ABSTRACT
Before drawing conclusions about the overall pattern of recovery from an incomplete skeleton, the question must be addressed of whether individual bones or portions thereof are missing because they (1) were destroyed and/or dispersed away prior to excavation/ surface recovery or (2) the searching/excavation methods or the execution thereof failed in fully recovering the remains (Bunch 2010; Cannon 1999; Dupras et al. 2011; Freeman et al. 1998; Haglund and Reay 1993; Lyman 2008, 2012; Mays et al. 2012; Ozbun 2011; Payne 1972; Pokines 2000; Quitmyer 2004; Shaffer and Sanchez 1994). Natural taphonomic processes that may destroy bones include breakdown and dissolution while buried (Chapters 2 and 5, this volume), gnawing and consumption by animal species (Chapters 7, 9, and 16), advanced subaerial weathering (Chapter 11), and thermal alteration (Chapter 14).
