Taphonomy
Definition
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.
- Definition
- Systematic modification of bone and organic remains by environmental processes after death
- Key processes
- Decomposition, weathering, soil chemistry, water transport, scavenger activity, fire damage, mineral diagenesis
- Standard reference
- Behrensmeyer's six-stage weathering scale (0-5) for documenting bone surface modifications
- Forensic application
- Distinguishes perimortem from postmortem damage and supports post-mortem interval estimation
Common questions
What is taphonomy?+
Taphonomy is the study of what happens to organic remains after death. It covers decomposition, transport by water or scavengers, chemical alteration from soil chemistry, and physical modification by weather and fire. In forensic contexts, taphonomic analysis helps distinguish which damage occurred around the time of death versus long after.
Why do forensic anthropologists care about taphonomy?+
Taphonomic analysis is essential for estimating post-mortem interval (how long ago someone died) and for separating perimortem damage from postmortem changes. These distinctions directly affect case interpretation. It also explains how remains become buried in the stratigraphic record and helps investigators understand decomposition patterns at crime scenes.
What kinds of changes does taphonomy describe?+
Taphonomic modifications include weathering (sun bleaching, surface cracking), soil staining, fire damage (temperature-related color changes), transport by water currents or animals, and chemical diagenesis. Behrensmeyer's weathering scale (stages 0-5) is a standard tool for documenting bone surface changes.
Related terms
- ABFA (American Board of Forensic Anthropology)
- The US certifying body for forensic anthropologists, established in 1977. Diplomate status requires examination, case documentation, and peer review, and is routinely...
- Acetolysis
- Erdtman's 1934 extraction method. The sample is treated with a 9:1 mixture of acetic anhydride and concentrated sulphuric acid, which dissolves cellulose...
- Adipocere
- A waxy, soap-like substance formed by saponification of body fat under anaerobic, wet, cool-to-moderate conditions. Replaces unsaturated fatty acids with saturated palmitic...
- Anemophily
- Wind pollination. Anemophilous plants produce vast quantities of lightweight, smooth or finely sculpted pollen designed for long-distance aerial transport. Grasses, birch, oak,...
- Autolysis
- Self-digestion of cells after death caused by the release of lysosomal enzymes. No microbial involvement is required. Autolysis begins within minutes of...
- Behrensmeyer Weathering Stages
- A six-stage (0-5) macroscopic scale for characterising the degree of environmental weathering on bone, published by Anna Kay Behrensmeyer in Paleobiology (1978)....
- Biological Profile
- The four-part osteological description of an unidentified individual: sex, age range, population affinity (ancestry), and estimated stature. The profile constrains the pool...
- Blank Control
- A sample known to contain none of the target material, processed in parallel with real exhibits to detect laboratory contamination. A positive...
- Buikstra-Ubelaker Standards
- The 'Standards for Data Collection from Human Skeletal Remains' (1994, Arkansas Archaeological Survey Research Series 44), edited by Jane Buikstra and Douglas...
- Callus
- The new bone tissue formed at the site of a fracture during healing. Passes through stages of haematoma, fibrous callus (woven bone),...
- Chain of Custody
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
- Commingled Remains
- Skeletal material from more than one individual mixed together, as commonly recovered from mass graves, transportation disasters, or fire scenes. Sorting commingled...
Explained in these topics
- Botanical Evidence Collection and PreservationThe processes that affect organic remains after death, including how plant material decomposes, dries, or is transported. Understanding taphonomy informs decis...
- Burial Taphonomy: Processes and StagesThe study of processes that affect organic remains after death: decomposition, burial, transport, and chemical alteration. In forensic contexts it underpins bo...
- Clandestine Grave ExcavationThe study of how organisms decay and become incorporated into the stratigraphic record. In forensic contexts, taphonomic analysis interprets decomposition patt...
- Introduction and Scope of Forensic AnthropologyThe study of what happens to an organism after death: decomposition, transport, modification by soil chemistry, water, insects, and vertebrate scavengers. In f...
- Pollen Dispersal, Deposition, and PersistenceThe study of what happens to organic remains between death or deposition and recovery. For pollen taphonomy this includes dispersal mechanics, differential pre...
- Pseudopathology vs Pathology vs Taphonomy and the Buikstra-Ubelaker InventoryThe systematic modification of bone by environmental processes after death, operating over the burial or exposure interval. Includes weathering, soil staining,...