A taphonomic investigation of small vertebrate accumulations produced by the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) and its implications for fossil studies.
Résumé
The action of predators, such as diurnal raptors, owls, mammals or humans, influence the nature of small
vertebrate fossil assemblages but currently their taphonomic features are still poorly understood. In this study,
we investigate the taphonomic signature of the snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) based on an analysis of pellets
collected at breeding sites located in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic. This taxon is widely distributed
through the North Hemisphere and was an important predator in Pleistocene times. Taphonomic parameters
suggest that, contrary to previous assumptions, B. scandiacus produces, on average, moderate digestion of incisors,
molars and post-cranial elements, and should be classed as a Category 3 or Category 3/4 predator according
to the terminology established by Andrews. Significant inter-site variability was observed for some of the
damage considered (in particular, digestion on incisors), and a key finding is that variability and the associated
statistical confidence intervals are crucial notions that should be taken into account when assessing taphonomical
features, in order to reliably identify the potential predator(s) responsible for small vertebrate fossil accumulations.
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2019 - Royer et al. small vertebrate snowy owl - accepted manuscrit.pdf (9.37 Mo)
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