Experimental taphonomy: post-mortem microstructural modifications in Sus scrofa domesticus bone

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Taphonomy
• Paleopathology

Background:

• Bone is a specialized connective tissue susceptible to post-mortem degradation.
• Histological examination of bone thin sections is crucial for taphonomic research.
• Understanding post-mortem modifications is vital for interpreting skeletal remains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate diagenetic modifications in pig skeletal remains under diverse taphonomic conditions.
• To analyze microstructural changes in bone using light microscopy.
• To assess the influence of environmental factors and protective materials on bone preservation.

Main Methods:

• Real-time, long-term experiment exposing pig skeletal remains (Sus scrofa domesticus) to different taphonomic conditions.
• Microscopic examination of bone thin sections using plain and cross-polarized light.
• Observation of macroscopic and microscopic bone alterations.

Main Results:

• Macroscopic appearance and microscopic preservation of bone can differ significantly.
• Early microbial attack manifests as enlarged osteocyte lacunae, coalescing into larger foci.
• Intra-individual and intra-bone variation in preservation was observed; textile presence/composition affected preservation.
• No specific patterns of early histological attack or clear relationship with abdominal proximity were found.

Conclusions:

• Histological analysis reveals complex diagenetic processes affecting buried or surface-exposed bones.
• Microbial activity and protective textiles are key factors influencing bone degradation.
• Findings enhance the understanding of post-mortem bone alteration in taphonomic studies.