Archaeological Evidence of Plant and Animal Domestication
Much of what we know about domestication comes from the archaeological record. Increasing knowledge about both plant domestication and the exploitation of wild species is a result of intensifying awareness among researchers of the need to recover plant remains from excavations through more refined recovery techniques. A great deal of information has been obtained by the use of a technique known as flotation. When placed in water, soil from an excavation sinks, whereas organic materials, including plant remains, float to the surface. These can then be skimmed off and examined by scientists for identifiable fragments. Other information may be obtained by studying the stomach contents of well-preserved bodies.
