Archaeology isn’t just for primates anymore

April 2, 2019 9:29 AM

Expanding the already growing scope of archaeology from primate archaeology (Academia.edu): Sea otter archaeology exists, and it’s awesome (Ars Technica). Sea otters' tool use leaves behind distinctive archaeological evidence. (Phys.org) The paper in question: Wild sea otter mussel pounding leaves archaeological traces (Nature Scientific Reports, open access)
posted by filthy light thief (10 comments total)

Bonus link: tool use by animals on Wikipedia.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:30 AM on April 2, 2019

Sea otter archaeology is a thing?! Why wasn't I given the choice of that as a major in college? I feel like I may have missed my calling. sigh...

Mustelid middens

But at least I've found my new stage name
posted by gusottertrout at 9:54 AM on April 2, 2019 [8 favorites]

Wild sea otter mussel pounding
"What's this in your browser history?"
posted by Wolfdog at 9:56 AM on April 2, 2019 [9 favorites]

In Search of Ancient Otters
posted by sjswitzer at 10:02 AM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

In Search of Ancient Otters

I'm not saying it was sea minks (but it was totally sea minks)
posted by Iridic at 10:08 AM on April 2, 2019 [3 favorites]

How about whale barnacle fossils!
posted by idb at 10:11 AM on April 2, 2019 [1 favorite]

Neat! I've never heard of this, or primate archaeology, for that matter.
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 11:12 AM on April 2, 2019

Metafilter: wild sea otter mussel pounding
posted by Hairy Lobster at 12:33 PM on April 2, 2019 [2 favorites]

Paging Chuck Tingle
posted by supermedusa at 4:03 PM on April 2, 2019

Sea otter archaeology


I am sore vexed that this does not refer to archaeology done by sea otters.

With their little hats and trowels!
posted by darkstar at 4:59 PM on April 2, 2019 [8 favorites]