Applications of molecular taphonomy to the invertebrate fossil record

In the last several years 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, types of biomineralizing species, and taphonomic histories. Future work on the utility of hyperspectral imaging, the geography of preservation, influence of large-scale ocean-climate regimes (e.g., icehouse vs. greenhouse; calcite vs. aragonite seas) 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.