Marshelder (<i>Iva annua</i> L.) Seed Morphology and Patterns of Domestication in Eastern North America

Domestication of the extinct eastern North American crop, marshelder (<i>Iva annua</i> L. var. <i>macrocarpa</I> Jackson) is investigated through quantitative analysis of samples from archaeological sites. Change in marshelder achene (fruit) size over time sheds light on patterns of regional and subregional domestication processes and patterns of diffusion. The hypothesis that marshelder was introduced into the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky rather than domesticated in situ is evaluated through spatial and temporal statistical tests from measurements of achene size collected by researchers throughout eastern North America. Statistical analyses show that although there is some evidence for increased achene size under domestication, this pattern does not indicate a smooth and gradual trend. Patterns of variability in achene size, in contrast, seem to reflect geographical location rather than temporal placement. These data support an introduction of marshelder to eastern Kentucky from the Illinois River Valley, where the first domesticates are found.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Anthropology

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Weiland, Andrew W.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gremillion, Kristen

• Archaeology
• Agriculture
• Botany
• Ecology
• Native Americans
• Plant Biology
• protracted transition
• Kentucky
• prehistory
• Eastern Agricultural Complex
• Native American
• subsistence
• food
• crops

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1365684474

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1365684474