Taphonomy
Articles tagged with Taphonomy
Announcing T.R.A.C.I.N.G. Palaeontology 2027: How to improve the protection of palaeontological heritage
The project brings together eight perspectives to develop tools for documentation, legal clarity and traceability, supporting lawful activity and enforcement.
Look again! Those wrinkly rocks may actually be a fossilized microbial community
Researchers propose a new explanation for wrinkly textures in rocks, suggesting that microbes lived in deepwater environments and used chemosynthetic energy. This finding could lead to a reevaluation of fossil records and the classification of ancient formations.
Recreating Mazon Creek’s 300-million-year-old ecosystem
Researchers at the University of Missouri have confirmed a more nuanced view of the Mazon Creek fossil site, using modern data analysis techniques to assess paleoenvironmental and taphonomic nature. The study reveals three identifiable paleoenvironments, including transitional habitats between nearshore and offshore zones.
CT scanning helps reveal path from rotten fish to fossil
Researchers used CT scanning to study decomposing zebrafish without altering the natural decay process, providing unprecedented insights into fossil formation. The non-invasive technique allows scientists to monitor decay in real-time, including the buildup of decomposition gases within internal cavities.
Research sheds light on life and times of “Fiona” the pregnant ichthyosaur
A 131-million-year-old pregnant ichthyosaur named Fiona has been studied for her well-preserved skeleton, which provides details about the anatomy of these marine predators. The researchers also found evidence of her final meal and a healed injury in her fin bones.
A lighthouse in the Gobi desert
A new study quantifies the impact of great fossil sites on our understanding of evolutionary relationships between fossil groups, discovering that the Gobi Desert's well-preserved lizard record shapes understanding more than any other site. The study's findings highlight the importance of exceptional fossil preservation in shaping our ...
Casas del Turuñuelo, a site of repeated animal sacrifice in Iron Age Spain
Researchers analyzed bones from 52 sacrificed animals at the well-preserved site of Casas del Turuñuelo, revealing a pattern of repeated mass animal sacrifice in Iron Age Spain. The study sheds light on ritual protocols and intentional selection of adult horses over young animals.
Ginger pigment molecules found in fossil frogs
Researchers found preserved molecular fragments of the pigment phaeomelanin in 10-million-year-old frog fossils, which could help reconstruct ancient animal colors. This discovery may be a first step towards understanding the evolution of toxic phaeomelanin.
Beautifully complete turtle fossil from 150 million years ago provides new insights into its environment
A newly discovered turtle fossil from the Upper Jurassic period provides valuable information on the species' limb taphonomy and habitat ecology. The fossil, Solnhofia parsonsi, was found in Bavaria, Germany, offering a unique perspective on the ancient environment.
New study sheds light on the evolution of animals
A new study published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution suggests that animals first evolved around 574 million years ago. The researchers used advanced analytical techniques to investigate preservation conditions in Cambrian and Neoproterozoic rocks, finding that certain clays were essential for capturing early animal fossils.
“Golden” fossils reveal origins of exceptional preservation
Researchers found that golden fossils from Germany's Posidonia shale are primarily made up of phosphate minerals, hinting at the presence of oxygen in the environment. The discovery suggests that oxygen played a crucial role in driving chemical reactions needed for fossilization.
Fossil CSI: Analysis of giant extinct marine reptile graveyard suggests mysterious site was ancient birthing grounds
A team of scientists found evidence that 37 ichthyosaurs died in the same location, suggesting they were migrating to give birth over hundreds of thousands of years. Geochemical tests revealed no signs of environmental disturbance or mass stranding events, pointing to a more plausible explanation for their demise.
Well-preserved fossils could be consequence of past global climate change
Researchers found exceptionally preserved fossils from different locations, suggesting that rising global temperatures during the Early Jurassic period may have created favorable conditions for fossilization. The study suggests that past climate change could have enabled exceptional preservation in various environments.
International team of researchers discover first dinosaur era crab fully preserved in amber
A team of scientists has discovered the oldest modern-looking crab, Cretapsara athanata, preserved in 100-million-year-old amber. The fossil is remarkably complete, including delicate tissues and well-developed gills, revealing an aquatic to semi-aquatic animal that defies explanation for its preservation in tree resin.
Sea urchins erode rock reefs, excavate pits for themselves
Researchers found that sea urchins sculpt medium-grain sandstone rock 37 times quicker than granite, with excavation rates varying greatly by rock type. The study estimated that on medium-grain sandstone reefs, sea urchins might produce almost 200 tonnes of sediment per hectare per year.
New imaging technique reveals vulnerability of coral reefs
A novel imaging technique using µCT scans has revealed that coral reefs are more vulnerable to bioerosion than previously thought, with changes in ocean pH having a significant impact on reef growth and breakdown. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between environmental conditions and reef processes.
New details emerge on deep sea, marine-submerged bodies
A new Simon Fraser University study documents taphonomy of a pig carcass in the Strait of Georgia, showing a dramatically different scavenging progression than earlier studies. The research provides valuable information for recovery divers and can aid in estimating minimum submergence times and identifying water exposure.
Diverse coral communities persist, but bioerosion escalates in Palau's low-pH waters
A new study found that coral reefs in Palau's naturally acidic waters are thriving, despite the expected negative impacts of ocean acidification. However, increased bioerosion was observed, threatening the long-term survival of these ecosystems. The research team hopes to better understand how corals adapt to low pH conditions.
Caribbean coral reef inhabitants critical in determining future of reefs
New research highlights the crucial role of bioerosion and carbonate production on Caribbean coral reefs. Species that live in and erode coral reefs, such as sea urchins and parrotfish, will significantly impact the future health of reefs. The study suggests a delicate balance between these processes is necessary to maintain reef health.
New study of largely unstudied mesophotic coral reef geology
Researchers analyzed bioerosion rates and distribution of organisms on mesophotic reefs to understand long-term structural sustainability. The study found significant differences in bioerosion rates between mesophotic and shallow-water reefs.
Ancient corals provide insight on the future of Caribbean reefs
University of Miami scientists studied fossil records of coral communities from nine Caribbean countries to understand reef ecosystems during the Pliocene epoch. They found that free-living corals, well-suited to warm seas, experienced abrupt extinction as seawater cooled and nutrient levels decreased.
Biodiversity and taphonomy of the early Cambrian Guanshan biota, eastern Yunnan
The study of the early Cambrian Guanshan biota provides new insights into its sedimentology, taphonomy, and biodiversity. The fossil groups recovered include lobopods, eldonids, hyolithids, green algae, and several others, with preserved soft-tissues rivaling those from the Chengjiang fauna.
Pollution history documented through shell remains provides tool to study ecosystem change
A new method for studying pollution history using shell remains has been developed, allowing scientists to track environmental changes without harming endangered species. By analyzing geochemical and taphonomic signatures of dead mussel shells, researchers can determine the impact of pollution on ecosystems and track population decline.
2nd International Bioerosion Workshop To Be Held At Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution March 30-April 3, 1998
The 2nd International Bioerosion Workshop will bring together experts in microboring, reef carbonate budgets, and modern/fossil collaborators. The workshop aims to exchange information, report on previous work, and continue discussion on the present state of knowledge of bioerosion.