Bioarchaeology Flashcards
What is bioarchaeology?
The study of the human biological component of the archaeological record.
What is Osteology?
The study of bone
What is burial population?
A set of human burials that come from a certain region and a certain time period
What is paleopathology?
The study of ancient patterns of disease and disorders
What is molecular Archaeology?
• Uses genetic material-DNA from human skeletal remains and living peoples.
•Molecular Clock- show the linear relationship between the genetic distance and time.
• Uses data from living and ancient peoples to reconstruct population migrations.
• Especially useful is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the genetic material in Y chromosomes.
Background on DNA
What’s nuclear DNA
What’s gene
What’s mt(DNA)
• nuclear DNA - Genetic material found in a cell’s nuclei
• Gene - A unit of the chromosomes that controls inheritance of particular traits
• mitochondrial DNA,
(mtDNA) - Genetic material found in the mitochondria of cells
First Americans: Story in the skulls
• Kennewick
• Spirit Cave, Carson Desert, Nevada
• Long, narrow skulls, rather than round
• High-bridged nose and gracile mandible, with prominent and square chins.
• Skull shape largely reflects genes, suggesting the earliest residents came from a different Asian population than later migrants.
First Americans: Evidence from Y
Chromosome
• Y chromosome is genetic material that is inherited only through male line.
• Only a few Y chromosome haplogroups are known for Native
Americans.
• Around 18,000 years ago.
• Issues
Major Bones of the Human Skeleton
• Sex
- Pelvis and Skull
• Age
- Teeth
- Bone fusion
How to determine sex of individuals: Subpubic angle
Female has a wider subpubic angle compared to males
How to determine sex of individuals: Sciatic Notch
Females have a wider sciatic notch
How to determine sex of individuals: Skull features
Males: more robust, large canines, pronounced muscle attatchment, square chin, extreme supraorbital ridges
Females: more gracile, round chin, sharp orbital border, slight supraorbital ridges
Sex Key Skeletal Elements
Male: Female:
(Notch)Pelvis: <68 degrees >68
Pelves(subpubic angle) <90 degree >90
Mandible eye orbits Square Round
Supraorbital ridges Pronounced Slight
What are carbon and nitrogen isotopes?
Isotopes of carbon and nitrogen are used to determine where an animal belongs relative to potential food sources and other animals in its ecosystem.
