Fig. 3.

Ancient microremains from the analysed skeletons very likely representing non-food contaminants: A cotton (Gossypium) fibre, potentially dyed, with the distinctive ‘ribbon-like’ appearance; B fragment of coniferous softwood with characteristic pits, adhering flecks of calculus can also be seen; C an example of plant tissue, potentially a seed testa; D fragmented insect leg emerging from a calculus fleck; E well preserved but fragmented nematode with attached calculus; F nearly intact insect exoskeleton, possibly mite (Ascaris) encased in calculus, the head and one appendage are exposed (bottom of the image); G detail of a feather barbule (distal portion of the shaft); H yeast spores trapped in dental calculus, note the distinctive dimpled characteristic or ‘budding scar’; I potential Spegazzinia or Ulocladium type fungal spores; J minute particles of burnt material, possibly soot, incorporated into undissolved dental calculus. Scale bars 20 μm. Magnification 400×.