关键词: 小哺乳动物;动物考古;古生态;资源价值

Abstract: Small mammals are an indispensable important link in the ecological chain of nature. These types of animals possess a number of unique characteristics: strong selectivity of living areas; minimal activity and migration patterns; and a relatively small scope of behavioural activities, all of which are helpful in analyzing ecological evolution including environmental sanitation of ancient sites and housing conditions of ancient residents. Zooarchaeology examines the symbiotic relationship between small mammals and humans including environmental constraints, and utilization of small mammals. To conduct this type of research requires anatomical expertise and biologically based laboratory equipment. Chinese Paleolithic Age archaeology, according to small mammals remains materials, research geological age of ancient ruins, ancient human living environment, etc., has achieved fruitful results. Neolithic Age and later historical phase of small mammals archaeology, in the sample extraction methods, typical case studies and other aspects, also has made some gains. But overall observation, less professional researchers in this field, especially the Neolithic Age and later historical phase, small mammals archaeology research remains to be strengthen popularization and research depth.

Key words: Small mammal; Zooarchaeology; Ecosystem