Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://accedacris.ulpgc.es/handle/10553/142193
Title: Bayesian morphometric analysis for archaeological seed identification: Phoenix (Arecaceae) Palms from the Canary Islands (Spain)
Authors: Rivera, Diego
Martinez-Rico, Manuel
Morales, Jacob 
Alcaraz, Francisco
Valera, Javier
Johnson, Dennis
Sosa, Pedro A. 
Abellan, Javier
Palazon, Jose Antonio
Rivera-Obon, Diego Jose
Laguna, Emilio
Obon, Concepcion
UNESCO Clasification: 241710 Paleobotánica
Keywords: Date palm
Continuous variables
Dactylifera L.
Carbonization
Typification, et al
Issue Date: 2025
Journal: Seeds
Abstract: The taxonomic complexity of Phoenix palms in the Canary Islands, where multiple morphotypes representing at least four taxa currently exist, presents significant challenges for archaeobotanical identification. We developed a Bayesian probabilistic framework to identify archaeological Phoenix seeds within the context of genus-wide morphological diversity. Our analysis incorporated thousands of specimens including modern reference collections, archaeological materials from pre-Hispanic sites in Gran Canaria and La Gomera (3-16th centuries CE), and fossil remains. We recorded quantitative measurements and qualitative characteristics for each specimen. To understand taphonomic effects, we conducted experimental carbonization of modern P. canariensis seeds and documented the resulting morphological alterations. We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward's minimum variance method and calculated taxonomic assignment probabilities for archaeological specimens using Bayesian inference, where likelihood was derived from taxon proportions within assigned clusters. The results indicated a high probability (0.69-1.00) that the archaeological specimens belong to P. canariensis var. canariensis, with no evidence for P. dactylifera presence. These findings provide critical insights into pre-Hispanic exploitation of Phoenix palms, particularly the endemic P. canariensis, which served as a vital resource, providing food, fiber, and construction materials. Our methodological approach offers a robust framework for addressing taxonomic uncertainty in archaeobotanical research while enhancing understanding of historical palm biogeography and resource use patterns in the Canary Islands.
URI: https://accedacris.ulpgc.es/handle/10553/142193
ISSN: 2674-1024
DOI: 10.3390/seeds4020019
Source: Seeds [ISSN 2674-1024], v. 4 (2), (Abril 2025)
Appears in Collections:Artículos
Adobe PDF (7,77 MB)
Show full item record

Google ScholarTM

Check

Altmetric


Share



Export metadata



Items in accedaCRIS are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.