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The antics of ants: ants as agents of bioturbation in a midden deposit in south-east Queensland

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  • Richard Robins
  • Andrew Robins

Abstract

During salvage excavations of an Aboriginal shell midden at Hollywell, on the Gold Coast of Queensland, ant activity was noted as a contributor to both bioturbation, and to the introduction of modern material, including metal fragments, plastic, nylon fishing line and cotton thread into the deposit. This material was found at depths of up to 400 mm and adjacent to excavation units with shells with a calibrated age of 1050–900 BP. These observations prompted the development of a small experiment to illustrate the impact that one species of common Australian ant observed on site, the green-head ant (Rhytidoponera metallica), can have on cultural material in sandy deposits.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Robins & Andrew Robins, 2011. "The antics of ants: ants as agents of bioturbation in a midden deposit in south-east Queensland," Environmental Archaeology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(2), pages 151-161, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:yenvxx:v:16:y:2011:i:2:p:151-161
    DOI: 10.1179/174963111X13110803261010
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