TaphoSource: An open-source database of experimentally generated bone surface modifications for modeling taphonomic...

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Taphonomy
• Archaeology

Background:

• Bone surface modifications (BSMs) are crucial for reconstructing fossil predator-prey dynamics and trophic interactions.
• Qualitative methods struggle to differentiate BSMs with similar appearances, limiting their use in taphonomic studies.
• Quantitative methods offer improved discrimination but require large experimental BSM datasets, hindering their application.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce TaphoSource, an open-source database of experimentally generated and fossilized BSMs.
• Provide researchers with a readily accessible dataset for quantitative BSM analysis.
• Facilitate improved modeling of predator-prey dynamics and ancient carnivory.

Main Methods:

• Generated 942 experimentally created BSMs from five taphonomic actions.
• Collected data from 12 fossilized BSMs at the HWK EE site (Olduvai Gorge).
• Utilized random forest models for BSM classification and action identification.

Main Results:

• Random forest models achieved approximately 73% accuracy in distinguishing experimental BSM categories.
• Successfully trained a model to identify actions responsible for fossilized BSMs using the TaphoSource data.
• The database enables quantitative BSM modeling without generating new experimental data.

Conclusions:

• TaphoSource provides a valuable, open-access resource for quantitative taphonomic research.
• The database supports more accurate reconstruction of ancient carnivory and hominin/non-hominin behavior.
• Facilitates deeper insights into Plio-Pleistocene mammalian carnivory and behavioral evolution.