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Smith's Comment on our functional analysis of grinding stone fragments from Pleistocene contexts at Lake Mungo () draws attention to the low frequency of implements, uncertainties about functional interpretations and archaeological implications. He argues that Pleistocene seed exploitation at Lake Mungo was limited and probably not indicative of a seed grinding economy. We suggest that it is premature to speculate about the scale of seed grinding at Lake Mungo. We also use new data to address concerns raised about our methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Fullagar et al. () use microwear and residues to argue for seed grinding in the late Pleistocene at Lake Mungo. The ten Zanci/ Arumpo grindstone fragments in their study represent only three grindstones when conjoined. Grindstones appear to be rare in these assemblages and are small, hand-sized implements. Traces of starch are low, of uncertain taphonomy and not from known economic taxa. The use-polish may indicate grinding of seeds, but these grindstones were used differently to ethnohistorical seed-grinders. Even if seeds were used, this was probably not a seed-based economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]