Variability and Synchrony of Seasonal Indicators in Dental Cementum Microstructure of the Kaminiriak Caribou Population

Abstract

It has recently been established that microstructural variations in dental cementum indicate not only age, but also the season of death of mammals in highly seasonal environments. Because dental microstructure often remains intact in even fossilized teeth, these phenomena are of particular interest to zooarchaeologists. In this paper the degree to which these seasonal indications vary within one modern population of caribou is assessed. While broad temporal synchrony in cementum growth cycles within the population is demonstrated, variation is exhibited. The sources of variation derive from the mechanical error in specimen preparation and analysis and the different feeding behaviors of the socially segregated caribou.