This thesis attempts to analyze the osteological material of Markham Parks I and II, two sites from Broward County, Florida from a bioarchaeological perspective in order to understand the possible presence of social stratification that existed between both populations at Markham Park and in line with other Florida populations. The analysis includes a look at the average stature of both populations through the use of estimation formulas, as well as taking note of any features on long bones that could denote the possible presence of injury or nutritional maladies which could be indications of social hardships. It also includes a close look at dentition for the presence of possible nutritional deficiencies such as enamel hypoplasias, as well as an analysis to corroborate findings made in initial reports regarding the cataloging of the remains, particularly in the areas of MNI and ancestry. Such analysis can hopefully bring further insight into the lifestyles of those that occupied Florida before contact. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

The prehistoric Belle Glade Culture, dwelling around Lake Okeechobee in interior Florida, is one of the most understudied cultures in North America. The purpose of this study is to define population characteristics about this culture through skeletal analysis of the collected remains from the type site for the culture, Belle Glade Mound (8PB41). To address the confounding factors of fragmentation and commingling, recently developed methods, statistical analyses, and specially designed software for such analyses of confounded collections were used in undertaking this study. A biological profile was developed that includes age-at-death estimations, sex estimations, stature estimations, and ancestral estimations in order to create a paleodemographic summary that more adequately describes this unknown population. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015 / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection