The history of the European aurochs (Bos primigenius) from the Middle Pleistocene to its extinction : an archaeological investigation of its evolution, morphological variability and response to human exploitation
The aurochs (Bos primigenius) was an important animal to humans, during prehistory when it was widely hunted, and in some areas also during historical periods. It is generally agreed to be the wild ancestor of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and therefore an in-depth knowledge of this animal is key to research exploring human-cattle interactions, and the origins and spread of cattle domestication. Domestic cattle are smaller than their wild ancestors, but there is also a degree of overlap between the two species, which means that distinguishing them can be problematic. However, previous analyses of aurochs morphology have generally been patchy, and do not provide a picture of aurochs variation across Europe according to environment, climate and geography. We also do not have a good chronological overview for any specific area of Europe. As a consequence, zooarchaeologists often refer to comparative biometrical data from geographical areas and time periods which may not be suitable for identifying remains from their study area. This thesis provides the widest ranging review of aurochs material in Europe to date, bringing together aurochs bone and tooth biometrical information from a number of European geographical
Wright, Elizabeth
The history of the European aurochs (Bos primigenius) from the Middle Pleistocene to its extinction : an archaeological investigation of its evolution, morphological variability and response to human exploitation. The aurochs (Bos primigenius) was an important animal to humans, during prehistory when it was widely hunted, and in some areas also during historical periods. It is generally agreed to be the wild ancestor of domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and therefore an in-depth knowledge of this animal is key to research exploring human-cattle interactions, and the origins and spread of cattle domestication. Domestic cattle are smaller than their wild ancestors, but there is also a degree of overlap between the two species, which means that distinguishing them can be problematic. However, previous analyses of aurochs morphology have generally been patchy, and do not provide a picture of aurochs variation across Europe according to environment, climate and geography. We also do not have a good chronological overview for any specific area of Europe. As a consequence, zooarchaeologists often refer to comparative biometrical data from geographical areas and time periods which may not be suitable for identifying remains from their study area. This thesis provides the widest ranging review of aurochs material in Europe to date, bringing together aurochs bone and tooth biometrical information from a number of European geographical
history european bos middle_pleistocene extinction archaeological_investigation evolution morphological variability response human exploitation bos important animal_human prehistory widely hunt area also historical_period generally_agree wild ancestor domestic cattle bos taurus therefore depth knowledge animal key explore human cattle interaction origin spread cattle domestication domestic cattle small wild ancestor also degree overlap two_specie mean distinguish problematic however_previous analysis morphology generally provide picture variation across europe accord environment climate geography also good chronological overview specific area europe consequence often_refer comparative data geographical_area time_period may suitable identify remains study_area provide wide_range review material europe date bring_together bone tooth information number european geographical