Phytoliths ─ A Comprehensive Guide for Archaeologists And Paleoecologists

Phytoyliths are particles of hydrated silica formed in living plants that often remain in the fossil record long after the plant has died and decayed. Piperno (a senior scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, and the National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC) here offers a guide to phytolith research for archaeologists and paleoecologists, beginning with a discussion of who and why plants make phytoliths. He then explores the morphology and taxonomic significance of phytoliths in wild and domesticated plants from around the world and considers the method and theory of interpretation. Examinations of the role of phytolith research in archaeological reconstruction and in paleoecological research conclude the volume. Annotation c2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dolores R. Piperno is an archaeologist with a joint appointment at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the National Museum of Natural History.