Arqueologia ao Sul

Uma vez mais vimos anunciar mais uma Conferência Arqueologia ao Sul, organizada pelo NAP - Núcleo de Arqueologia e Paleoecologia da universidade do Algarve. Desta feita a comunicação vai ser proferida por Lizzie Wright, que se encontra a fazer o seu Doutoramento na Universidade de Sheffield. A conferência realizar-se-à, pelas 16h00 do dia 5 de Março, no edificio 1 (FCHS) da Universidade do Algarve, Campusa de Gambelas, ma sala 2.35.

The European Aurochs: an archaeological investigation of its evolution, morphological variability and response to human exploitation Throughout European prehistory (and beyond), the aurochs (Bos primigenius) was an extremely important animal to humans. Not only was it frequently hunted, but it is also generally agreed to be the wild ancestor of domesticated cattle (Bos taurus). Despite the importance of the aurochs, we have little idea of the range of its morphological variation, as work in this area has been patchy. Extensive morphometric studies of other important wild species in European prehistory, such as reindeer and wild boar, has shown variation that could be linked to climatic, environmental, and geographic factors, as well as patterns of human exploitation. This talk will introduce my PhD project, which aims to provide a wide-ranging study of aurochs variation across Europe from the Upper Pleistocene until its extinction. It is hoped that this research will not only provide a picture of change in response to factors such as climate change and geographical isolation, but will also aid the identification of wild and domestic cattle, and therefore will be of benefit to studies looking at the origins of cattle domestication.