, especially deciduous woodlands Rodent

    Yellow-Necked

    Mouse

    		 Apodemus flavicollis Prefers to live in woodlands, especially deciduous woodlands Rodent
    Red-backed Vole Myodes glareolus Prefers forested areas or densely covered clearings on the margins of forests Rodent
    Water Vole Arvicola Terrestris Prefers to live near bodies of water (rivers, streams, marshes, lakes) in both lowlands and on mountains Rodent
    Common Vole Microtus arvalis Lives in a wide variety of open habitats but has no particular preference Rodent; only identifiable by its lower first molar. Often grouped with M. agrestis
    Field Vole Microtus agrestis Prefers areas with dense vegetative cover and areas that are wet

    Rodent; only identifiable by its lower first molar and upper second molar. Often grouped with M.

    arvalis
    Narrow-headed Vole Microtus gregalis

    Prefers tundra and steppe environments that are open and cold

    In forests and semi-deserts, it lives in grassy areas

    		 Rodent; only identifiable by its lower first molar
    Eurasian Snow Vole Chionomys nivalis Prefers mountainous areas above the tree line where it is rocky, open, and cooler

    Rodent; only identifiable by its lower first molar or baculum

    (penis bone)

    Collared

    Lemming

    		 Dicrostonyx torquatus Prefers cold tundraenvironments Rodent

    Data Set

    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 7 1 12 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 (molar 1) L complete oxide staining
    A 7 1 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 7 1 1 Glis glis upper M3 (molar 3) R complete oxide staining
    A 7 1 1 Sorex araneus lower P4 (premolar 4) L complete  
    A 7 1 2 Myodes glareolus lower M2 (molar 2) R complete  
    A 15 1 2

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 L anterior (back) half oxide staining
    A 15 1 5 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 15 1 1 Apodemus flavicollis lower M1 R complete articulates with mandible and lower M2 and M3
    A 15 1 1 Apodemus flavicollis lower M2 R complete articulates with mandible and lower M1 and M3
    A 15 1 1 Apodemus flavicollis lower M3 R complete articulates with mandible and lower M1 and M2
    A 15 1 1 Apodemus flavicollis Mandible (lower jaw) R horizontal ramus (back part of jaw) articulates with lower M1,M2, and M3
    A 21 1 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 33 1 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 33 1 6 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 33 1 3 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 33 1 1 Talpa europea humerus (upper arm bone) R nearly complete  
    A 35 1 7 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 35 1 5 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 35 1 1 Arvicola terrestris upper M2 R complete oxide staining
    A 35 1 1 Arvicola terrestris upper M1 R complete  
    A 35 1 1 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L complete  
    A 51 2 1 Sorex araneus mandible L complete oxide staining
    A 51 2 1 Sorex araneus lower P4 L proximal (upper) horizontal ramus  
    A 51 2 10 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 51 2 3 Myodes glareolus upper M3 R complete oxide staining
    A 51 2 12 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 52 2 3 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 54 2 8 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 54 2 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete oxide staining
    A 54 2 2 Myodes glareolus upper M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 54 2 1 Myodes glareolus upper M2 R complete  
    A 55 2 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 55 2 1 Glis glis lower M2 L nearly complete  
    A 72 2 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 72 2 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 72 2 1 Sorex araneus lower I1 (incisor 1) L complete articulates with mandible and lower C
    A 72 2 1 Sorex araneus lower C (canine) L nearly complete articulates with mandible and lower I1
    A 72 2 1 Sorex araneus mandible L complete articulates with lower I1 and C; oxide staining
    A 73 2 1 Talpa europea humerus L complete oxide staining
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 73 2 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 73 2 9 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete oxide staining
    A 76 2 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 76 2 4 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 77 2 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 77 2 5 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 77 2 2 Myodes glareolus lower M2 L complete oxide staining
    A 77 2 1 Myodes glareolus lower M3 R complete oxide staining
    A 77 2 1 Myodes glareolus upper M3 L complete oxide staining
    A 77 2 4 Myodes glareolus lower M1 R anterior half oxide staining
    A 103 2 6 Myodes glareolus lower M1 R complete  
    A 103 2 7 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 103 2 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 108 2 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 109 2 1 Myodes glareolus lower M1 R anterior half oxide staining
    A 112 2 1 Apodemus flavicollis lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 112 2 1 Apodemus flavicollis upper M1 L nearly complete  
    A 112 2 7 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 112 2 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 122 2A 3 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 122 2A 1 Myodes glareolus upper M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 122 2A 2 Myodes glareolus upper M1 R complete oxide staining
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 122 2A 3 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 122 2A 1 Talpa europea humerus R proximal epiphysis and shaft (upper end and long part) oxide staining
    A 122 2A 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 124 2A 1 Soricinae mandible R horizontal ramus  
    A 124 2A 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 124 2A 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete oxide staining
    A 124 2A 2 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L complete  
    A 125 2A 1 Myodes glareolus lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 125 2A 5 Myodes glareolus lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 125 2A 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R posterior half oxide staining
    A 126 2A 1 Glis glis molar - half oxide staining
    A 126 2A 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 126 2A 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 138 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L distal (lower) half  
    A 138 3 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 138 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    A 138 3 9 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 140 3 11 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 140 3 3 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    A 140 3 1 Talpa europea radius (lower arm bone) R nearly complete oxide staining
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 140 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L anterior half  
    A 141 3 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 141 3 7 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L nearly complete  
    A 141 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 143 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 143 3 2 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 143 3 1 Microtus gregalis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 143 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete oxide staining
    A 143 3 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 143 3 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 156 3 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 156 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 156 3 6 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 156 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R anterior half  
    A 159 3 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 159 3 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 159 3 15 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L completenearly complete  
    A 159 3 10 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 159 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L anterior half  
    A 159 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    A 159 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete oxide staining
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 160 3 4 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 160 3 1 Myodes glareolus upper M2 L complete  
    A 160 3 6 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R nearly complete  
    A 160 3 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 160 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L complete  
    A 160 3 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 160 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 160 3 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 160 3 8 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 160 3 7 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 160 3 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete nearly complete  
    A 163 3 2 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 163 3 3 Microtus gregalis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 163 3 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 163 3 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 163 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L posterior half oxide staining
    A 163 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 163 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L nearly complete  
    A 163 3 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    A 163 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 163 3 6 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 163 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 163 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L nearly complete  
    A 163 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 163 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 163 3 1 Neomys fodiens lower M2 L complete articulate with lower M1 and mandible
    A 163 3 1 Neomys fodiens lower M1 L complete articulate with lower M2 and mandible
    A 163 3 1 Neomys fodiens mandible L complete articulate with lower M1 and M2
    A 163 3 10 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L posterior half  
    A 163 3 8 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 163 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    A 163 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 163 3 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete oxide staining
    A 163 3 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 163 3 5 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 184 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 184 3 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 184 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus small tooth fragment NA 3 triangles  
    A 184 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L nearly complete  
    A 186 3 1 Chionomys nivalis bacculum NA complete  
    A 186 3 2

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 186 3 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 186 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 186 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 189 3 9 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 189 3 11 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 189 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete oxide staining
    A 189 3 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete  
    A 189 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R nearly complete  
    A 189 3 3 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    A 189 3 1 Microtus gregalis lower M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 191 3 1 Chionomys nivalis lower M1 L complete  
    A 191 3 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 191 3 5 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 191 3 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    A 191 3 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 191 3 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 191 3 2 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    A 220 4 12 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 220 4 7 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R anterior half oxide staining
    A 220 4 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete  
    A 220 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R nearly complete  
    A 220 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 L complete  
    A 220 4 8 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 220 4 11 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete oxide staining
    A 220 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L nearly complete  
    A 220 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 220 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 220 4 7 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 220 4 9 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R completenearly complete  
    A 223 4 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L completenearly complete  
    A 223 4 8 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 223 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L posterior half  
    A 223 4 9 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 223 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete  
    A 223 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 223 4 6 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 223 4 7 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    A 223 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L nearly complete  
    A 223 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 R complete  
    A 223 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 223 4 6 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    A 223 4 5 Microtus gregalis lower M1 R complete  
    A 224 4 1 Talpa europaea humerus R complete  
    A 224 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 224 4 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 224 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 224 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    A 224 4 3

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 224 4 3

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 R complete  
    A 228 4 3 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 228 4 1 Glis glis upper M2 L crown complete,roots broken oxide staining
    A 228 4 5 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 228 4 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 228 4 12 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 228 4 14 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 228 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete  
    A 228 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    A 228 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 L complete  
    A 228 4 6 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    A 228 4 8 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 228 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L complete  
    A 228 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 R nearly complete  
    A 228 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 228 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R posterior half  
    A 249 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete oxide staining
    A 249 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 249 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L nearly complete  
    A 249 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L nearly complete  
    A 249 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    A 249 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 L complete  
    A 249 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 249 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L nearly complete  
    A 249 4 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 249 4 7 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 249 4 11 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 249 4 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete oxide staining
    A 249 4 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 251 4 3 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    A 251 4 7 Microtus gregalis lower M1 R complete  
    A 251 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 251 4 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 251 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 251 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R nearly complete  
    A 251 4 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 252 4 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L complete  
    A 252 4 6 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 252 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L anterior half  
    A 252 4 8 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 252   4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 257 4 1 Chionomys nivalis lower M1 R complete  
    A 257 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R anterior half  
    A 257 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 257 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L complete  
    A 257 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R complete  
    A 257 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 257 4 2 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 257 4 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 299 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L nearly complete  
    A 299 4 1 Soricinae lower M2 L nearly complete  
    A 299 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 299 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete oxide staining
    A 299 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 299 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 299 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 300 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 300 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete  
    A 300 4 1 Microtus agrestis upper M2 R complete  
    A 300 4 3 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 300 4 2 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R complete  
    A 304 4 9 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 304 4 12 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 304 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R posterior half  
    A 304 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R anterior half oxide staining
    A 304 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 L complete  
    A 304 4 5 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R complete  
    A 304 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 L complete  
    A 304 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M3 R complete  
    A 304 4 7 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L nearly complete  
    A 304 4 10 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R nearly complete  
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 304 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L complete articulate with maxilla and upper M3
    A 304 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete articulate with maxilla and upper M2
    A 304 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus maxilla (upper jaw bone) L only tooth row articulate with upper M2 and M3
    A 304 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 L complete  
    A 304 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M2 R nearly complete  
    A 304 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 304 4 4 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 R complete  
    A 304 4 4 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 304 4 7 Microtus arvalis/agrestis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 304 4 6 Microtus gregalis lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 304 4 6 Microtus gregalis lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 305 4 6 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 R complete  
    A 305 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M1 L posterior half  
    A 305 4 1 Dicrostonyx torquatus lower M2 R nearly complete  
    A 305 4 2 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 L complete  
    A 305 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M1 R nearly complete  
    A 305 4 3 Dicrostonyx torquatus upper M3 L complete  
    A 305 4 2

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 L nearly complete  
    A 305 4 4

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 R nearly complete  
    A 305 4 1

    Microtus arvalis/

    agrestis

    		 lower M1 R complete articulate with mandible
    Quad. Find # Arch. Horizon # Taxon Element Side Portion Comment
    A 305 4 1 Microtus arvalis/agrestis mandible R nearly complete articulate with lower M1

    This page titled 7.3: Reconstructing Paleo-environments is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jess Whalen via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.