DATA SUMMARY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ALLIGATOR COPROLITES FROM FEATURE 86-U-2, WARM MINERAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA

• Main Author: Scott Cummings, Linda (PaleoResearch Institute)
• Format: Dataset
• Language: unknown
• Published: the Digital Archaeological Record
• Subjects: Arctic; Bryant
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.6067:XCV8M907SP_meta$v=1357240694880

Analysis of nineteen alligator coprolites from Feature 86-U-2 at Warm Mineral Springs was undertaken to examine pollen, phytoliths, macrofloral and macrofaunal remains, as well as parasites. Identification of these remains within the coprolites provides evidence of components of local and regional vegetation and sheds light on locally available food resources for the alligators. Preservation of a wide variety of remains was expected to be good, as these coprolites were recovered from a feature located at a depth of approximately 150 feet under the surface of Warm Mineral Springs. These coprolites are associated with material ranging in age from approximately 1,000 to over 3,500 years BP. The study of human coprolites from archaeological sites has focused mainly on semi-arid and arid areas (Bryant 1974; Callen 1967; CXimmings 1989; Fry 1970, 1985; Scott 1979; Sobolik 1988), as they provide the best source of data for consumption of food and interpretation of diet. Animal coprolites frequently have been overlooked as an important resource for identifying past vegetation, habitats, and activity patterns. Opportunity for recovery of coprolites and associated data bases is usually limited to areas of extreme conditions, such as arid or semi-arid areas, arctic or frozen areas, and submerged areas. It is only in situations of unusual preservation that coprolite recovery can be anticipated. These conditions exist at Warm Mineral Springs.