Final answer:
Common non-domesticated animal remains include those of mice, rabbits, deer, sea cows, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and hippopotamuses. In specific regions, kangaroo and monkey remains may also be found. These remains assist zooarchaeologists and biologists in studying wildlife populations and their historical contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some commonly found non-domesticated animal remains include species that are often encountered in various habitats around the world. These remains can be of animals such as the mouse, rabbit, and deer, which populate many different ecosystems. In marine environments, remains of the sea cow and various fish species might be discovered. Larger land mammals whose remains are sometimes found include the elephant, zebra, giraffe, and hippopotamus. Uncommon but still possible to find are remains of animals such as the kangaroo (specifically in Australia), and in regions where they are native, remains of monkeys might also be found. Additionally, forensic studies and archaeological excavations may uncover remains from a variety of animals, including birds, reptiles, and invertebrates like insects and worms.
Bone collections, such as those housed at the Wildlife Forensics Lab in Ashland, Oregon, are key resources that help zooarchaeologists and biologists study these animals and understand their place in history and modern ecosystems. While some animal species are farmed commercially for food, skin, or as pets, those remains differ from truly wild populations as they may exhibit different characteristics due to domestication or selective breeding.