Bone weathering in a Mediterranean climate region: An experimental case study from Doñana National Park (Spain)

Bone weathering progresses more slowly in Mediterranean climates, with larger animals exhibiting even slower rates. This study, conducted over six years at Doñana National Park (Spain), found that horse tibias reached only stage 1 weathering, aligning with previous findings on body size effects. Unlike tibias, wild boar skulls showed distinct modifications due to structural differences. The research also characterized local meteorological and soil conditions, contributing to the calibration of weathering scales in Mediterranean contexts—a critical gap given the region's abundant fossil assemblages.

Pizarro-Monzo, M., Domingo, L., Negro, J. J., Cantero, E., Martín-Perea, D. M., & Domingo, M. S. (2025). Bone weathering in a Mediterranean climate region: An experimental case study from Doñana National Park (Spain). PLOS One, 20(10), e0335508. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335508