Spatial distribution of the macro botanical seed and fruit remains at Lapa do Santo - MG site

• Grant number: 16/20352-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2016
• End date: October 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Paleobotany
• Principal Investigator: Pedro José Tótora da Glória
• Grantee: Clarissa Sassaki Mochikawa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/00069-0 - Health and lifestyle of the Paleoamericans of Lagoa Santa: an ethnobioarchaeological approach, AP.JP

Abstract

High consumption of vegetables have been demonstrated to Paleoamerican population of Lagoa Santa, based on the high prevalence of dental caries and the presence of starch grains in local lithic material. In view of these evidences, this project aims to understand the spatial distribution of vegetable seeds and fruits at the site Lapa do Santo - MG. The richness and diversity of this record will allow testing the hypothesis that there is chronological and spatial variation in the botanical record of this archaeological site. Through this research, the diet of Lagoa Santa Paleoamericans can be better understood. In addition, paleoethnobotany area is little explored in Brazil, with great growth potential of research. (AU)