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Article
Microscopic Epidermal Identification of Yucca and Agave for Archaeological Use
The Texas Journal of Science
  • Kristin D. Sobolik, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-1992
Abstract

The microscopic identification of epidermal fragments has been used extensively by wildlife ecologists to determine the diet of various animals. Archaeologists, however, have rarely relied on this simple technique to identify botanical remains observed in sites or in prehistoric dietary samples. This paper reviews the methods and techniques of microscopic epidermal identification. Distinctions of such identifications on reference samples of yucca and agave are illustrated. The application of epidermal identification is also illustrated on samples taken from archaeological contexts.

Comments

© 1992 Texas Academy of Science

Citation Information
Kristin D. Sobolik. "Microscopic Epidermal Identification of Yucca and Agave for Archaeological Use" The Texas Journal of Science Vol. 44 Iss. 2 (1992) p. 187 - 199 ISSN: 0040-4403
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kristin_sobolik/10/