1. On Stable Isotopic Data and Prehistoric Subsistence in the Soconusco Region.
- Author
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Ambrose, Stanley H. and Norr, Lynette
- Subjects
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COLLAGEN , *EXTRACELLULAR matrix proteins , *CONNECTIVE tissues , *BONES , *SKELETON , *PHYSIOLOGY , *TROPICAL conditions - Abstract
The article presents a detailed discussion of prehistoric subsistence and stable isotopic data in the Soconusco region. It states that tropical environments are particularly challenging because collagen degrades rapidly where it is hot. It mentions that the human bones from the Soconusco region appear to have experienced collagen degradation, and the methods used to extract collagen in the study do not ensure the removal of a significant class of postburial contaminants. It emphasizes that it is substantial that there should be a literature on collagen preparation and purification procedures and identification of contamination before isotopic analysis.
- Published
- 1992
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