Fossilized Feces Help Anthropologists Understand Pre-Columbian Cultures

Explore how microbiologists analyze fossilized feces to support archaeological hypotheses about pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures in this 32-minute talk from the American Society for Microbiology. Learn about the evaluation of 1,500-year-old coprolites from Vieques, Puerto Rico, which provided evidence of two distinct ethnic populations with divergent backgrounds, including one from the Bolivian Andes. Discover the process of analyzing bacteria and fungi in ancient feces, understand the importance of diet differences, and delve into key findings related to corn consumption and parasites. Gain insights from experts Jessica Rivera and Raul J. Cano as they discuss the intersection of microbiology and archaeology in uncovering the secrets of ancient civilizations.

Introduction
Origins
Why Fossilized Feces
Analyzing Fossilized Feces
Differences in Diet
Main Findings
Corn
Parasites