An investigation of the flake-based lithic tool morphology using 3D geometric morphometrics: A case study from the Mirak Paleolithic Site, Iran

Today archaeologists are increasingly seeking more objective methods for analyzing archaeological remains to obtain the most reliable results possible. To achieve this goal, developed in other disciplines being introduced gradually into archaeology and their effectiveness is tested; particularly case analysis of lithic artifacts. One such method, borrowed from evolutionary biology that has become widespread stone tool geometric morphometrics. This method can be used generate information regarding inter- intra-assemblage morphological variability artifacts inspect mechanisms causes driving variation. In paper, 3D landmark-based morphometrics study diachronic changes morphology tools. concerns an assemblage flaked tools open-air Paleolithic site Mirak, located along northern fringe Iranian Central Desert. These lithics belong two layers. Layer 2, which features a combination Middle Upper materials (ca. 33–26 kya), 3, consists mainly late 55–43 kya). layers Marine Isotope Stage time rapid fluctuation climatic environmental conditions at global regional scales. The aim here investigate whether there any significant differences between sets aforementioned assemblages, subsequently, suggest possible stability or morphology. indicate general flake-based not significantly different rationale stability, original raw population dynamics studied. It seems least part answer lies flow cultural transmission related presence metapopulations Plateau during 3.