Tibiotarsus of ptarmigan from Monruz

Tibiotarse de lagopède de Monruz
5513

This calcined tibiotarsus of a ptarmigan contains trabecular bone. This spongy tissue, which acts as a reserve of calcium to form the shells of eggs, develops inside the bones of female birds when they are going to lay eggs. Several remains of this type show that ptarmigans consumed at Monruz were killed during the laying season, which tells us that the site was occupied in the spring. Length 1 cm.

Photo © Office du Patrimoine et de l’archéologie, Neuchâtel (Switzerland)/M. Juillard

Photo © Office du Patrimoine et de l’archéologie, Neuchâtel (Switzerland)/M. Juillard

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