Scavenging activity can produce predictable patterns in surface skeletal remains scattering: Observations and comments from two experiments

Kjorlien, Yvonne P.; Beattie, Owen B.; Peterson, Arthur E.

Scavenging activity can produce predictable patterns in surface skeletal remains scattering: Observations and comments from two experiments

dc.contributor.author	Kjorlien, Yvonne P.
dc.contributor.author	Beattie, Owen B.
dc.contributor.author	Peterson, Arthur E.
dc.date.accessioned	2018-06-08T15:31:49Z
dc.date.available	2018-06-08T15:31:49Z
dc.date.issued	2009-07
dc.description.abstract	In forensic contexts, surface deposited remains are frequently found that have been scattered by various taphonomic processes. In an effort to develop strategies to improve recovery rates, this study evaluates whether patterns can be detected in the scattering of remains due to scavenger activity. In two experiments, 24 human analogues (pig carcasses) were placed in two adjacent but differing environmental contexts: 12 in wooded and 12 in open grassland. Six carcasses in each of these contexts were dressed in human clothing. Elapsed time and direction of movement information for each carcass and its parts were collected and analyzed. Unclothed carcasses and carcasses in open contexts exhibited scavenger activity sooner than the others. Scattering of remains occurred along game trails and was directed away from human population and activity. Due to the highly variable nature of scavenger activity, daily observations during a research project are the key leading to a better understanding of the development of these patterns.	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Kjorlien, Y., Beattie, O., Peterson, A. (2009). Scavenging activity can produce predictable patterns in surface skeletal remains scattering: observations and comments from two experiments, Forensic Science International.	en_US
dc.identifier.doi	10.1016/j.forsciint.2009.03.022	en_US
dc.identifier.doi	http://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/33362
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/1880/106744
dc.language.iso	en	en_US
dc.publisher	Elsevier	en_US
dc.publisher.department	Anthropology & Archaelogy	en_US
dc.publisher.faculty	Arts	en_US
dc.publisher.hasversion	Pre-print	en_US
dc.publisher.institution	FMA Heritage	en_US
dc.publisher.institution	University of Alberta	en_US
dc.publisher.policy	https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/sharing	en_US
dc.rights	Unless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.	en_US
dc.rights.uri	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0	en_US
dc.subject	Taphonomy	en_US
dc.subject	Scavenged remains	en_US
dc.subject	Dispered remains	en_US
dc.subject	Scattered remains	en_US
dc.title	Scavenging activity can produce predictable patterns in surface skeletal remains scattering: Observations and comments from two experiments	en_US
dc.type	unknown