Deano Stynder

University of Cape Town, Archaeology, Faculty Member

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Papers by Deano Stynder

Smith, K. M. and Stynder, D. D. (2015). Biogeography and molar morphology of Pleistocene African elephants: new evidence from Elandsfontein, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Quaternary Science Reviews 115: 101-111.

Elandsfontein (EFT) is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological/paleontological site located in the We... more Elandsfontein (EFT) is a Middle Pleistocene archaeological/paleontological site located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The largest herbivore in the assemblage is Loxodonta atlantica zulu, an extinct member of the genus that includes modern African elephants. No Elephas recki specimens were recovered at EFT, despite their common occurrence in other regions of Africa at the same time. Because E. recki and L. atlantica molars are similar in appearance, but the two species are traditionally viewed as dominating different regions of Africa during the Pleistocene, isolated molars may on occasions have been assessed to species level on the basis of geography rather than morphology. The last morphologic evaluation of EFT elephants was conducted in the 1970s, and revisiting this issue with new specimens provides added insight into the evolution of elephants in Africa. Reevaluating morphological characteristics of EFT elephant molars, through qualitative and quantitative description and comparison with Middle Pleistocene E. recki recki, L. atlantica atlantica, and L. atlantica zulu molar morphology, corroborates assessment of EFT elephants as L. a. zulu. Two recently discovered, previously undescribed molars from EFT show that molars of L. a. zulu exhibit greater variation in enamel thickness, lamellar frequency, and occlusal surface morphology than previously reported. An update of the Pleistocene biogeography of Loxodonta and Elephas indicates that fossil remains of both are often found at the same localities in eastern Africa. Their rare co-occurrences in the north and south, however, suggest geographic separation of the two genera in at least some regions of Africa, which may have been based on habitat preference.

Dollion, A. Y., Cornette R., Tolley, K. A., Boistel, R., Euriat, A., Boller, E., Fernandez, V., Stynder, D., Herrel, A. (2015). Morphometric analysis of chameleon fossil fragments from the Early Pliocene of South Africa: a new piece of the chamaeleonid history. Naturwissenschaften 102: 2

The evolutionary history of chameleons has been predominantly studied through phylogenetic approa... more The evolutionary history of chameleons has been predominantly studied through phylogenetic approaches as the fossil register of chameleons is limited and fragmented. The poor state of preservation of these fossils has moreover led to the origin of numerous nomen dubia, and the identification of many chameleon fossils remains uncertain. We here examine chameleon fossil fragments from the Early Pliocene Varswater formation, exposed at the locality of Langebaanweg “E” Quarry along the southwestern coast of South Africa. Our aim was to explore whether these fossil fragments could be assigned to extant genera.To do so, we used geometric morphometric approaches based on microtomographic imaging of extant chameleons as well as the fossil fragments themselves. Our study suggests that the fossils from this deposit most likely represent at least two different forms that may belong to different genera. Most fragments are phenotypically dissimilar from the South African endemic genus Bradypodion and are more similar to other chameleon genera such as Trioceros or Kinyongia. However, close phenetic similarities between some of the fragments and the Seychelles endemic Archaius or the Madagascan genus Furcifer suggest that some of these fragments may not contain enough genus-specific information to allow correct identification. Other fragments such as the parietal fragments appear to contain more genus-specific information, however. Although our data suggest that the fossil diversity of chameleons in South Africa was potentially greater than it is today, this remains to be verified based on other and more complete fragments.

(2013). Mid-Pleistocene Hominin occupation at Elandsfontein, Western Cape, South Africa. Quaternary Science Reviews 82: 145-166.

The current understanding of landscape scale variation in mid-Pleistocene hominin behavior is lim... more The current understanding of landscape scale variation in mid-Pleistocene hominin behavior is limited. Most of our understanding derives from a few localities in eastern Africa. Consequently, we know very little about hominin landscape use outside this region, despite the fact that mid-Pleistocene hominins occupied other climatic zones including temperate, and mid-latitude ecosystems. The winter rainfall zone in South Africa represents one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Although mammal diversity is relatively low in these habitats this is compensated by the tremendous floral diversity. Buried Pleistocene land surfaces in the region provide an opportunity to understand how humans adapted to this unique, mid-latitude environment prior to the Last Interglacial. The dunefield locality of Elandsfontein in the Western Cape of South Africa is one of the richest known paleontological and archeological sites in southern Africa. It records details of landscape formation history, enabling detailed reconstruction of the ancient environments in this winter rainfall-dominated region. This dunefield archive allows us to posit the taphonomic history of newly excavated archaeological material and previously collected specimens. Here we provide initial results from the excavation and geological analysis of the Elandsfontein dunefield and provide new insights into the formation history of the archaeological and paleontological deposits. This includes indications of multiple pedogenic intervals and groundwater table fluctuations. The combination of geological, paleontological and archaeological data provides a framework for evaluating how hominins interacted with the unique ecosystems of the Cape Floral Region of South Africa during the mid-Pleistocene.

Hartstone-Rose, A. and Stynder, D. D. (2013). Hypercarnivory, durophagy or generalised carnivory in the Mio-Pliocene hyaenids of South Africa? South African Journal of Science 109.

Carnivorans, the members of the order Carnivora, exhibit wide dietary diversity – from overwhelmi... more Carnivorans, the members of the order Carnivora, exhibit wide dietary diversity – from overwhelmingly herbivorous species (like the giant and red pandas) to species that specialise in the consumption of flesh (like the hypercarnivorous felids). Throughout the evolution of this order, many craniodental forms have emerged and gone extinct – notably the sabretooth felids that existed until the late Pleistocene. However, one carnivoran lineage, remarkable for its extreme masticatory adaptations, persists – the bone-cracking hyaenids. Three of the four extant members of this family (Crocuta crocuta, Hyaena hyaena and Parahyaena brunnea) are among the most durophagous mammals to have ever lived. The fourth extant hyaenid – the aardwolf (Proteles cristatus) – also exhibits impressive, although wholly different, masticatory adaptations as one of the most derived mammalian insectivores. How and when did the level of durophagy evident in extant bone-cracking hyenas evolve, and how do Mio-Pliocene hyenas compare to the extant members of the order in terms of their own dietary specialisations? An examination of the premolars of the Mio-Pliocene hyaenids from Langebaanweg, South Africa suggests that modern levels of durophagy appeared relatively recently. Results from an analysis of dental radii-of-curvature and premolar intercuspid notches suggest that these hyenas were neither bone crackers nor flesh specialists, but were dietary generalists.

Stynder, D. D. and Kupczik, K. (2013). Tooth Root Morphology in the Early Pliocene African Bear Agriotherium africanum (Mammalia, Carnivora, Ursidae) and its Implications for Feeding Ecology. Journal of Mammalian Evolution 20: 227-237.

Journal of Mammalian Evolution

Tooth root surface areas serve as proxies for bite force potentials, and by extension, dietary sp... more Tooth root surface areas serve as proxies for bite force potentials, and by extension, dietary specialization in extant carnivorans. Here, we investigate the feeding ecology of the extinct large-bodied ursid Agriotherium africanum, by comparing its root surface areas (reconstructed with the aid of computed tomography and three-dimensional image processing) and bite force estimates, with those of extant carnivorans. Results show that in absolute terms, canine and carnassial bite forces, as well as root surface areas were highest in A. africanum. However, when adjusted for skull size, A. africanum’s canine roots were smaller than those of extant solitary predators.With teeth being the limiting factor in the masticatory system, low canine root surface areas suggest that A. africanum would have struggled to bring down large vertebrate prey. Its adjusted carnassial root sizes were found to be smaller than those of extant hard object feeders and the most carnivorous tough object feeders, but larger than those of extant omnivorous ursids and Ursus maritimus. This and the fact that it displayed its highest postcanine root surface areas in the carnassial region (rather than the most distal tooth in the tooth row) suggest that A. africanum consumed more vertebrate tissue than extant omnivorous ursids. With an apparent inability to routinely bring down large prey or to consume mechanically demanding skeletal elements, its focus was most likely on tough tissue, which it acquired by actively scavenging the carcasses of freshly dead/freshly killed animals. Mechanically less demanding skeletal elements would have been a secondary food source, ingested and processed mainly in association with muscle and connective tissue.

Stynder, D. D., Ungar, P. S., Scott, J. R. and Schubert B. W. (2012). A dental microwear texture analysis of the Mio−Pliocene hyaenids from Langebaanweg, South Africa. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 57 (3): 485–496.

Hyaenids reached their peak diversity during the Mio−Pliocene, when an array of carnivorous speci... more Hyaenids reached their peak diversity during the Mio−Pliocene, when an array of carnivorous species emerged alongside dwindling civet−like and mongoose−like insectivorous/omnivorous taxa. Significantly, bone−cracking morphological adaptations were poorly developed in these newly−emerged species. This, their general canid−like morphology, and the absence/rarity of canids in Eurasia and Africa at the time, has led researchers to hypothesise that these carnivorous Mio−Pliocene hyaenas were ecological vicars to modern canids. To shed further light on their diets and foraging strategies, we examine and compare the dental microwear textures of Hyaenictitherium namaquensis, Ikelohyaena abronia,Chasmaporthetes australis, and Hyaenictis hendeyi from the South African Mio−Pliocene site of Langebaanweg with those of the extant feliforms Crocuta crocuta, Acinonyx jubatus, and Panthera leo (caniforms are not included because homologous wear facets are not directly comparable between the suborders). Sample sizes for individual fossil species are small, which limits confidence in assessments of variation between the extinct taxa; however, these Mio−Pliocene hyaenas exhibit surface complexity and textural fill volume values that are considerably lower than those exhibited by the living hyaena, Crocuta crocuta. Dental microwear texture analysis thus supports interpretations of craniodental evidence suggesting low bone consumption in carnivorous Mio−Pliocene hyaenas.

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Kurki, H. K., Pfeiffer, S., Stynder, D. D. (2012). Allometry of head and body size in Holocene foragers of the South African Cape. American Journal of Physical Anthropology.

Opportunities to assess morphological allometry in small-bodied human populations are rare. The f... more Opportunities to assess morphological allometry in small-bodied human populations are rare. The foragers of the Later Stone Age of the South African Cape are characteristically small-bodied. Previous studies have shown that during the period of ca. 3500 to 2000 years BP (uncalibrated 14C dates), the regional population shows transient reduced stature, body mass, and cranial size, a pattern that has been tentatively tied to demographic pressure on resources. This study examines the relationships among cranial size (centroid size) and body size (femoral length, femoral head diameter, and bi-iliac breadth) during the second half of the Holocene (N = 62). Reduced major axis regression indicates negative allometry of cranial centroid size with body size. Residuals (from ordinary least squares regression of cranial centroid size on body size) are regressed on radiocarbon date to examine temporal changes in the relationship between cranial and body size. Cranial and pelvic sizes are most conserved through time, while more ancient skeletons possess shorter femora and smaller femoral heads. The relationship between cranial centroid size and femoral length shows larger and more variable residuals at more recent dates, indicating a greater or more variable disassociation between cranial size and stature relative to more ancient skeletons. A similar, but nonsignificant relationship exists between cranial size and bi-iliac breadth. These results provide insights into the use of aspects of body size and proportionality in the assessment of health in past populations.

Oldfield, C. C., McHenry, C. R., Clausen, P.D., Chamoli, U., Parr, W.C.H., Stynder, D. D. and Wroe, S. (2012). Finite Element Analysis of ursid cranial mechanics and the prediction of feeding behaviour in the extinct giant Agriotherium africanum. Journal of Zoology. 286: 163-170.

Historically, predicting ursid feeding behaviour on the basis of morphometric and mechanical anal... more Historically, predicting ursid feeding behaviour on the basis of morphometric and mechanical analyses has proven difﬁcult. Here, we apply three-dimensional ﬁnite element analysis to models representing ﬁve extant and one fossil species of bear. The ability to generate high bite forces, and for the skull to sustain them, is present in both the giant panda and the gigantic extinct Agriotherium africanum. Bite forces for A. africanum are the highest predicted for any mammalian carnivore. Our ﬁndings do not resolve whether A. africanum was more likely a predator on, or scavenger of, large terrestrial vertebrates, but show that its skull was welladapted to resist the forces generated in either activity. The possibility that A. africanum was adapted to process tough vegetation is discounted. Results suggest that the polar bear is less well-adapted to dispatch large prey than all but one of the ﬁve other species considered.

Kupczik, K. and Stynder, D. D. (2012). Tooth root morphology as an indicator for dietary specialisation in carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivore). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 105: 456-471.

The Carnivora occupy a wide range of feeding niches in concordance with the enormous diversity in... more The Carnivora occupy a wide range of feeding niches in concordance with the enormous diversity in their skull and dental form. It is well established that differences in crown morphology are linked to variations in the material properties of the foods ingested and masticated. However, how tooth root form is related to dietary specialization is less well known. In the present study, we investigate the relationship between tooth root morphology and dietary specialization in terrestrial carnivores (canids, felids, hyaenids, and ursids). We specifically address the question of how variation in tooth root surface area is related to bite force potentials as one of the crucial masticatory performance parameters in feeding ecology. We applied computed tomography imaging to reconstruct and quantify dental root surface area in 17 extant carnivore species. Moreover, we computed maximal bite force at several tooth positions based on a dry skull model and assessed the relationship of root surface area to skull size, maximal bite force, food properties, and prey size. We found that postcanine tooth root surface areas corrected for skull size serve as a proxy for bite force potentials and, by extension, dietary specialization in carnivores. Irrespective of taxonomic affinity, species that feed on hard food objects have larger tooth roots than those that eat soft or tough foods. Moreover, carnivores that prey on large animals have larger tooth root surface areas. Our results show that tooth root morphology is a useful indicator of bite force production and allows inferences to be made about dietary ecology in both extant and extinct mammals.

Stynder, D. D. (2011). Fossil bovid diets indicate a scarcity of grass in the Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry (South Africa) late Miocene/early Pliocene environment. Paleobiology 37(1): 126-139.

The floral community along South Africa’s southwest coast today is dominated by shrubby strandvel... more The floral community along South Africa’s southwest coast today is dominated by shrubby strandveld, renosterveld, and coastal fynbos vegetation. The grass family (Poaceae), represented primarily by C3 taxa, is scarce by comparison. Nevertheless, grass has a long history along this coast, as indicated by the presence of ,5-million-year-old C3 grass pollen and phytoliths in sediments at the fossil locality of Langebaanweg E Quarry. Because the pollen and phytoliths of other plant families, including fynbos, have also been found, it has been difficult to determine whether grass was scarce or abundant in this environment. In order to shed light on this issue, I analyzed the dental mesowear of the E Quarry bovids. Results indicate that only one (Simatherium demissum) of seven analyzed species was a grazer. These compare well with the results of a microwear texture analysis, which indicate that none of the seven analyzed species were obligate grazers. These two studies point strongly toward a heavily wooded environment and not one that was dominated by grass. Although a conventional dental microwear analysis did identify three out of seven E Quarry bovid species as grazers (Bed3aN Damalacra, Kobus subdolus, and S. demissum), only S. demissum probably actually was a grazer. I suggest that the grazer signal exhibited by the other two bovid samples indicate that these species were taking advantage of a spike in grass abundance, probably during the winter growth season.

Tseng, Z. J. and Stynder, D. D. (2011). Mosaic functionality in a transitional ecomorphology: skull biomechanics in stem Hyaeninae compared to modern South African carnivorans. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 102: 540-559.

Biological Journal of the Linnean …, Jan 1, 2011

Ecomorphologies are categories of ecological adaptation and function, although intermediates are ... more Ecomorphologies are categories of ecological adaptation and function, although intermediates are not always available to shed light on functionality at the transitional stages between them. We examined an intermediate bone-cracking carnivoran ecomorphology, the stem hyaenine Ikelohyaena abronia, using finite element analysis. Skull models of Ikelohyaena, crown hyaenine Crocuta crocuta, and two other hypercarnivores were simulated with mastication and prey apprehension forces. The results obtained show that Ikelohyaena already possessed derived features in skull stress distribution and levels of strain energy, characteristic of the extant bone-cracking Crocuta; however, the estimated bite forces in Ikelohyaena were significantly lower. Prey apprehension simulations showed similar patterns; the low skull strain energy and low bite force of the Ikelohyaena mandible indicate a poor individual ability to take down large prey. The mosaic features of craniodental function in Ikelohyaena suggest that initial evolution of the hyaenid bone- cracking ecomorphology involved skull shape changes that increased stress dissipation, permitting incorporation of more hard food into the diet. Subsequent evolution of larger bite forces was then required to increase the size limit of bones that can be cracked and consumed. This mode of evolution would have allowed transitional hyaenid ecomorphologies to continuously increase the carcass processing ability both during competitive feeding and scavenging throughout their evolution.

Matthews, T. and Stynder, D. D. (2011). An analysis of the Aethomys (Murinae) community from Langebaanweg (Early Pliocene, South Africa) using geometric morphometrics. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 302: 230-242.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, …, Jan 1, 2011

Subsequent to the initial description of two Aethomys species (Aethomys adamanticola and Aethomys... more Subsequent to the initial description of two Aethomys species (Aethomys adamanticola and Aethomys modernis) at the Early Pliocene site of Langebaanweg (LBW), an increase in sample size led to the secure identification of a third, as yet, undescribed species. In addition to this new species, three morphs of existing species, or possibly three new species, were also recognized. Geometric morphometrics was used to explore the relationship of fossil species and morphs with extant Aethomys species, and to assess the intra and inter-specific variation in the size and shape of modern, as well as the LBW, Aethomys specimens. Geometric morphometrics indicates a marked similarity in the upper first molar (M1) shape between all the analyzed species, extant and extinct, and suggests the persistence, over a significant period of time, of a prototype Aethomys M1 shape. The relative warp analyses indicate some overlap in shape between the two modern species, Aethomys chrysophilus and Aethomys namaquensis, as well as some interspecific variation. These two species differ significantly from one another in terms of size. Variability in terms of size and to a minor extent, shape, was also evident in the fossil Aethomys, and it was concluded that the various fossil morphs investigated did not represent new species, or intra-specific sexual dimorphism, but rather, intra-specific variability in size and shape. Interestingly, the newly-identified LBW Aethomys species, which is similar in appearance to the extant east African Aethomys kaiseri, also showed a similarity in shape and size to A. adamanticola. These results indicate that geometric morphometrics has limitations when differentiating between morphologically similar species. The presence of Aethomys in Namibia at around 10.5 to 9.5 Ma, the degree of speciation of Aethomys at LBW, and the similarity of the LBW fossil species to the modern ones (including an East African species), provides good evidence for a southern African origin for modern Aethomys.

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Matthews, T. and Stynder, D. D. (2011). An analysis of two Myosorex species (Soricidae) from the Early Pliocene site of Langebaanweg (West coast, South Africa) using geometric morphometrics, linear measurements, and non-metric characters. Geobios 44: 87-99.

This represents the first study of the soricid community from the Early Pliocene site of Langebaa... more This represents the first study of the soricid community from the Early Pliocene site of Langebaanweg (LBW) which is represented by four species, two of which belong to the soricid genus Myosorex (Forest shrew). Using geometric morphometrics the two Myosorex fossil species are compared with each other, and the extant western and eastern Cape species: Myosorex varius, M. cafer and M. longicaudatus . In addition, the results from an analysis of a number of non-metric characters and linear measurements on the fossil species are presented. The mandibles of the fossil species are characterized by extremely broad teeth, ascending rami which are relatively gracile and differ in shape and size from modern species, and the existence of a number of primitive features of the mandibles and teeth. This evidence is interpreted as indicating that the two LBW Myosorex species represent an archaic lineage now extinct in southern Africa.

Ungar, P. S., Scott, J. R., Schubert, B. W. and Stynder, D. D. (2010). Carnivore dental microwear textures: comparability of carnassial facets and functional differentiation of the postcanine teeth. Mammalia 74: 219-224.

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Stynder, D. D., Braga, J. and Crubézy, E. (2009). Craniometric evidence for biological continuity between Meroitic and post-Meroitic populations buried at the necropolis of Missiminia, Middle Nubia. South African Archaeological Bulletin 64: 122-129.

Osteological evidence overwhelmingly suggests that ancient Nubian populations were remarkably iso... more Osteological evidence overwhelmingly suggests that ancient Nubian populations were remarkably isolated from foreign gene flow and that any morphological changes that did occur were primarily the result of in situ development. Genetic studies, on the other hand, indicate that Nubians received some gene flow from both sub-Saharan and Mediter- ranean populations. Here we re-examine the issue of external gene flow into Nubian populations in the context of the Meroitic/Ballana transition. We also try to reconcile the apparently contradictory osteological and genetic evidence. Our analysis focuses on Meroitic, late Meroitic, Ballana and Christian period crania from the Middle Nubian necropolis of Missiminia. While results from a craniometrie analysis are generally consistent with population continuity at Missiminia, populations buried there do not appear to have been genetically isolated. A small amount of morphological variation between Meroitic and post-Meroitic populations suggests that some gene flow might have occurred from more distant Nubian populations. Our results do not contradict genetic evidence which indicates that Nubian populations received a degree of outside gene flow. Nubians fit into a south-north gradient of decreasing genetic and morphological similarity along the African continent. One would thus expect southern and northern Nubians to vary slightly in morphology. Being part of a continuum, population movements from south to north or vice versa, would not be expected to cause any major alterations in the morphology of local populations.

Stynder, D. D. (2009). Tooth crown form as an indicator of niche partitioning in late Miocene/early Pliocene hyenas from ‘E’ Quarry, Langebaanweg, South Africa. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 283: 148-159.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, Jan 1, 2009

The late Miocene/early Pliocene ‘E’ Quarry deposits at Langebaanweg, South Africa, have yielded f... more The late Miocene/early Pliocene ‘E’ Quarry deposits at Langebaanweg, South Africa, have yielded fossil material of at least four hyena species (Ikelohyaena abronia, Hyaenictitherium namaquensis, Chasmaporthetes australis, Hyaenictis hendeyi). The co-occurrence of four closely-related hyaenids at Langebaanweg raises interesting questions about niche partitioning that have not been sufficiently addressed. In the only previous systematic attempt to tackle this issue, an analysis of m1 lengths, m1 trigonid lengths and p3 widths found evidence for community-wide character displacement in the first two variables. Here, a geometric morphometric approach is used to compare p2, p3, p4 and m1 (carnassial) crown form to better understand feeding niche partitioning among these four hyena species. While results indicate that all four species are very similar in crown shape, I. abronia and H. namaquensis tend to have slightly shorter, broader cheek teeth than C. australis and H. hendeyi. This suggests that I. abronia and H. namaquensis may have been less carnivorous than C. australis and H. hendeyi. The biggest difference between the species however relates to crown size. The four species exhibit community-wide character displacement with respect to p3 and p2 crown size, but not p4 crown size. While box plots based on crown log centroid size suggest that these hyenas also exhibit community-wide character displacement with respect to m1 crown size, this could not be statistically tested due to small sample size. These results support a previous suggestion that community-wide character displacement was in operation among the ‘E’ Quarry hyenas and probably played a major role in niche partitioning and in reducing inter-specific competition.

Rossouw, L., Stynder, D. and Haarhof, P. (2009). Evidence for opal phytolith preservation in the Langebaanweg ‘E’ Quarry Varswater Formation and its potential for palaeohabitat reconstruction. South African Journal of Science 105: 223-227.

At the end of the Miocene epoch, C4 grasslands began to expand at the expense of tree-, shrub- an... more At the end of the Miocene epoch, C4 grasslands began to expand at the expense of tree-, shrub- and forb-dominated C3 ecosystems. While C4 grasses were spreading throughout most regions of the world, C3 grasses may have been spreading along South Africa's southwest coast. Stable isotope analyses of hypsodont fossil ungulates from 'E' Quarry, a well-known Late Miocene/Early Pliocene fossil locality near the town of Langebaanweg, suggest that the local environment might have included a substantial C3 grass component. Besides this indirect evidence, little is known about the evolution, nature and importance of grass in the 'E' Quarry biome. As a preliminary step towards addressing these questions, we initiated a trial investigation to assess whether sediments at the site are conducive to the preservation of phytoliths, an important tool in the reconstruction of palaeohabitats. Results indicate that fossil phytoliths are sufficiently well preserved to allow a comprehensive analysis of the 'E' Quarry phytolith assemblage.

Stynder, D. D, Brock, F., Sealy, J. C., Morris, A. G., Wurz, S. and Volman, T. P. (2009). A mid-Holocene AMS 14C date for the presumed Late Pleistocene Peers Cave human skeleton from South Africa. Journal of Human Evolution 56: 431-434.

Journal of human …, Jan 1, 2009

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Stynder, D. D. (2009). Craniometric evidence for South African Later Stone Age herders and hunter–gatherers being a single biological population. Journal of Archaeological Science 36: 798-806.

Journal of Archaeological Science, Jan 1, 2009

Later Stone Age (LSA) huntergatherers and herders co-existed in South Africa during the last 2000... more Later Stone Age (LSA) huntergatherers and herders co-existed in South Africa during the last 2000 years. In spite of being the focus of intensive research over the years, the biological status and origins of the herders are still unclear. Did they represent a genetically distinct immigrant population who remained separate from the indigenous huntergatherers, or where they indigenous huntergatherers who took up herding after contact with herders, probably in northern Botswana? Here, this issue is investigated using craniometric data collected on a large sample of individually dated human crania from coastal LSA context. Mahalanobis distances (D), calculated from the raw metric data, show that there was a small increase in inter-individual craniofacial variation after the introduction of herding at ca. 2000 BP. Here it is argued that this small increase in variation is neither consistent with a large-scale immigration of genetically distinct herders into South Africa, or the long-term co-existence of two genetically distinct populations. Two alternative explanations fit the data better: (1) herding entered South Africa via the small-scale immigration of genetically distinct herders; and (2) local huntergatherer populations adopted herding after coming in contact with herders in northern Botswana. While small-scale immigration would not have had a major influence on the local gene pool, it would have increased variation to some extent as immigrants mixed with local populations. If small-scale external gene flow was not a factor in the introduction of herding, secular issues related to the introduction of herding could explain the increased variation in post-2000 BP populations.

Stynder, D. D. (2009). The diets of ungulates from the hominid fossil-bearing site of Elandsfontein, Western Cape, South Africa. Quaternary Research 71: 62-70.

Geobios, Jan 1, 2010

The dietary regimes of 15 ungulate species from the middle Pleistocene levels of the hominid-bear... more The dietary regimes of 15 ungulate species from the middle Pleistocene levels of the hominid-bearing locality of Elandsfontein, South Africa, are investigated using the mesowear technique. Previous studies, using taxonomic analogy, classified twelve of the studied species as grazers (Redunca arundinum, Hippotragus gigas, Hippotragus leucophaeus, Antidorcas recki, Homoiceras antiquus, Damaliscus aff. lunatus, Connochaetes gnou laticornutus, Rabaticerus arambourgi, Damaliscus niro, Damaliscus sp. nov., an unnamed â€œspiral hornâ€ antelope and Equus capensis), one as a mixed feeder (Taurotragus oryx) and two as browsers (Tragelaphus strepsiceros and Raphicerus melanotis). Although results from mesowear analysis sustain previous dietary classifications in the majority of cases, five species were reclassified. Three species previously classified as grazers, were reclassified as mixed feeders (H. gigas, D. aff. lunatus and R. arambourgi), one previously classified as a grazer, was reclassified as a browser (the â€œspiral hornâ€ antelope), and one previously classified as a mixed feeder, was reclassified as a browser (T. oryx). While current results broadly support previous reconstructions of the Elandsfontein middle Pleistocene environment as one which included a substantial C 3 grassy component, the reclassifications suggest that trees, broad-leaved bush and fynbos were probably more prominent than what was previously thought.

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