Data production, analytical noise, and predator attribution in Tabun Cave Layer C: a reply to Fernández-Jalvo et al. (2026)

This paper presents a reply to the recently published work by Fernández-Jalvo et al. (2026). Their paper focused on a critique of our original taphonomic interpretation of microvertebrate remains from the Middle Paleolithic assemblages of Tabun Cave Layer C (Fried et al., 2024). We address several material mischaracterizations and engage with substantive criticisms, clarifying and strengthening our original findings through further analysis. While acknowledging some legitimate concerns, we provide additional evidence that certain characterizations of our study do not fully capture its comprehensive scope and methodological rigor. Our original ‘signal-versus-noise’ framework established that pervasive post-depositional noise compromises many conventional taphonomic indices. However, molar digestion grading consistently provides a robust and noise-resistant signal for predator attribution. We present additional analyses confirming that the taxonomic restriction of molar digestion did not alter our conclusions and that evidence for hydrodynamic sorting is limited. Our response reinforces the central finding of Fried et al. (2024): molar digestion scoring reliably indicates a low-impact Category 1 raptor, such as Tyto alba, as the most likely primary accumulating agent for the Tabun Cave Layer C microvertebrate assemblages.