Archaeologists studying shell assemblages from prehistoric sites along the Pacific coast of North America have been interested in the influences of collecting intensity and environmental variability on California mussel (Mytilus californianus) size. To determine the variation in mussel size within a shell assemblage, researchers have developed a variety of proxies of mussel valve length based on measurements of morphological features occurring at or near the valve’s umbo. We propose four additional measurements that can serve as proxies and evaluate their correlation with valve length using regression analysis. Of the four, anterior adductor scar length has the strongest correlation, and we present two examples of its application. We also evaluate a popular visual technique based on a set of outline drawings of valves of varying lengths, and we found that it systematically underestimated valve length but could be useful under certain circumstances. We conclude that the selection of a particular proxy of mussel valve length depends on the nature of the mussel shell assemblage being studied and the research context.
El propósito de este artículo es revisar la secuencia estratigráfica de los restos malacológicos de los cinco conchales ubicados en el seno de Reloncaví y fechados desde 5576 hasta 1825 años cal. a.p. (Figura 4.1). Los cambios en la abundancia y la diversidad de las muestras de fauna a través del tiempo sugieren una transformación de las estrategias de subsistencia y de los patrones de asentamiento en esta área. Entre las transformaciones, el marcado aumento en la diversidad de especies en los niveles superiores con contenido cerámico sugiere un cambio hacia una estrategia de subsistencia basada en una explotación más intensiva de la fauna. Para entender este cambio, se utiliza el modelo de amplitud de dieta de la teoría de Forajeo Óptimo. Al aplicar este modelo a los datos arqueomalacológicos, interpretamos que la variación temporal en la gama de recursos consumidos está vinculada a cambios en las estrategias de subsistencia y patrones de asentamiento.
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