2014 GABRAF Submitted Abstracts
Andrew Barker, Ty Curran, Rajeev Azad, and Barney Venables - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Transcript and Metabolic Alterations in Juvenile Danio rerio Following Chronic Exposure to the Environmental Contaminant, Norethindrone
The contraceptive, norethindrone, is a ubiquitous and persistent aquatic contaminant. Experiments using adult fish demonstrate that environmentally-relevant levels affect fecundity and phenotypic expression. However, much less is known regarding norethindrone’s effects on juvenile fish. We exposed neonatal zebrafish (Danio rerio) to a sublethal concentration of norethindrone for 28 days. Afterwards, we evaluated alterations in gene and metabolite expression. Aside from anticipated endocrine-related endpoints, our results reveal several promising targets for further investigation. Here, we discuss our results, their implications in regards to human and environmental health, and avenues of future research.
Jessica Beckham - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Use of Urban Green Spaces by Bumble Bees in Denton County
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are essential pollinators of many flowering plants, but declines have been documented worldwide. Though urban encroachment has contributed to such losses, urban green spaces can serve as habitat islands for bumble bee populations. This research aims to ascertain the importance of such areas for bumble bees in Denton County. Field surveys during July-August 2013 confirmed the presence of two declining bumble bee species in Denton County green spaces, Bombus fraternus (Smith, 1854) and Bombus pensylvanicus (DeGeer, 1773). Ongoing work includes molecular analyses to determine numbers of hives sampled and GIS analyses of land characteristics.
Evan Carpenter - Geography - University of North Texas
Identifying cultural and noncultural factors affecting litter patterns: A case study of plastic in Hickory Creek in Denton County, Texas
Plastic deposition in hydrological systems is a pervasive problem at all geographic scales from loci of pollution to global ocean circulation. Much attention has been devoted to plastic deposition in marine contexts, but little is known about inputs of plastics into local hydrological systems, such as streams. Any attempt to prevent plastic litter must confront people’s behaviors, so archaeological concepts are used to distinguish between various cultural inputs (e.g., littering) and noncultural forces (e.g., stream transport) that affect litter patterns on the landscape. Litter surveys along Hickory Creek in Denton, TX, are used to assess these factors.
Jonathan Dombrosky - Geography - University of North Texas
Region as Patch: Assessment of Foraging Efficiency in Mesa Verde and the Northern Rio Grande (ca. AD 1300)
The cause of depopulation in the Mesa Verde region (ca. AD 1300) is a classic North American archaeological inquiry. The northern Rio Grande (NRG) region of New Mexico is one of the areas Mesa Verde people may have migrated to after depopulation. The abundance of large game may have been an important migration pull factor that drew Mesa Verde people into the NRG. To address this, I assess foraging efficiency on a broad regional scale using zooarchaeological data from 11 Mesa Verde Pueblo I-III (AD 750-1300) sites and 13 NRG sites that span the Developmental to Classic Periods (AD 900-1600). If the Mesa Verde region had become a faunal sink, then large game abundance should have been substantially higher in the Northern Rio Grande.
Amy Eddins - Geography - University of North Texas
The Influence of Local Habitat Variability on White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Body Size at Fort Hood, Texas
Phenotypic plasticity is observed in animals whose physical characteristics are regulated by environmental conditions. Many variables have been correlated with variation in animal body size, including latitude, temperature, precipitation, geographic range, home range and NPP. Ecologically relevant NPP (eNPP), or available food, is thought to regulate white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) body size. Harvest and habitat data from the Fort Hood Deer Management Region in central Texas is used to examine how local habitat variability affects deer body/antler size and dispersal. Implications for management and conservation suggest that high habitat productivity relates to larger, healthier deer.
Laura Ellyson - Geography - University of North Texas
Impacts of PIII Resource Intensification on Leporid Populations in the Mesa Verde Region, AD 1000-1280
Zooarchaeological studies of Mesa Verde subsistence have focused on artiodactyl decline concurrent with increasing reliance on small wild and domesticated resources. This can be attributed to a combination of factors including resource depression and habitat change as human populations grew prior to the depopulation of the region. Shifts in lagomorph abundance are thought to indicate habitat alteration however, it is possible that relatively K-selected jackrabbits were overexploited leading to an increased reliance upon more r-selected cottontails. This possibility is explored through analysis of zooarchaeological mortality data from sites in the Mesa Verde Region.
Alicia Gray and Alexandra Ponette-González - Geography - University of North Texas
Importance and spatial distribution of two major host trees of Phytophthora ramorum in a coast redwood forest in Soquel, California
This research examines differences in the importance (e.g., density, dominance, and frequency) and distribution of two major host species of P. ramorum––California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)––in Soquel, California. A stratified random sampling design was used to select 66 plots. In each plot, all trees ≥3 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified to species, counted, and DBH, and height measured. In addition, environmental variables such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), slope, aspect, and distance to edge were measured to determine if any of these variables influenced the host distribution.
Wes Hellman - Geography - University of North Texas
Who wants a free tree? Using census data to characterize participants in a tree give-away program in Denton, Texas
Increased tree cover and a healthy urban forest are often considered highly desirable by residents of cities, and programs such as KDB's annual tree give-away are a widespread way to encourage new tree plantings. Participation in such programs may depend on a number of factors such as income, education, and age of neighborhood. Data on program participants from KDB as well as census data are used to explore the particular relationship between participation and socio-demographic factors in Denton and characterize likely future participants, as well as highlighting potentially under-served demographics.
Kathy Jack - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Assessing Multiple Stakeholder Perspectives on the Grid-Connected Photovoltaics Market in the DFW Region
Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems (GPV) have quickly become the fastest growing power generation technology in the world. GPV systems hold remarkable promise in their potential to reduce energy use and associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector, while also providing grid efficiency and demand-side management benefits to utilities. However, the market penetration in terms of installed capacity and rate of installation varies dramatically from region to region. The bulk of research on PV market transformation has focused on removing structural barriers as identified from an “expert” perspective. The proposed research suggests a framework to synthesize multiple stakeholder perspectives, including identification of “non-structural” barriers such as end-user values and perspectives, in order to tailor regionally effective strategies to increase adoption of GPV for North Texas.
Victoria Knaupp and Stephen Ramsey - Geography - University of North Texas
To Recycle or Not to Recycle: Evaluating the Impact of Choice
Since signing the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), the University of North Texas has been committed to “green” practices. Recycling is one of the more obvious green activities. Providing recycling in all academic buildings is a major initiative. Research has shown that several factors such as bin location and signage can affect the success of recycling programs. Since 2011, GEOG 2110 has been studying the effect of several of these factors in the Environmental Science Building (EESAT). This research found that proper bin number and location, clear signage, and removing trash cans from classroom significantly increased recycling rates.
Jessica Lanza - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Hidden Dangers of Hydraulic Fracture Drilling: Increased Leukemia Rates in North Texas
Is there a relationship between leukemia clusters in North Texas and fracture drilling? Fracture drilling injects millions of gallons of water and chemicals underground. Only 20-40% of the fluid is actually recovered; the rest is left behind with the possibility of contaminating underground aquifers. Many of the drilling sites are located within neighborhoods which have shown increases in leukemia cases since widespread fracture drilling began, possibly due to benzene contamination. This study will compare lymphoma cases and proximity of drilling pads. Future studies will test water samples from households in close proximity to pad sites to test for benzene contamination.
Amanda McDaniel - Geography - University of North Texas
City of Denton Plastic Bag Use Analysis
Using plastic or reusable bags for grocery shopping has been a prevelant issue in our area, with many potential environmental and economic impacts. However, the current proportion of the city of Denton that uses plastic or reusable bags is unknown. Data was collected to determine a baseline demographic concerning how much of the city's population uses what type of bag for grocery shopping. Once information was collected, data was analyzed to extrapolate the possible effects that the use of plastic bags has on the city, along with recommendations for change in the city's current plastic bag policy.
Clara Otaola, Steve Wolverton, Matthew Fry, and Miguel Giardina - Anthropology - CONICET-Museo de Historia Natural de San Rafael
Zooarchaeology and Vertebrate Taphonomy of Contemporary Goat Ranching at Puesto Toscal, Western Argentina
The puesteros of western Argentina are traditional ranchers and pastoralists who live in the plains and range up into the Andes. In western Mendoza province, puesteros ranch in areas that cross several culture continua and physical environmental gradients, such as varying degrees of interaction with urban economies and differences in residential mobility related to elevation and livestock range condition. Puestero herding lifeways vary from seasonal transhumance (to take advantage of shifting plant phenology from low to high elevation) to sedentary small ranches with large ranges in order to provide opportunities for mobility of grazing goat and cattle herds. Analysis of faunal remains from the middens from four puestos provides a record of puestero ranching and cultural adaptation.
Clara Otaola, Steve Wolverton, and Miguel Giardina - Anthropology - CONICET-Museo de Historia Natural de San Rafael
The Problem of Space Averaging in Zooarchaeological Data. Different Interpretations About Resource “Intensification” in Central Western Argentina
A model of intensification in hunter gatherer strategies from Central West Argentina ca. 2000 years BP states that human demographic packing and overhunting of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) may have caused resource depression of this large prey. As a result, people broadened their diet to include small prey. These studies about change in diet breadth did not consider the importance of spatial scale and used the entire central western Argentina region as a unit of analysis. This is problematic because it is a heterogeneous landscape in terms of ecological conditions. In this paper we analyze variations in Faunal Abundance Indices across time considering different spatial scales. The results of the analyses show that wider spatial scale might mask the diverse ways that hunter gatherers from used the landscape.
Traci Popejoy - Geography - University of North Texas
Applied Zooarchaeology of the Late Holocene Freshwater Mussel Community in the Leon River Basin of Central Texas
Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) are sedentary filter-feeders that have experienced population declines due to anthropogenic effects on rivers. The Leon River in Central Texas contains sixteen unionid species, two of which are endemic and that are candidates for federal endangered species listing. The Leon River has been heavily impacted by anthropogenic change. Conservation biologists are attempting to amass evidence to protect mussels in Texas. Zooarchaeological analysis of mussel remains from the late Holocene assemblage from 41HM61 adds new data to support conservation efforts. A comparison between zooarchaeological data and a recent modern survey indicates change within the freshwater mussel community.
Sarah Schulwitz - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Greater sage-grouse in the paleozoological record
Due to widespread land use changes to the sagebrush biome, the Greater sage-grouse have declined since European settlement of North America. As such, publications regarding sage-grouse increasingly focus on conservation. However, no publication exists that compiles literature regarding sage-grouse remains in the fossil record. If the goal of sage-grouse conservation is to preserve the species into the future, a consideration of their past is warranted. This work reviews published literature regarding sage-grouse in the paleozoological record. It becomes clear that early humans utilized sage-grouse as a food source and that previous climate events likely resulted in sage-grouse ranges shifts.
Miriam Sherif and Edward Dzialowski - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Development of Endothermy in King Quail (Coturnix chinensis)
Accessing mitochondrial function is a significant factor in studying metabolism of birds, specifically oxygen consumption in the mitochondria. We focused on the thigh and breast muscles (permeabilized) for understanding cellular energetics within these tissues. With the addition of certain substrates, we accessed the mitochondria’s viability. The key point addressed is how incubation conditions influences the cost of thermoregulation. We examined two variables in the development of endothermy at different rates depending on incubation temperatures and oxygen concentration. Our hypothesis is that quail eggs incubated at a low temperature or hypoxic conditions will result in delayed development of endothermic processes.
Christy Winstead and Amy Hoffman - Geography - University of North Texas
Changes in Great Kiva Faunal Assemblages during Late Pueblo III Drought
The Great Drought occurred from A.D. 1276 to 1299 in the Mesa Verde region. Faunal assemblages were compared from a great kiva used before the drought and a great kiva used during the drought. Comparative analyses of taxonomic abundance and species richness of the two great kiva assemblages demonstrated changes from a turkey dominated, low species richness to a cottontail dominated, higher species richness. The results suggest that the people switched from using turkey to rabbit in ceremonial contexts in response to drought conditions.
Andrew Barker, Ty Curran, Rajeev Azad, and Barney Venables - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Transcript and Metabolic Alterations in Juvenile Danio rerio Following Chronic Exposure to the Environmental Contaminant, Norethindrone
The contraceptive, norethindrone, is a ubiquitous and persistent aquatic contaminant. Experiments using adult fish demonstrate that environmentally-relevant levels affect fecundity and phenotypic expression. However, much less is known regarding norethindrone’s effects on juvenile fish. We exposed neonatal zebrafish (Danio rerio) to a sublethal concentration of norethindrone for 28 days. Afterwards, we evaluated alterations in gene and metabolite expression. Aside from anticipated endocrine-related endpoints, our results reveal several promising targets for further investigation. Here, we discuss our results, their implications in regards to human and environmental health, and avenues of future research.
Jessica Beckham - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Use of Urban Green Spaces by Bumble Bees in Denton County
Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are essential pollinators of many flowering plants, but declines have been documented worldwide. Though urban encroachment has contributed to such losses, urban green spaces can serve as habitat islands for bumble bee populations. This research aims to ascertain the importance of such areas for bumble bees in Denton County. Field surveys during July-August 2013 confirmed the presence of two declining bumble bee species in Denton County green spaces, Bombus fraternus (Smith, 1854) and Bombus pensylvanicus (DeGeer, 1773). Ongoing work includes molecular analyses to determine numbers of hives sampled and GIS analyses of land characteristics.
Evan Carpenter - Geography - University of North Texas
Identifying cultural and noncultural factors affecting litter patterns: A case study of plastic in Hickory Creek in Denton County, Texas
Plastic deposition in hydrological systems is a pervasive problem at all geographic scales from loci of pollution to global ocean circulation. Much attention has been devoted to plastic deposition in marine contexts, but little is known about inputs of plastics into local hydrological systems, such as streams. Any attempt to prevent plastic litter must confront people’s behaviors, so archaeological concepts are used to distinguish between various cultural inputs (e.g., littering) and noncultural forces (e.g., stream transport) that affect litter patterns on the landscape. Litter surveys along Hickory Creek in Denton, TX, are used to assess these factors.
Jonathan Dombrosky - Geography - University of North Texas
Region as Patch: Assessment of Foraging Efficiency in Mesa Verde and the Northern Rio Grande (ca. AD 1300)
The cause of depopulation in the Mesa Verde region (ca. AD 1300) is a classic North American archaeological inquiry. The northern Rio Grande (NRG) region of New Mexico is one of the areas Mesa Verde people may have migrated to after depopulation. The abundance of large game may have been an important migration pull factor that drew Mesa Verde people into the NRG. To address this, I assess foraging efficiency on a broad regional scale using zooarchaeological data from 11 Mesa Verde Pueblo I-III (AD 750-1300) sites and 13 NRG sites that span the Developmental to Classic Periods (AD 900-1600). If the Mesa Verde region had become a faunal sink, then large game abundance should have been substantially higher in the Northern Rio Grande.
Amy Eddins - Geography - University of North Texas
The Influence of Local Habitat Variability on White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Body Size at Fort Hood, Texas
Phenotypic plasticity is observed in animals whose physical characteristics are regulated by environmental conditions. Many variables have been correlated with variation in animal body size, including latitude, temperature, precipitation, geographic range, home range and NPP. Ecologically relevant NPP (eNPP), or available food, is thought to regulate white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) body size. Harvest and habitat data from the Fort Hood Deer Management Region in central Texas is used to examine how local habitat variability affects deer body/antler size and dispersal. Implications for management and conservation suggest that high habitat productivity relates to larger, healthier deer.
Laura Ellyson - Geography - University of North Texas
Impacts of PIII Resource Intensification on Leporid Populations in the Mesa Verde Region, AD 1000-1280
Zooarchaeological studies of Mesa Verde subsistence have focused on artiodactyl decline concurrent with increasing reliance on small wild and domesticated resources. This can be attributed to a combination of factors including resource depression and habitat change as human populations grew prior to the depopulation of the region. Shifts in lagomorph abundance are thought to indicate habitat alteration however, it is possible that relatively K-selected jackrabbits were overexploited leading to an increased reliance upon more r-selected cottontails. This possibility is explored through analysis of zooarchaeological mortality data from sites in the Mesa Verde Region.
Alicia Gray and Alexandra Ponette-González - Geography - University of North Texas
Importance and spatial distribution of two major host trees of Phytophthora ramorum in a coast redwood forest in Soquel, California
This research examines differences in the importance (e.g., density, dominance, and frequency) and distribution of two major host species of P. ramorum––California bay laurel (Umbellularia californica) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)––in Soquel, California. A stratified random sampling design was used to select 66 plots. In each plot, all trees ≥3 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) were identified to species, counted, and DBH, and height measured. In addition, environmental variables such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), slope, aspect, and distance to edge were measured to determine if any of these variables influenced the host distribution.
Wes Hellman - Geography - University of North Texas
Who wants a free tree? Using census data to characterize participants in a tree give-away program in Denton, Texas
Increased tree cover and a healthy urban forest are often considered highly desirable by residents of cities, and programs such as KDB's annual tree give-away are a widespread way to encourage new tree plantings. Participation in such programs may depend on a number of factors such as income, education, and age of neighborhood. Data on program participants from KDB as well as census data are used to explore the particular relationship between participation and socio-demographic factors in Denton and characterize likely future participants, as well as highlighting potentially under-served demographics.
Kathy Jack - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Assessing Multiple Stakeholder Perspectives on the Grid-Connected Photovoltaics Market in the DFW Region
Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems (GPV) have quickly become the fastest growing power generation technology in the world. GPV systems hold remarkable promise in their potential to reduce energy use and associated air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector, while also providing grid efficiency and demand-side management benefits to utilities. However, the market penetration in terms of installed capacity and rate of installation varies dramatically from region to region. The bulk of research on PV market transformation has focused on removing structural barriers as identified from an “expert” perspective. The proposed research suggests a framework to synthesize multiple stakeholder perspectives, including identification of “non-structural” barriers such as end-user values and perspectives, in order to tailor regionally effective strategies to increase adoption of GPV for North Texas.
Victoria Knaupp and Stephen Ramsey - Geography - University of North Texas
To Recycle or Not to Recycle: Evaluating the Impact of Choice
Since signing the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), the University of North Texas has been committed to “green” practices. Recycling is one of the more obvious green activities. Providing recycling in all academic buildings is a major initiative. Research has shown that several factors such as bin location and signage can affect the success of recycling programs. Since 2011, GEOG 2110 has been studying the effect of several of these factors in the Environmental Science Building (EESAT). This research found that proper bin number and location, clear signage, and removing trash cans from classroom significantly increased recycling rates.
Jessica Lanza - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Hidden Dangers of Hydraulic Fracture Drilling: Increased Leukemia Rates in North Texas
Is there a relationship between leukemia clusters in North Texas and fracture drilling? Fracture drilling injects millions of gallons of water and chemicals underground. Only 20-40% of the fluid is actually recovered; the rest is left behind with the possibility of contaminating underground aquifers. Many of the drilling sites are located within neighborhoods which have shown increases in leukemia cases since widespread fracture drilling began, possibly due to benzene contamination. This study will compare lymphoma cases and proximity of drilling pads. Future studies will test water samples from households in close proximity to pad sites to test for benzene contamination.
Amanda McDaniel - Geography - University of North Texas
City of Denton Plastic Bag Use Analysis
Using plastic or reusable bags for grocery shopping has been a prevelant issue in our area, with many potential environmental and economic impacts. However, the current proportion of the city of Denton that uses plastic or reusable bags is unknown. Data was collected to determine a baseline demographic concerning how much of the city's population uses what type of bag for grocery shopping. Once information was collected, data was analyzed to extrapolate the possible effects that the use of plastic bags has on the city, along with recommendations for change in the city's current plastic bag policy.
Clara Otaola, Steve Wolverton, Matthew Fry, and Miguel Giardina - Anthropology - CONICET-Museo de Historia Natural de San Rafael
Zooarchaeology and Vertebrate Taphonomy of Contemporary Goat Ranching at Puesto Toscal, Western Argentina
The puesteros of western Argentina are traditional ranchers and pastoralists who live in the plains and range up into the Andes. In western Mendoza province, puesteros ranch in areas that cross several culture continua and physical environmental gradients, such as varying degrees of interaction with urban economies and differences in residential mobility related to elevation and livestock range condition. Puestero herding lifeways vary from seasonal transhumance (to take advantage of shifting plant phenology from low to high elevation) to sedentary small ranches with large ranges in order to provide opportunities for mobility of grazing goat and cattle herds. Analysis of faunal remains from the middens from four puestos provides a record of puestero ranching and cultural adaptation.
Clara Otaola, Steve Wolverton, and Miguel Giardina - Anthropology - CONICET-Museo de Historia Natural de San Rafael
The Problem of Space Averaging in Zooarchaeological Data. Different Interpretations About Resource “Intensification” in Central Western Argentina
A model of intensification in hunter gatherer strategies from Central West Argentina ca. 2000 years BP states that human demographic packing and overhunting of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) may have caused resource depression of this large prey. As a result, people broadened their diet to include small prey. These studies about change in diet breadth did not consider the importance of spatial scale and used the entire central western Argentina region as a unit of analysis. This is problematic because it is a heterogeneous landscape in terms of ecological conditions. In this paper we analyze variations in Faunal Abundance Indices across time considering different spatial scales. The results of the analyses show that wider spatial scale might mask the diverse ways that hunter gatherers from used the landscape.
Traci Popejoy - Geography - University of North Texas
Applied Zooarchaeology of the Late Holocene Freshwater Mussel Community in the Leon River Basin of Central Texas
Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae) are sedentary filter-feeders that have experienced population declines due to anthropogenic effects on rivers. The Leon River in Central Texas contains sixteen unionid species, two of which are endemic and that are candidates for federal endangered species listing. The Leon River has been heavily impacted by anthropogenic change. Conservation biologists are attempting to amass evidence to protect mussels in Texas. Zooarchaeological analysis of mussel remains from the late Holocene assemblage from 41HM61 adds new data to support conservation efforts. A comparison between zooarchaeological data and a recent modern survey indicates change within the freshwater mussel community.
Sarah Schulwitz - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Greater sage-grouse in the paleozoological record
Due to widespread land use changes to the sagebrush biome, the Greater sage-grouse have declined since European settlement of North America. As such, publications regarding sage-grouse increasingly focus on conservation. However, no publication exists that compiles literature regarding sage-grouse remains in the fossil record. If the goal of sage-grouse conservation is to preserve the species into the future, a consideration of their past is warranted. This work reviews published literature regarding sage-grouse in the paleozoological record. It becomes clear that early humans utilized sage-grouse as a food source and that previous climate events likely resulted in sage-grouse ranges shifts.
Miriam Sherif and Edward Dzialowski - Biological Sciences - University of North Texas
Development of Endothermy in King Quail (Coturnix chinensis)
Accessing mitochondrial function is a significant factor in studying metabolism of birds, specifically oxygen consumption in the mitochondria. We focused on the thigh and breast muscles (permeabilized) for understanding cellular energetics within these tissues. With the addition of certain substrates, we accessed the mitochondria’s viability. The key point addressed is how incubation conditions influences the cost of thermoregulation. We examined two variables in the development of endothermy at different rates depending on incubation temperatures and oxygen concentration. Our hypothesis is that quail eggs incubated at a low temperature or hypoxic conditions will result in delayed development of endothermic processes.
Christy Winstead and Amy Hoffman - Geography - University of North Texas
Changes in Great Kiva Faunal Assemblages during Late Pueblo III Drought
The Great Drought occurred from A.D. 1276 to 1299 in the Mesa Verde region. Faunal assemblages were compared from a great kiva used before the drought and a great kiva used during the drought. Comparative analyses of taxonomic abundance and species richness of the two great kiva assemblages demonstrated changes from a turkey dominated, low species richness to a cottontail dominated, higher species richness. The results suggest that the people switched from using turkey to rabbit in ceremonial contexts in response to drought conditions.