Biology ETDs

Anne C. Cully

Publication Date

5-5-1977

Abstract

This study was begun in the summer of 1975 at site 29SJ627, In Marcia's Rincon, Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. Dates of the occupation of the site were from ca. 800 A.D. to 1050 A.D. The primary purposes of the study were to identify pollen; investigate factors affecting variability, including temporal, functional, and spatial factors; investigate sampling techniques to obtain adequate representation of variability; comparison of pollen and flotation samples. A total of 83 samples were processed and 34 taxa were identified. Within site 29SJ627 a block of rooms was chosen for extensive sampling. Within the rooms a grid system was developed for sampling different levels. All features in the rooms were sampled. Results indicate that storage and preparation of agricultural and wild food products occurred in the site. A strict delineation between habitation and storage rooms was not made. The pollen of mesic plants (Typha sp or Sparganium sp.) was recovered. These plants are not known to grow in Chaco Canyon today. Variability within a room is extremely high. A composite pinch sample from many locations in a room would probably express this variability. Pollen and flotation samples produce complementary data. Pollen contamination of exposed surfaces was shown to occur within 12 hours or less.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Loren David Potter

Second Committee Member

J. David Ligon

Third Committee Member

Roger Yates Anderson

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