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Structure of the International Taphonomy Reference Collection (ITRC) Portal

In the ITRC Portal, bone modification features and damage patterns are called “Traits.” The structure of the traits list is adapted from the “Atlas of Taphonomic Identifications” by Yolanda Fernández-Jalvo and Peter Andrews. We follow their lead in separating objective descriptions (features) from subjective interpretations (agents) of taphonomic modifications. Traits are grouped into six categories:

• Discoloration
• Distinct Marks
• Surface Damage
• Fracture Features
• Other
• Weathering Stage

Fernández-Jalvo, Y. and Andrews, P., 2016. Atlas of Taphonomic Identifications: 1001+ Images of Fossil and Recent Mammal Bone Modification. Springer, Dordrecht.