T. Williams

Research Field

A taphonomic study of small mammals from six sites (representing more than 40 different levels) has been undertaken, following the methodology of Andrews [1990] and Dauphin and Denys [1988]. These sites range from middle Oligocene to Holocene in age, and are situated in Africa and Europe. A general review of these sites, including a comparison of their characteristic features, are made in order to evaluate the degree of taphonomic and diagenetic alterations that had occurred under different sedimentological contexts. Predation can be recognised in all these sites and seems to be the principal factor in concentrating small mammal assemblages in most fossil sites. Digestion produces strong alteration at bone surfaces; it may also induce extensive bone breakage and modify the chemical composition of the skeletal tissues. Post-predation modifications include fragmentation due to trampling or transport, weathering and bioturbation. These processes operate in both open-air and karstic environments with each site having its own unique combination of post-predation modifications. The main differences in fossil distributions between open-air and karstic sites result from their mode of sedimentation. In all types of sites, water transportation and reworking is possible. Diagenetic contexts can differ considerably even in adjacent levels of the same site. Chemical analyses of skeletal tissues show high variability for elements such as Sr, Mg, S, Zn both between sites and bone tissues. Fossil bones are often enriched in P and Ca relative to modern bones. Once the different agents and environmental conditions that acted during site formation have been identified, samples can be selected with more confidence for further studies relating to diagenesis of the various organic and mineral phases of the skeletal tissues.

Taphonomy

Bioturbation

Trampling

Biota

Source

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Citations (17)

Changes in deep Southern Ocean circulation during the onset of the last glacial period linked to Antarctic climate

AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts (2020)

T. Williams E. E. Martin Aidan Starr E. L. Sikes

Circulation (fluid dynamics)

Source