中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所机构知识库

Many researchers have focused on the precise identification of phytoliths extracted from archaeological samples, and on the extraction methods of phytolith from all kinds of samples as well. Additionally, it is important to perfect the scientific method of phytolith quantification. Phytoliths, especially from the husk, are easily broken after being long-buried or during extraction treatment. These can result in uncertainties about quantification of grain numbers and varies under different conditions. Here we introduce a method of point count estimation of articulated millet husk phytoliths, and evaluate its accuracy. As a result, we successfully used the point count method into estimating the area of husk phytolith in unit weight of modern millet samples, which will broaden the available data in archaeobiological research. We suggest precise estimations can therefore be done with this method. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.