Applications of molecular taphonomy to the invertebrate fossil record
Invited
Abstract
Recently several studies have demonstrated the utility of PhotoEmission Electron spectroMicroscopy (PEEM) to observe exceptional preservation of organic matrix components and shell microstructure in fossil mollusks. Comparisons to modern representatives suggests very strong similarity and potential links to paleoenvironmental conditions (e.g., temperature). Current work must focus on replicating these results across additional time periods and types of biomineralizing species. Future work on the utility of hyperspectral imaging, the geography of preservation, and complementary analyses (e.g., Raman spectroscopy), will provide additional clues into the molecular and structural preservation of biominerals, as well as their evolution through geologic time.
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Presenters
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Corinne Myers
University of New Mexico, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico
Authors
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Corinne Myers
University of New Mexico, Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico
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Kristin Bergmann
Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT, Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, MIT
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Pupa Gilbert
University of Wisconsin - Madison, Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Physics, University of Wisconsin - Madison