The New Taphonomy and How It Can Boost the Role of the Asian Pleistocene Archaeological Record in Human Evolution

A groundbreaking approach called 'new taphonomy' leverages artificial intelligence and computational archaeology to revolutionize the interpretation of Asian Pleistocene fossil records, particularly at key sites like Zhoukoudian. This method uses machine learning classifiers, convolutional neural networks, and 3D deep learning architectures to precisely identify bone surface modifications caused by carnivores, reducing equifinality and providing mathematical certainty in agency attribution. By addressing long-standing challenges such as complex palimpsests and limited dissemination, this study positions the Asian archaeological record as a critical component in discussions on early human behavioral evolution. The proposed model aims for global application, enhancing our understanding of hominin activities and ecological contexts.

Domínguez-Rodrigo, M., Baquedano, E., Cobo-Sánchez, L., Moclán, A., & Zhang, S. (2025). The New Taphonomy and How It Can Boost the Role of the Asian Pleistocene Archaeological Record in Human Evolution. Traces of the Distant Human Past, 214–250. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009670562.005