Off-campus ETSU users: To download "Campus Only" theses, please use the following link to log in to our proxy server with your ETSU username and password.
Non-ETSU users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
12-2012
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Blaine W. Schubert
Committee Members
Steven C. Wallace, Larisa R.G. DeSantis, James I. Mead
Abstract
The paleoecology of Guy Wilson Cave is based on 1) systematic identification of cervid material, 2) taphonomic analysis of cervids with a focus on carnivore utilization, and 3) carbon isotopes from cervid and herbivore tooth enamel (δ13C). Systematic identification reveals that there are at least three cervid species in the cave fauna based on fossil remains: Odocoileus virginianus, Rangifer tarandus, and either Cervalces scotti or Alces alces. Separation of Cervalces and Alces based on the dental material was not possible. Taphonomic analysis of gnawing and tooth markings showed alterations by a canid predator, and the overall pattern suggests full-heavy utilization and possible scavenging activity by the dire wolf, Canis dirus. δ13C analysis of the herbivore community showed that taxa were feeding in a dominantly C3 environment, likely a relatively dense forest. Odocoileus showed no dietary shift from the late Pleistocene to today, also suggesting a forested environment in the past.
Document Type
Thesis - restricted
Recommended Citation
Giesler, Amanda K., "A Systematic and Taphonomic Analysis of Late Pleistocene Cervid Remains and Isotopic Paleoecology of Herbivores from Guy Wilson Cave, Southern Appalachians, Tennessee" (2012). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1502. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1502
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.