| Summary: | Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Abstract: Rangifer tarandus, the species which encompasses both caribou in North America and reindeer in Eurasia, is a keystone species for both the cultures and the ecosystems of the circumpolar world. Because of this, human interactions with reindeer and caribou throughout history are of great interest to zooarchaeologists. Beyond the human-focused exploration of these relationships, these studies attempt to understand the experiences of the reindeer as well. This dissertation undertakes to explore, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the anatomy and life experiences of these animals. The studies include, first, a study of diagnostic differences between the phalanges of the fore and hindlimb, second, a study of the soft tissues of the hoof, third, an analysis of potential difference in entheseal changes between populations, fourth, a study of incidences of pathology between populations and sexes, and lastly, an osteobiography of a single remarkable animal. These studies highlight the use of osteology, anatomy, and paleopathology to explore animal life histories and create animal osteobiographies. As such, they present a collection of foundational studies designed for use by zooarchaeologists working with reindeer and caribou and for human-animal scholars examining the relationships between humans and Rangifer tarandus.
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