A taphonomic investigation of aquatic reptiles (Crocodylus, Trionyx, and Pelusios) at Lake Turkana, Kenya: Significance for early hominid ecology at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

摘要

Crocodile and turtles are well represented at a number of the Olduvai archaeological sites, although the nature of their association with the lithic artifacts and the other faunal materials has never been investigated using taphonomic methodology. This thesis presents the results of an investigation of the taphonomic factors affecting the preservation and composition of aquatic reptile bone assemblages, particularly Crocodylus, Pelusios, and Trionyx, their potential contribution to early hominid diet, and significance for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.