Sequential biomolecular, macrofossil, and microfossil extraction from coprolites for reconstructing past behavior and environments

The study of macroscopic, microscopic, and biomolecular remains recovered from coprolites can provide a wide range of information on past human and animal behavior and environments. In earlier studies, research tended to focus on one or two proxies, but multiproxy approaches combining data from all remains within coprolites are becoming more common. Multiproxy analyses have demonstrated value for strengthening our understanding of the past and reducing equifinality. Here we present a sequential biomolecular, macrofossil, and microfossil extraction protocol that separates all different coprolite components and is intended as a best-practice guideline for coprolite analysis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method by applying it to an assemblage of coprolites from the Paisley Caves, Oregon, USA. By combining a wide range of proxies, this study provides important information on the taxonomy and behavior of organisms in the past as well as the paleoecological context of behavior

Revisiting Kelly Forks (10CW34):current and future research at a Western Stemmed Tradition occupation in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho, USA

The Kelly Forks Work Center Site (10CW34) is a deeply buried and stratified late Pleistocene to late Holocene aged archaeological site located on the North Fork Clearwater River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho. Previous research suggested the site contained buried archaeological components associated with the Western Stemmed Tradition. Here, we report preliminary results of ongoing reinvestigation of the site to assess the stratigraphy, geochronology, archaeology, and traditional Nez Perce use of the Clearwater River drainage

Revisiting Kelly Forks (10CW34):current and future research at a Western Stemmed Tradition occupation in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho, USA

The Kelly Forks Work Center Site (10CW34) is a deeply buried and stratified late Pleistocene to late Holocene aged archaeological site located on the North Fork Clearwater River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Idaho. Previous research suggested the site contained buried archaeological components associated with the Western Stemmed Tradition. Here, we report preliminary results of ongoing reinvestigation of the site to assess the stratigraphy, geochronology, archaeology, and traditional Nez Perce use of the Clearwater River drainage

Pre-Clovis occupation of the Americas identified by human fecal biomarkers in coprolites from Paisley Caves, Oregon

When and how people first settled in the Americas is an ongoing area of research and debate. The earliest sites typically only contain lithic artifacts that cannot be directly dated. The lack of human skeletal remains in these early contexts means that alternative sources of evidence are needed. Coprolites, and the DNA contained within them, are one such source, but unresolved issues concerning ancient DNA taphonomy and potential for contamination make this approach problematic. Here, we use fecal lipid biomarkers to demonstrate unequivocally that three coprolites dated to pre-Clovis are human, raise questions over the reliance on DNA methods, and present a new radiocarbon date on basketry further supporting pre-Clovis human occupation