The mammalian fauna and archaeology of the Ndolanya and Olpiro Beds, Laetoli, Tanzania

This study reports on two stratigraphic levels from the site of Laetoli in Tanzania, the Ndolanya and Olpiro Beds. New information about radiometric dates, biostratigraphic and archaeological correlation, taphonomical and paleoenvironmental interpretations, stratigraphic nomenclature and management plans for Laetoli are presented. A new stratigraphic nomenclature is proposed for the Laetoli deposits.; Apart from radiometric dates available for the upper Laetolil Beds (3.5 mya) and the Ogol Lavas (2.4 mya), the remainder of the Laetoli sequence was essentially undated when this study began. New radiometric dates and biochronological work indicate that the Ndolanya Beds were deposited 2.6 mya.; The faunal and archaeological assemblage, and the radiometric date of 2.1 mya established in this study refute the previous correlation between the Olpiro Beds, the Humbu Formation (Lake Natron), and Middle Upper Bed II Olduvai Gorge (1.4 mya), showing that the Olpiro Beds are much older.; Eight new taxa are described from the Ndolanya Beds. Four of these taxa are not known from the Laetolil Beds. Taphonomic studies on the Ndolanya fossil assemblage have revealed that its fragmentary nature has nothing to do with hominid behavior. Carnivore activities and trampling by migratory animals are postulated as the cause of the fossil destruction recorded. Both paleontological and geological results indicate a dry environment for Laetoli some 2.6 mya.; The paleontology and the archaeology of the Olpiro Beds have not previously been described. This dissertation documents for the first time, excavation and analysis of an in situ archaeological and paleontological assemblage from the Olpiro Beds. The fauna described from these beds includes a Leo sp, Deinotherium bozasi, Equus sp and Pelorovis sp. Artifacts from the Olpiro Beds described in this study consist largely of flakes, cores, choppers, scrapers, discoids and no handaxes. This archaeological assemblage matches that from Olduvai Gorge at MNK, attributed to Developed Oldowan.; A 100% sampling strategy of fossil collection was applied for the first time in the Laetoli area. This has contributed towards the formulation of a fossil management plan. Alternative plans for conservation of the 3.5 mya hominid footprint trail are also offered.