Morphological Correlates of Locomotor Mode in the Volar Pads of Strepsirrhine Primates

Abstract

infant health, disease prevalence and general food availability. Its study therefore has the potential to inform bioarchaeologists about numerous aspects of early-life experience in the past. In this study we present results from the first incremental isotopic study to be conducted in the northern Atacama Desert in Chile. This type of analysis has allowed us to reconstruct detailed individual life-histories, giving unprecedented insight into the weaning transition. Using deciduous dentition (n= 30) from the pre-agricultural (<3500BP), incipient agricultural (3500-1500BP) and fully agricultural (1500-400BP) periods we aim to tease apart the factors affecting weaning decision-making in this extremely harsh environment. We examine isotopic profiles of children, identifying patterns relating to both weaning and environmental stress. We show that, despite the presence of cultures with reported proscribed weaning behaviour, the decision of when to wean remained deeply individual. In almost all individuals analysed we find isotopic patterns indicative of physiological stress, probably reflecting the difficult reality of life in the desert. We highlight the interconnected nature of physiological stress and weaning decisions, and their potential impact on the children of the Atacama. This research was supported by the New