Mammalian Osteology

Special Publications of the Missouri Archaeological Society #3

by B. Miles Gilbert

This large-format volume is a valuable reference for mammalogists, vertebrate zoologists, conservationists, archaeologists, and archaeozoologists or zooarchaeologists. Also provides information for identifying different ungulates (horse, bison, elk, deer, antelope, sheep, and goats) and canids (wolves, dogs, coyotes, and foxes), and for aging most large mammals based on teeth. Contains range maps, biographical sketches of species, and over 250 pages of bone illustrations.

Genres: Archaeology

428 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1990

Reviews

[Marcus]

Great quick reference. Clear photos.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book mostly interesting, for example when the author discusses the differences of animal bones.

However, the pictures left something to be desired. I got this book since it was optional for my zooarchaeology class. At one point we had to identify 55 unknown elements (bone). For some of the elements, the book was wonderful, but it lacked in others (I was really frustrated that this book didn't even show the astralgus nor cannonbones). The author does mention landmarks of the bones, but he doesn't have diagrams of them.

Don't get me wrong, it's still a good book. I somewhat like how you can see the differences of the humerus between different species. I just wish it had a little bit more and an index.