PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Taphonomy studies the environmental effects on remains from the time of deposition to the time of recovery and has been integrated into the field of forensic anthropology. The changes to skeletal remains are dependent on the method of disposal and the surrounding environment. This study focused on buried remains where the type and chemical composition of the soil and the microorganisms present need to be considered. The aim was to investigate the type, frequency, and correlations of the taphonomic alterations of buried domestic pigs. Six taphonomic alterations were observed which included depositional staining, adipocere formation, bone weathering, acidic soil corrosion, and plant, and animal activity. Depositional staining, weathering and plant activity were the most common alterations followed by adipocere which was present on 92.3% of the remains. The bones were mostly stained dark brown and brown; however, the trunk region was the only region to present with black staining. The right sides were darker than the left due to the body positioning as most pigs were placed on their right sides and thus were in direct contact with the cadaver decomposition island. Additionally, the right sides presented with more adipocere as well as increased plant activity suggesting that the soil retained water. Darker stains were correlated with a more complete skeleton as adipocere provides some protection. The study confirms that there are various complicated relationships between different taphonomic alterations. A good understanding of them is needed in forensic anthropology to assist in reconstructing the events that occur after death.
摘要：
Taphonomy研究了从沉积到恢复期间对遗骸的环境影响，并已纳入法医人类学领域。骨骼遗骸的变化取决于处置方法和周围环境。这项研究的重点是需要考虑土壤和微生物的类型和化学成分的埋藏遗迹。目的是调查类型，频率,以及埋藏的家猪的植物学变化的相关性。观察到6种植物学改变，包括沉积染色，脂肪形成,骨风化,酸性土壤腐蚀，植物，动物活动。沉积染色，风化和植物活动是最常见的变化，其次是脂肪，存在于92.3％的遗骸中。骨头大多被染成深棕色和棕色；然而，躯干区域是唯一出现黑色染色的区域。由于身体定位,右侧比左侧更暗,因为大多数猪被放置在它们的右侧,因此与尸体分解岛直接接触。此外,右侧呈现更多的脂肪以及增加的植物活动，表明土壤保留了水分。较深的污渍与更完整的骨骼相关，因为脂肪能提供一些保护。该研究证实，不同的结语改变之间存在各种复杂的关系。法医人类学需要对它们有很好的了解，以帮助重建死后发生的事件。
