4 ms·

There are so many things we don't know, and the vast expanse of time and limited sample size might cause a real gap in our knowledge here, as well. So, what ab

There are so many things we don't know, and the vast expanse of time and limited sample size might cause a real gap in our knowledge here, as well. So, what about the collection method itself; if only 5% of the ancient DNA was usable for this analysis, perhaps it could be because that DNA lies protected within the sex with the largest, strongest, thickest bones?

atx42 5y ago
It does seem like some sort of survivorship basis, either before death or after (heh - after death sounds like an oxymoron). Females have more fat (?) and might float better in a flood keeping them clear of the burial material longer. Maybe females are just more adept to dig themselves out of the burial material to live another day, or more like you say the physical or material matter somehow is better preserved after burial.