DIAGNOSTIC TRAITS IN POST-CRANIAL ELEMENTS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF TWO OTARIIDS SPECIES IN THE ZOOARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD

Abstract

Arctocephalus australis and Otaria flavescens are the two species of otariids that frequently appear in the zooarchaeological record of South American coastal sites. The similarity between their postcranial bone elements has limited taxonomic identification, resulting in one of the greatest difficulties encountered to carry out detailed zooarchaeological analysis of these animals. The aim of this study is to present a clear descriptive criterion that can be used to identify these two species when recovered from the zooarchaeological record. The use of diagnostic traits along with other approaches (e.g., osteometric studies, bone fusion schedule), will allow investigating particular aspects of the fossil record of these animals. From a sample of 24 modern adult individuals, earlier proposed criteria were reviewed, and as a result, a new list of 36 diagnostic traits for postcranial skeleton bones is presented.