dr Holly Anderson
Research interests
- Taphonomy of complex fossil assemblages and depositional sites
- Sensory evolution and dietary reconstructions of fossil forms
Didactics
- Seminars in Paleobiology
- Field Paleobiology
Research projects
ongoing projects
- Ancestral behaviour and evolutionary origins of lorises (Primates, Mammalia): new insights into their sensory evolution and dietary reconstruction of fossil forms (postdoctoral researcher, NCN OPUS-23)
previous projects
- Taphonomy and site formation history of vertebrate-bearing breccia in the caves of Sumatra (Principal investigator, Griffith University Palaeontology Scholarship & Winifred Violet Scott Grant)
- Modelling panderodus dental function: implications for coniform conodont taxonomic classification (Principal investigator, St Hilds Women’s Scholarship, Durham University)
Publications
Ara, Chaman; Yasin, Riffat; Ishaq, Hafiz M.; Naz, Shakila; Sultana, Tayyaba; Samiullah, Khizar; Al‐Misned, Fahad A.; Ullah, Kifayait; Anderson, Holly E.; López‐Torres, Sergi; Abbas, Asghar New Euungulate Fossils from the Middle Siwalik Subgroup of the Potwar Plateau of Northern Pakistan Journal Article In: Geological Journal, 2024, ISSN: 1099-1034. Anderson, Holly E; Morley, Mike W; McAdams, Conor; Zaim, Jahdi; Rizal, Yan; Aswan,; Puspaningrum, Mika R; Hascaryo, Agus T; Price, Gilbert J; Louys, Julien The microstratigraphy and depositional environments of Lida Ajer and Ngalau Gupin, two fossil-bearing tropical limestone caves of west Sumatra Journal Article In: Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 259, 2024. Duval, Mathieu; Westaway, Kira; Zaim, Jahdi; Rizal, Yan; Aswan,; Puspaningrum, Mika Rizki; Trihascaryo, Agus; Albers, Paul C. H.; Smith, Holly E.; Drawhorn, Gerrell M.; Price, Gilbert J.; Louys, Julien New Chronological Constraints for the Late Pleistocene Fossil Assemblage and Associated Breccia from Ngalau Sampit, Sumatra Journal Article In: Open Quaternary, 2021. Louys, Julien; Zaim, Yahdi; Rizal, Yan; Price, Gilbert J; Aswan, Aswan; Puspaningrum, Mika Rizki; Smith, Holly; Hascaryo, Agus Tri Palaeontological surveys in Central Sumatra and Bangka Journal Article In: Berita Sedimentologi, vol. 47, no. 3, pp. 50–56, 2021. Smith, Holly E; Bevitt, Joseph J; Zaim, Jahdi; Rizal, Yan; Aswan,; Puspaningrum, Mika Rizki; Trihascaryo, Agus; Price, Gilbert J; Webb, Gregory E; Louys, Julien High-resolution high-throughput thermal neutron tomographic imaging of fossiliferous cave breccias from Sumatra Journal Article In: Scientific Reports, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 19953, 2021. Smith, Holly E.; Price, Gilbert J.; Duval, Mathieu; Westaway, Kira; Zaim, Jahdi; Rizal, Yan; Aswan,; Puspaningrum, Mika Rizki; Trihascaryo, Agus; Stewart, Mathew; Louys, Julien Taxonomy, taphonomy and chronology of the Pleistocene faunal assemblage at Ngalau Gupin cave, Sumatra Journal Article In: Quaternary International, vol. 603, pp. 40-63, 2021, ISSN: 1040-6182, (Human Evolution in the Asia-Pacific Realm: Proceedings of the 1st Asia-Pacific Conference on Human Evolution). Smith, Holly Ellen; Morley, Mike W.; Louys, Julien Taphonomic analyses of cave breccia in Southeast Asia: A review and future directions Journal Article In: Open Quaternary, vol. 6, 2020, ISSN: 2055-298X.2024
@article{Ara2024,
title = {New Euungulate Fossils from the Middle Siwalik Subgroup of the Potwar Plateau of Northern Pakistan},
author = {Chaman Ara and Riffat Yasin and Hafiz M. Ishaq and Shakila Naz and Tayyaba Sultana and Khizar Samiullah and Fahad A. Al‐Misned and Kifayait Ullah and Holly E. Anderson and Sergi López‐Torres and Asghar Abbas},
doi = {10.1002/gj.5081},
issn = {1099-1034},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-11-14},
urldate = {2024-11-14},
journal = {Geological Journal},
publisher = {Wiley},
abstract = {<jats:title>ABSTRACT</jats:title><jats:p>This article provides a detailed taxonomic study of mammalian fossil fauna from five localities situated within the Middle Siwalik subgroup including the Nagri and Dhok Pathan formations in Punjab, Pakistan. Twenty‐three euungulate specimens comprised of isolated teeth, and maxillary and mandibular fragments, are described. This collection includes the bovid, <jats:italic>Elachistoceras</jats:italic>; a very rare faunal element in the Siwaliks of Pakistan, as well as <jats:italic>Elachistoceras khauristanensis</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Pachyportax latidens</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Giraffa punjabiensis</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Bramatherium grande</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Merycopotamus dissimilis</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Dorcatherium minus</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Dorcatherium majus</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Hippopotamodon sivalense</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Sivalhippus theobaldi</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Sivalhippus nagriensis</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Brachypotherium perimense</jats:italic> These fossil remains add important new insights into the taxonomy and diversity of Late Miocene mammal faunas of the Middle Siwaliks. The data is important for understanding the biogeographical and palaeoenvironmental history of the region. The characteristics of the fossils described in this study further support the currently hypothesised presence of a massive open land environment with variable wet and dry seasons alike to that of the current climate in Eurasia and Africa. The variable habitat niches of these co‐existing fauna also give further support to the supposition that there was a much more mixed array of palaeoenvironments ranging from a prevalence of woodland to expansive savannah territory during the deposition of Nagri and Dhok Pathan formations.</jats:p>},
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pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
@article{anderson2024microstratigraphy,
title = {The microstratigraphy and depositional environments of Lida Ajer and Ngalau Gupin, two fossil-bearing tropical limestone caves of west Sumatra},
author = {Holly E Anderson and Mike W Morley and Conor McAdams and Jahdi Zaim and Yan Rizal and Aswan and Mika R Puspaningrum and Agus T Hascaryo and Gilbert J Price and Julien Louys},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
urldate = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {259},
publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK London},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2021
@article{Duval-2021,
title = {New Chronological Constraints for the Late Pleistocene Fossil Assemblage and Associated Breccia from Ngalau Sampit, Sumatra},
author = {Mathieu Duval and Kira Westaway and Jahdi Zaim and Yan Rizal and Aswan and Mika Rizki Puspaningrum and Agus Trihascaryo and Paul C. H. Albers and Holly E. Smith and Gerrell M. Drawhorn and Gilbert J. Price and Julien Louys},
doi = {10.5334/oq.96},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-12-01},
urldate = {2021-12-01},
journal = {Open Quaternary},
abstract = {We provide the first numerical age constraints for the palaeontological assemblage and associated sediment from Ngalau Sampit, Sumatra, one of M. Eugène F.T. Dubois’ noted sites that he excavated in 1889, and of which we present a transcript of his unpublished report. A combination of U-series, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) and Luminescence (pIR-IRSL) methods was employed. The three tooth samples yield 1σ consistent combined U-series/ESR ages (mean age of 105 ± 9 ka, 1 s.d.), supporting the chronological integrity of the fossil assemblage at Ngalau Sampit. Three breccia samples yield internally 1σ consistent pIR-IRSL age estimates (mean age of 93 ± 6 ka, 1 s.d.), suggesting that the breccia may represent one single depositional event. All these results are compatible with the U-series age estimates previously obtained on post-depositional carbonate formations. We cannot exclude that the existing, and systematic, age difference between ESR and pIR-IRSL methods (~12 ka on average) may reflect the difference in the dated events (death of the animals vs. sediment burial). However, this apparent deviation is most likely not significant (mean ages are in close agreement a 1σ) and results from the existing uncertainty around the evaluation of the gamma dose rate, which partly arises from the absence of in situ dosimetry. Despite this uncertainty, all the numerical ages consistently and systematically correlate the breccia and associated fossil assemblage to MIS 5 (a finer correlation to sub-stages within MIS 5 would most likely be too speculative at this stage). Ngalau Sampit represents only the third site from the Pandang Highlands to be radiometrically dated, after Lida Ajer and Ngalau Gupin, and the second site explored and recorded by Dubois to have associated dates. Finally, Ngalau Sampit is the only site in Sumatra that chronologically correlates to MIS 5, and thus with the regionally important site of Punung in Java.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
@article{louys2021palaeontological,
title = {Palaeontological surveys in Central Sumatra and Bangka},
author = {Julien Louys and Yahdi Zaim and Yan Rizal and Gilbert J Price and Aswan Aswan and Mika Rizki Puspaningrum and Holly Smith and Agus Tri Hascaryo},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Berita Sedimentologi},
volume = {47},
number = {3},
pages = {50–56},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
@article{smith2021high,
title = {High-resolution high-throughput thermal neutron tomographic imaging of fossiliferous cave breccias from Sumatra},
author = {Holly E Smith and Joseph J Bevitt and Jahdi Zaim and Yan Rizal and Aswan and Mika Rizki Puspaningrum and Agus Trihascaryo and Gilbert J Price and Gregory E Webb and Julien Louys},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {19953},
publisher = {Nature Publishing Group UK London},
abstract = {We employ high-throughput thermal-neutron tomographic imaging to visualise internal diagnostic features of dense fossiliferous breccia from three Pleistocene cave localities in Sumatra, Indonesia. We demonstrate that these seemingly homogeneous breccias are an excellent source of data to aid in determining taphonomic and depositional histories of complex depositional sites such as tropical caves. X-ray Computed Tomographic (CT) imaging is gaining importance amongst palaeontologists as a non-destructive approach to studying fossil remains. Traditional methods of fossil preparation risk damage to the specimen and may destroy contextual evidence in the surrounding matrix. CT imaging can reveal the internal composition and structure of fossils contained within consolidated sediment/rock matrices prior to any destructive mechanical or chemical preparation. Neutron computed tomography (NCT) provides an alternative contrast to X-rays, and in some circumstances, is capable of discerning denser matrices impenetrable to or yielding no contrast with CT imaging. High-throughput neutron imaging reduces neutron fluence during scanning which means there is less residual neutron-induced radioactivation in geological samples; allowing for earlier subsequent analyses. However, this approach remains unutilised in palaeontology, archaeology or geological surveys. Results suggest that the primary agents in the formation of the breccias and concentration of incorporated vertebrate remains are several rapid depositional phases of water and sediment gravity flow. This study highlights the potential for future analyses of breccia deposits in palaeontological studies in caves around the world.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
@article{SMITH202140,
title = {Taxonomy, taphonomy and chronology of the Pleistocene faunal assemblage at Ngalau Gupin cave, Sumatra},
author = {Holly E. Smith and Gilbert J. Price and Mathieu Duval and Kira Westaway and Jahdi Zaim and Yan Rizal and Aswan and Mika Rizki Puspaningrum and Agus Trihascaryo and Mathew Stewart and Julien Louys},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1040618221002901},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2021.05.005},
issn = {1040-6182},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
urldate = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Quaternary International},
volume = {603},
pages = {40-63},
abstract = {Ngalau Gupin is a broad karstic cave system in the Padang Highlands of western Sumatra, Indonesia. Abundant fossils, consisting of mostly isolated teeth from small-to large-sized animals, were recovered from breccias cemented on the cave walls and unconsolidated sediments on the cave floor. Two loci on the walls and floors of Ngalau Gupin, named NG-A and NG-B respectively, are studied. We determine that NG-B most likely formed as a result of the erosion and redeposition of material from NG-A. The collection reveals a rich, diverse Pleistocene faunal assemblage (Proboscidea, Primates, Rodentia, Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Carnivora) largely analogous to extant fauna in the modern rainforests of Sumatra. The hippopotamid Hexaprotodon represents the only globally extinct taxon in deposits from Sumatra and the first record of this animal from the island. This fossil assemblage is dated using combined U-series/ESR dating analyses of several teeth that yield a finite age of between ~160 and ~115 ka, depending on the modalities of the dose rate evaluation. Moreover, a direct U-series age estimate of ~70 ka is obtained on the Hexaprotodon specimen, providing a minimum age constraint for the fossil that is compatible with the combined U-series/ESR results. These results suggest that the faunal assemblage at Ngalau Gupin correlates with late MIS 6 or early MIS 5. Ngalau Gupin likely reflects the formation of a fossil assemblage with two primary taphonomic pathways: a prime-aged dominated macrofauna component initially produced by carnivores but subsequently accumulated by porcupines and transported to the cave, and a microfauna component likely accumulated by small carnivores. Decalcification of the cemented deposit has further resulted in loss of fossil and other sedimentary material. This site adds important new chronologically constrained fossil mammal data for the Pleistocene record of Sumatra, an island relatively poorly investigated for Southeast Asia.},
note = {Human Evolution in the Asia-Pacific Realm: Proceedings of the 1st Asia-Pacific Conference on Human Evolution},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
2020
@article{6c5daecae4c7472dac27b6a988efa91b,
title = {Taphonomic analyses of cave breccia in Southeast Asia: A review and future directions},
author = {Holly Ellen Smith and Mike W. Morley and Julien Louys},
doi = {10.5334/OQ.75},
issn = {2055-298X},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
urldate = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Open Quaternary},
volume = {6},
publisher = {Ubiquity Press Ltd.},
abstract = {Karst-derived breccia is the most analysed deposit in fossil-bearing Southeast Asian caves due to its superior preservation potential for human, faunal, archaeological, and palaeontological data. The study of breccia can provide a better understanding of human and faunal histories, and an opportunity to investigate site taphonomy and insights into environments of deposition and post-depositional processes. We review the literature on approaches used to improve the taphonomic understanding of cave deposits in Southeast Asia and how these deposits fit into a cave’s life history. We discuss common methods used to extract taphonomic data retained in Southeast Asian cave deposits and the associated opportunities to discern the mechanisms of cave formation, depositional history, and faunal accumulation. While attempts have previously been made to discern the taphonomic characteristics of Pleistocene vertebrate remains in the region, there has been no comprehensive review outlining methods used to understand taphonomic histories and the biases introduced through these processes. We illustrate the challenges of researching cave breccias in Southeast Asia and the knowledge gaps brought about by conventional methodologies. Uncertainties exist about the extent to which breccia can be examined to infer the taphonomic history of a vertebrate assemblage. These uncertainties exist in part because of dating complexities. This review demonstrates that a taphonomic analysis of breccia in complex long-term accumulations requires a multi-disciplinary approach. We recommend using digital techniques to record spatial distribution data for a thorough interpretation of taphonomic characteristics.},
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pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}