Abstract: The paper presents the taphonomic and zooarchaeological analyses of the fauna from the Laonainaimiao site of the middle Upper Pleistocene in the Zhengzhou area. Taphonomic observations show that the bones were accumulated by human activity. The taxa of the fossil assemblage are composed mainly of wild horse and Bos primigenius, followed by gazelle, deer, wild boar, rhinoceros, etc. Most carcasses of Equidae were likely to be transported to the site as a whole. The carcasses were intensively exploited for marrow and grease due to the lack of fat during the harsh seasons. A prime-age dominated profile is observed in the assemblage of the Equidae and Bos, and it indicates a developed capability of hunting and the potential cooperative behavior. This study aims to provide substantial insight into the subsistence and culture during the middle Upper Pleistocene in the Zhengzhou area.

Key words: Laonainaimiao; Archaeofauna; Bone density; Skeletal part representation; Mortality profile; Bone modification; Subsistence