The paper by Anna K. Behrensmeyer explores the taphonomic and ecological implications of bone weathering in the Amboseli Basin, southern Kenya. The study categorizes bone weathering into six stages based on observed characteristics, providing a basis for understanding weathering rates and processes. Most bones decompose beyond recognition within 10 to 15 years, with smaller animals and juveniles weathering more rapidly than larger adults. Small-scale environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity fluctuations, are found to have the greatest influence on weathering characteristics and rates. The study also highlights the potential of bone weathering as a tool for assessing the time period represented in recent or fossil bone assemblages, including archaeological sites, and for censusing animal populations in modern ecosystems. The findings suggest that bone weathering can provide valuable paleoecological and taphonomic data, but further research is needed to refine the classification and understand the underlying processes.The paper by Anna K. Behrensmeyer explores the taphonomic and ecological implications of bone weathering in the Amboseli Basin, southern Kenya. The study categorizes bone weathering into six stages based on observed characteristics, providing a basis for understanding weathering rates and processes. Most bones decompose beyond recognition within 10 to 15 years, with smaller animals and juveniles weathering more rapidly than larger adults. Small-scale environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity fluctuations, are found to have the greatest influence on weathering characteristics and rates. The study also highlights the potential of bone weathering as a tool for assessing the time period represented in recent or fossil bone assemblages, including archaeological sites, and for censusing animal populations in modern ecosystems. The findings suggest that bone weathering can provide valuable paleoecological and taphonomic data, but further research is needed to refine the classification and understand the underlying processes.