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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 1978; v. 6; p. 87-101;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1978.006.01.08
© 1978 Geological Society of London

Part II. Background: Palaeontological and Archaeological Problems

Taphonomical background to fossil man-problems in palaeoecology

Andrew Hill

Taphonomy deals with the various processes affecting animals from their deaths to their possible fossilisation. The particular importance of work of this kind to the elucidation of features of fossil hominid behaviour and ecology is stressed. The subject of taphonomy is re-defined in terms of the differences existing between fossil assemblages and living communities of animals. A brief review is given of some of the factors to be considered in the interpretation of assemblages of terrestrial fossil vertebrates, particularly those that have some connection with hominids and hominid activity.