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A Taphonomic and Zooarchaeological Study of Pleistocene Fossil Assemblages from the Western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia

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A Taphonomic and Zooarchaeological Study of Pleistocene Fossil Assemblages from the Western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia A taphonomic and zooarchaeological study of Pleistocene fossil assemblages from the western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia Mathew Stewart A thesis in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences PANGEA Research Centre University of New South Wales November 2018 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname/Family Name : Stewart Given Name/s : Mathew Abbreviation for degree as give in the University : PhD calendar Faculty : Science School : School of Biological Earth, and Environmental Sciences A taphonomic and zooarchaeological study of Thesis Title : Pleistocene fossil assemblages from the western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) Despite its geographical positioning at the crossroads of Africa and Eurasia, the Arabian Peninsula has been largely absent from models regarding hominin out of Africa dispersals and evolution. However, a recent upturn in archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research is providing a platform with which to consider Arabia into these debates. This thesis aims to address one of the remaining gaps in the Arabian record – that of palaeontology – by investigating Pleistocene fossil deposits from the western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia. In Chapter Two, I conduct an extensive review of the Pleistocene mammal fossil record from Arabia and the surrounding regions. This review highlights the composite nature of the Arabian fossil record, significant climate-induced faunal turnover in Africa, and relatively stable conditions in Southwest and South Asia. In Chapter Three, my colleagues and I conduct stable isotope analysis of fossil fauna associated with newly discovered stone tools and probable butchery marks. Results demonstrate that conditions were comparable to modern-day East African savannas, suggesting hominin dispersals into the region required no major novel adaptations. In Chapters Four, Five, and Six, I conduct detailed taxonomic and taphonomic analyses to provide insights into past environmental conditions and site formation processes. Results indicate that bones accumulated in conditions more humid and vegetated than the present day, while more recent processes such as wind and salt weathering have drastically altered fossil appearance and composition. In Chapter Five, I report hominin and non-hominin mammal tracks and trackways. The age of the tracks implies Homo sapiens was the probably trackmaker, while analysis of the track assemblage suggests that H. sapiens and large mammals were occupying and utilizing similar spaces and resources at the same times. The age of the tracks also suggests the earliest H. sapiens dispersals out of Africa were not restricted to the Levant but extended into the Arabian interior. Taken together, these studies provide unique and detailed insights into the interplay between hominins, animals, and the environment within the Arabian interior and have shed considerable light on some of palaeoanthropology's outstanding questions. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). …………………………………… ……………………………………..……………… ……….……………………...……. Signature Witness Signature Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Date of completion of requirements for Award: O RIGINALITY STATEMENT ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed …………………………………………….............. Date …………………………………………….................. C OPYRIGHT STATEMENT ‘I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed …………………………………………….............. Date …………………………………………….................. A UTHENTICITY STATEMEN T ' I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format' Signed …………………………………………….............. Date …………………………………………….................. A CKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank our Saudi Arabian colleagues, for without their ongoing support this research would not be possible. A shout out to Abdhullah, Abdulaziz, Badr, and Khaled for their help in the field, endless trips to town to fetch supplies, constant supply of qahwah, and all round good-times. I extend my gratitude to the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) for inviting me to Jeddah, and a special thanks to Iyad and Yahya. A big thankyou to my supervisor Julien Louys. For all your time and effort, your brilliant insights and constructive criticisms, swift comments on drafts (although often a little too quick), and for being an all-round great guy. To all the members of the PALAEODESERTS Project. I thank Mike Petraglia for bringing me onto the project and I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities you have afforded me. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Huw, Pat, Maria, Breeze, Uncle Nick, Richard, Simon, Ian and G, you have all helped more than you know. I'm grateful to the Leakey Foundation and PANGEA Research Centre for funding my research. I'd like to thank Darren Curnoe for starting me off on my PhD journey and Ceri, Nat, and Ray for being great first lab mates. To Mike and Sue for their generosity, support, and encouragement. A shout out to post-grad committee members past and present for organising the fun-times that keep us all sane. I'd like to thank Hayley Bates for all the teaching opportunities, Lewis Adler for always reaching out to this poor PhD student whenever work was available, and Jono for being one kick-ass Administrative Officer. To all friends old and new. The Beans of BagSoc – Bitter, Shriv, Flickin', Jumping, Peeled, Green, Keen, Top Knot, and Spicy. Thanks for being an amazing crew, the last four years would have been a bore without you all. I thank Mark and Xianling for the constant supply of coffee. It was undoubtedly this that carried me over the line in the end. I am indebted to Chenae and Sean for their kindness and generosity, you are both nothing short of amazing. And to Stu for his hospitality during my visits to Canberra. A shout out to Yarns, Gino, Simo, Hayley, April, and Ryan for the all groovy times in Wollongong. And of course, the Morteteers – I'd ride into battle with you two any day. I must thank my incredible partner Tiff for all her love, support, encouragement and perhaps most of all her remarkable patience over these last four years. Tiff, you have put up with lengthy absences, sciencey drivel, practice talks, road trips to retrieve fossils (all in your car I might add!), and much more. From the bottom of my heart, thankyou! And finally, my mother. For all your love and support over the years and for always encouraging me in my pursuits, even when you didn't understand them. Love ya! I have these people and many more to thank for this amazing experience. It was all and more than I could have ever hoped for. Stewie A BSTRACT Despite its geographical positioning at the crossroads of Africa and Eurasia, the Arabian Peninsula has been largely absent from models regarding hominin out of Africa dispersals and evolution. However, a recent upturn in archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research is providing a platform with which to consider Arabia into these debates. This thesis aims to address one of the remaining gaps in the Arabian record – that of palaeontology – by investigating Pleistocene fossil deposits from the western Nefud Desert, Saudi Arabia. In Chapter Two, I conduct an extensive review of the Pleistocene mammal fossil record from Arabia and the surrounding regions.
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