The physical characteristics of stone tool cut marks reflect the mechanics of how stone edges interact with bone: they tend to be straight or slightly curved, V-shaped in cross-section, narrower and deeper than many natural marks, and often associated with parallel or subparallel groups of marks that reflect repeated strokes of the tool.

Carnivore tooth marks are produced when predators or scavengers chew on bones to access marrow or consume soft tissue.

Carnivore tooth marks have different physical characteristics from stone tool cut marks: they tend to be broader and more U-shaped in cross-section, showing the rounded profile of a tooth tip rather than the angular profile of a stone edge.

They are often associated with pits from tooth cusp impacts and with broader surface crushing or polishing from tooth contact.

Trampling damage occurs when bones lying on the ground surface are stepped on by animals — including people, but also by other large animals.