CAMBIOS EN EL TAMAÑO DE EXOESQUELETOS CALCÁREOS DE MOLUSCOS DURANTE EL HOLOCENO TARDÍO: ARQUEOMALACOLOGÍA DE CONCHEROS EN LA COSTA NORTE DE SANTA CRUZ, PATAGONIA ARGENTINA.

On the northern coast of Santa Cruz, Patagonia, Argentina, shell middens form part of the archaeological evidence for hunter-gatherer occupation. We performed biometric studies on calcareous exoskeletons of molluscs recovered in shell middens in order to evaluate the existence of a trend or pattern of size change over time. The results allowed us to recognize a reduction in size change over the course of the late Holocene. We discuss the paleoenvironmental, ecological and/or cultural implications of these findings. Finally, we relate the discussion to the dynamics of human occupation and resource use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]