Florida Museum Pressroom » Science Sunday

UF researchers discover earliest use of Mexican turkeys by ancient Maya

Caicedo,Laura X — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:24:30 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A new University of Florida study shows the turkey, one of the most widely consumed birds worldwide, was domesticated more than 1,000 years earlier than previously believed.

Researchers say discovery of the bones from an ancient Mayan archaeological site in Guatemala provides evidence of domestication, usually a significant mark of civilization, and the earliest evidence of the Mexican turkey in the Maya world. The study appears online in PLoS ONE today.

The discovery of the turkey bones is significant because the Maya did not use a lot of domesticated animals. While they cultivated domesticated plants, most of their animal protein came mostly from wild resources, said lead author Erin Thornton, a research associate at the Florida Museum of Natural History on the UF campus and Trent University Archaeological Research Centre.

“We might have gotten the timing of the introduction of this species to the ancient Maya wrong by a significant chunk of time,” Thornton said. “The species originates from central Mexico, outside the Maya cultural area. This is the species the Europeans brought back with them to Europe – all domestic turkeys originated from Mexico.”

Using archaeological evidence, comparisons of bone structure and ancient DNA analysis, scientists determined the turkey fossils belonged to the non-local species Meleagris gallopavo gallopavo, which is native to central and northern Mexico. The Mexican turkey is the ancestor of all domestic turkeys consumed in the world today and Mesoamerica’s only indigenous domesticated animal. The discovery of the bones south of the turkey’s natural range shows animal exchange occurred from northern Mesoamerica to the Maya cultural region during the Late Preclassic period from 300 B.C. to A.D. 100.

“This research has consequences for understanding Maya subsistence because they would have had access to a controlled, managed resource,” Thornton said. “The turkey bones came from right within the ceremonial precinct of the site, so these are probably the remains of some sort of elite sacrifice, meal or feast.”

The bones were recovered from the El Mirador archaeological site, one of the largest and most developed Preclassic locations found in the Maya lowlands. The site contains massive temple complexes, some of the largest Maya architecture ever constructed.

“Plant and animal domestication suggests a much more complex relationship between humans and the environment – you’re intentionally modifying it and controlling it,” Thornton said.

Researchers assumed turkey bones previously recovered from Maya sites belonged to the native ocellated turkey, Meleagris ocellata. The new evidence means researchers may need to re-examine previously recovered bones, said Florida State University anthropology professor emeritus Mary Pohl.

“This study is extremely significant and I think it opens up a whole new perspective on the Maya and animal domestication,” Pohl said. “I find it especially interesting that these turkey bones are in this very special pyramid context because people often think of turkeys as something to eat, but they were probably making some sort of special offerings of them, which would go along with the fact that they brought them in from a long distance.”

Florida Museum researchers hope a new two-year, $185,000-grant from the National Science Foundation will help answer some of the questions the study has raised about the history of turkey rearing and domestication in Mesoamerica.

“The turkeys were brought in, they weren’t local, but we don’t know if they were brought in and then killed shortly after, used as a trade item or bred on-site after an even earlier introduction,” Thornton said. “The El Mirador study is really just a tantalizing piece of the puzzle and we still have a lot left to learn and explore.”

While the fossils were originally excavated in the 1980s, they were displayed in the Brigham Young University Museum of Peoples and Cultures until being sent to Thornton for identification in 2004.

Study co-authors include Kitty Emery and David Steadman of the Florida Museum of Natural History, Camilla Speller and Dongya Yang of Simon Fraser University, and Ray Matheny of Brigham Young University.

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Writer: Danielle Torrent, dtorrent@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Erin Thornton, eekthornton@gmail.com

Fla. Museum hosts award-winning history painter Jackson Walker April 19

Gerber,Logan R — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:35:15 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for “Science Sundays” at 2:30 p.m. April 19 with award-winning Florida history painter Jackson Walker.

Walker, artist-in-residence at the Museum of Florida Art in DeLand, will display some of his work and discuss how he recreates past events in his oil paintings. His work is known nationally for its accurate portrayals of historical circumstances and he has become recognized as a reliable source of historic vision. His portrayals have been featured on television productions of the A&E Network, including the History Channel, and in many publications and books, as well as various private and institutional collections. His work also has been commissioned by the Florida National Guard and the National Guard Bureau in Washington D.C.

Walker was awarded the Florida Commendation Medal and other honors for his work documenting Florida’s military history, and has received official recognition by two Florida secretaries of state and the endorsement of the Florida Historical Society.

“Science Sundays” is a lecture series geared toward adults that coves a variety of topics. At 1:30 p.m. before every talk, University of Florida librarians will display artwork and other materials relevant to that day’s presentation.

For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm or call (352) 273-2061.

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Florida Museum Science Sunday presentation focuses on Florida’s last Ice Age

Gerber,Logan R — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:55:08 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Mammoths, saber cats and prehistoric Floridians will come to life at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Florida Museum of Natural History during a presentation on Florida’s last Ice Age.

University of Florida professor emeritus of anthropology and Florida Museum curator emeritus of archaeology Barbara Purdy will discuss the debate over how early people and animals co-existed in Florida and how emerging research techniques and instruments could be used to solve this mystery.

Human remains, artifacts and butchered bones provide evidence that people lived on the Florida peninsula during the last Ice Age more than 13,000 years ago. These early Floridians, also called Paleoamericans, hunted animals such as mammoths, mastodons, tapirs, camels and saber cats among an abundance of plants and trees. However, as the climate rapidly warmed the lifestyle of people and animals alike changed almost overnight and led to the extinction of many species.

Purdy earned her doctorate in anthropology and geology from UF before joining UF’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty in 1970. She has conducted archaeological field projects focusing on ancient stone technology and the archaeology of wetlands.

Although Purdy retired from teaching in 1992, she has remained active in field research and recently published a book titled “Florida’s People During the Last Ice Age.”

She will sign copies of her latest book after the discussion, which is part of the Florida Museum’s Science Sundays series. The presentation is free and open to the public. Call (352) 273-2064 for more information.

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Writer: Kelly Donovan
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Florida Museum hosts "Science Sunday" lecture April 6

Gerber,Logan R — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:54:10 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host the “Of Ants and Elephants” portion of its “Science Sunday” lecture series this Sunday, April 6 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

University of Florida Zoology professor Todd Palmer has returned from east Africa to share with lecture-goers the details of his experience. In this lecture, participants will learn how the relationship between ants, acacia shrubs and African elephants is vital to maintaining a healthy environment.

Palmer is an ecologist with broad research interests, including species coexistence, the ecology and evolution of mutualisms, and the role of ecosystem engineers in structuring rangeland communities. Most of his work is conducted in East Africa, although he has also worked in alpine streams, meadows and prairies of the western U.S. Palmer is the author of numerous publications and conducts various research projects funded by the National Science Foundation.

Palmer’s presentation is the last installment of the once-a-month Science Sunday lecture series this spring. Lectures are geared toward adults and have covered a diverse array of topics.

For more information, please call (352) 846-2000 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu.

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Writer: Jessica Thurmond
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Fla. Museum Sunday lecture examines climate change, global warming

Gerber,Logan R — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:15:35 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host a lecture by University of Florida Ecology professor Stephen Mulkey on the latest work and discoveries in the battle against global warming from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday as part of the museum’s Science Sundays lecture series.

The presentation, “Turn Down the Heat,” will examine how climate change is shaping the earth and the steps being taken to reduce the risks associated with these changes. Mulkey serves as science adviser to the Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida and as Director of Research and Outreach/Extension for the UF School of Natural Resources and Environment and is involved in numerous committees related to energy, greenhouse gas emissions, land use and sustainability.

Science Sundays lectures cover a variety of topics and are geared for adults. For more information, visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm or call (352) 273-2063.

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Writer: Caroline Glagola
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Fla. Museum archaeologist explores role of myths in history during Oct. 28 program

Gerber,Logan R — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:14:49 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Discover the true story of Columbus through his own words, native oral history and modern scholarship during the Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Science Sundays” lecture series, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 28.

Florida Museum Caribbean Archaeology Curator William Keegan will discuss how myths and beliefs of the storyteller bias our history. A book signing will follow.

Keegan is the author of the recently released book “Taíno Indian Myth and Practice: the Arrival of the Stranger King.” He began investigating Caribbean prehistory nearly 30 years ago and infuses his accumulated knowledge about the Taíno, an indigenous pre-Columbian people, with archaeological theory to explain how myths and beliefs not only affect cultures, but also may be used thousands of years later by archaeologists interpreting culture.

Upcoming “Science Sundays” lecturers include “Into the Wilds” Nov. 11, a discussion of nature photography, and “A Natural Perspective” Dec. 2, focusing on the history of Florida’s forests. Both programs begin at 2:30 p.m. For more information call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.

Media contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Rich fossil dig site near Newberry subject of Fla. Museum program Sept. 9

Gerber,Logan R — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:57:41 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Learn about animals that roamed Florida 2 million years ago, surfacing now in western Alachua County, during the Florida Museum of Natural History’s “Science Sundays” lecture series, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 9.

Florida Museum Vertebrate Paleontology Collections Manager Richard Hulbert will discuss the struggles and victories of the “Tapir Challenge” fossil dig site, how it is being excavated and its scientific significance for understanding Florida’s ancient fauna and climate. Sunday’s program also includes a short documentary film by Michelle Friedline.

Museum staff and hundreds of volunteers recovered more than 200 skeletons of tapirs, sloths, giant armadillos, turtles, alligators, snakes and other animals at a limestone quarry northeast of Newberry during the 2006-07 season. Volunteers are needed for the upcoming season beginning later this fall.

For more information on the “Science Sundays” series, call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.

Writer: Christine Eschenfelder
Media contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Fla. Museum offers ‘Science Sundays’ presentation on manatees March 18

Gerber,Logan R — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:52:29 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Learn what a combined experience of 60 years working with manatees has taught authors Roger Reep and Robert Bonde. The Florida Museum of Natural History will host the authors from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 18 as they discuss topics in their book “The Florida Manatee: Biology and Conservation.” A book signing will follow the presentation.

The lecture is part of the Florida Museum’s ongoing “Science Sundays” series. The next presentation, “Nature’s Laboratory” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on April 15, explores how environmental factors helped shape the evolution of the Florida cottonmouth’s venom.

For more information on the “Science Sundays” series, call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.

Contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Christine Eschenfelder

Fla. Museum hosts presentation covering 100 years of physics Feb. 11

Gerber,Logan R — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 14:20:47 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host University of Florida physics professor Tarek Saab for a “Journey Through Time and Space” from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Saab will discuss 100 years of physics from Albert Einstein to Stephen Hawking to the newest questions regarding dark matter and dark energy. He also plans to explain how the two seeming disparate fields of astrophysics and sub-atomic physics have made amazing advancements leading to our current detailed, but experimental, understanding of the cosmos.

The presentation is part of the Florida Museum “Science Sundays” series. Other presentations this spring include Florida manatees on March 18 and the evolution of the Florida cottonmouth’s venom on April 15. All presentations are from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

For more information call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.

Contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Christine Eschenfelder

Fla. Museum hosts Jan. 28 workshop on selecting children’s books

Gerber,Logan R — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:29:04 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host a literature workshop for adults who want to learn how to select books for children from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Jan. 28. University of Florida education professor Linda Lamme will focus on natural history topics for children ages 2-10.

The presentation is part of the Florida Museum “Science Sundays” series. Other presentations this spring include 100 years of physics on Feb. 11, Florida manatees on March 18 and the evolution of the Florida cottonmouth’s venom on April 15. All presentations are from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

For more information on the “Science Sundays” series, call (352) 846-2000, ext. 246 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/science_sundays.htm.

Contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Christine Eschenfelder