Zooarchaeology Lab

The Zooarchaeology Lab contains over 1000 modern invertebrate and vertebrate specimens that enable identification of ancient animal remains from the Division’s existing archaeological collections and from current excavation projects.  The faunal collection consists of mollusk shells and skeletons of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, all of which are recorded in the Biodiversity Institute's Specify Database.  Mounted, articulated skeletons of a fish, frog, snake, lizard, turtle, turkey, pigeon, rabbit, cat and bison, as well as comparative articulated fore- and hindlimbs of various taxa provide useful teaching and research aids.  Examples of taphonomic surface modifications (e.g. rodent and carnivore gnawing, root-etching, water-rounding, sedimentary abrasion, etc.) and replica shell and bone artifacts supplement the comparative skeletal collections.  The Zooarchaeology Lab has layout tables for classes and two work stations for visiting researchers and  graduate students.  Equipment includes a stereomicroscope, two computers, a light table, and small and large calipers.  The lab serves an essential function in the Zooarchaeology course (Anthropology 521), taught by Olsen, as well as aiding research by the curator, faculty, students and visiting scholars.