Pleistocene Peccaries from Guy Wilson Cave, Sullivan County, Tennessee.

<p>Descriptive and taphonomic analyses of undescribed Pleistocene Tayassuidae from Guy Wilson Cave within the East Tennessee State University and McClung Museum collections revealed a MNI of 16 <em>Platygonus compressus</em> and 2 <em>Mylohyus</em> from left femora and isolated teeth, respectively. Linkage between upper dentition and species identification is suggested by comparing <em>Mylohyus fossilis</em> to <em>M. nasutus</em> from other Pleistocene-aged sites. Long-bone NISP and age profiles show a predominance of <em>Platygonus</em> adults. Tayassuidae upper canines, likely <em>Platygonus</em>, suggest sexual dimorphism. Long bones were analyzed for carnivore damage and utilization revealing light utilization similar to that caused by modern wolves. Long bone weathering is predominantly light and suggests limited exposure prior to burial. Results indicate the cave was likely used as a carnivore den, possibly from dire wolf, for a period of time. No stratigraphical excavation data were available for either collection; therefore, additional excavations are needed to confirm these findings.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2007

Author dc:creator

• Nye, April Season

• Guy Wilson Cave
• Mylohyus
• Platygonus compressus
• peccaries
• Pleistocene
• Earth Sciences
• Paleontology
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2115

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3476