On the Interpretation of Faunal Remains

Abstract

There is little doubt that the archaeologist in marginal areas who attempts to interpret his finds may be led to false conclusions if he accepts at face value statements concerning ranges of species whose remains he discovers in village refuse. He should remember that in nature living beings are not subject to marshalling behind sharply defined limits, but will almost inevitably be found outside the accepted “range,” either because of migration or isolated occurrence which has not been recorded.