Taphonomy
The systematic modification of bone by environmental processes after death, operating over the burial or exposure interval. Includes weathering, soil staining, sun bleaching, fire modification, and mineral diagenesis. Characterised by Behrensmeyer's six-stage weathering scale (0-5) and by colour changes associated with fire temperature.
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Related terms
ABFA (American Board of Forensic Anthropology)Behrensmeyer weathering stagesBiological profileBuikstra-Ubelaker StandardsCallusCommingled remainsDaubert standardEAAF (Equipo Argentino de Antropologia Forense)EburnationENFSI FAWG (Forensic Anthropology Working Group)Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI)OSAC (Organization of Scientific Area Committees)