Sudden Changes In Zooarchaeological Assemblages During The Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene In The Argentinean Pampas: The Role Of Humans In Extinction

MARTÍNEZ, G.; GUTIÉRREZ, M.A.; TONNI, E. P.

Memphis, TN

Congreso; 77th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology; 2012

Society for the American Archaeology

Paso Otero archaeological locality (Argentina) provides detailed faunal and paleoenvironmental records. Paso Otero 5 (12 593-11 353 cal BP) and Paso Otero 4 (10667-7982 cal BP) sites show a dramatic change in extinct and modern species representation that occurred in only 2500 cal years. The objective is to present this case study in order to discuss processes of extinction and survival of mammals. It is proposed that not only hunting pressure, but the mere presence of humans as a factor that introduces ecosystem disturbances, would be the most parsimonious explanation regarding the process of extinctions and faunal replacements.