Turkeys and Domestication in the Southwest: Implications from Homol'ovi III

ABSTRACT

Turkey remains (Meleagris gallopavo Linnaeus) recovered from Homol'ovi III include three completely articulated adult skeletons, numerous immature turkey bones, seven whole eggs, three eggs containing fetal skeletal remains, and numerous eggshell fragments. It is suggested that the prehistoric inhabitants of Homol'ovi III were raising turkeys in captivity; however, the turkeys did not contribute significantly to subsistence at Homol'ovi III.

In a recent work McKusick (1986) has classified domesticates and varieties of M. gallopavo on the basis of their osteology. As the Homol'ovi III remains do not conform to McKusick's categories, the validity of identifying sub-specific varieties of turkeys in the Southwest using osteological remains is questioned. These varietals are hypothesized to reflect the range of variation of M. gallopavo due to varying environmental conditions rather than intentional breeding of turkeys by prehistoric humans. The variation in turkey morphology may be due to phenotypic plasticity in response to the environment, rather than the result of genetic changes.