Pathologies in the Early Pliocene phocid seals from Langebaanweg South Africa

Journal Article

2011

Permanent link to this Item
http://hdl.handle.net/11427/29099
Files
Govender_Pathologies_in_Early_2011.pdf (470 KB)
Authors
Govender, Romala
Avery, Graham
Chinsamy, Anusuya
Journal Title

South African Journal of Science

Link to Journal
https://www.sajs.co.za/
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department
Department of Archaeology
Faculty
Faculty of Science
License
Series
Abstract
Abundant vertebrate fossils have been recorded from the Early Pliocene locality, Langebaanweg, South Africa. This study documents the pathologies evident in the 5 millionyear-old fossil phocid seal assemblage. Careful anatomical assessment of the remains revealed that 0.73% showed evidence of disease and/or trauma. The majority of the ailments were forms of osteoarthritis, although periodontitis and osteomyelitis were also evident. Some bones also showed healed fractures, suggesting that the individuals survived the traumatic event. Two cases of dental pathologies were also noted.
Description

Reference:

Govender, R., Avery, G., & Chinsamy, A. (2011). Pathologies in the early Pliocene phocid seals from Langebaanweg, South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 107(1-2), 1-6.

Collections
Journal Articles