Vertebrate Taphonomy and Diagenesis: Implications of Structural and Compositional Alterations of Phosphate Biominerals

Biominerals are recorders of evolution and palaeoenvironments. Predation is one of the most frequent modes leading to the concentration of small vertebrates in fossil assemblages. Consumption by predators produces damages on bones and teeth from prey species, and one of the greatest challenges to taphonomists is differentiating original biological and secondary, geologically altered attributes of fossils. Excellent morphological preservation is often used to assume that the structure and composition of fossils are not modified. Nevertheless, during predation and fossilization, both the physical structure and chemical composition of enamel, dentine and bone are altered, the degree and extent of which varies from site to site, depending on the nature of the burial environment. A relationship between the surficial alterations and the compositional changes which take place during fossilization has yet to be established. Herein, I present a review of old and recent taphonomic studies that collectively reveal the wide diversity of microstructural and chemical changes that typically take place during fossilization of vertebrate remains, including common taphonomic biases and the challenges inherent to reconstructing the history of vertebrate fossil assemblages.

Automated summary

Biominerals can provide insights into the evolution and ancient environments. Predation is a common factor leading to the accumulation of small vertebrates in fossil assemblages. Predators cause damages to the bones and teeth of prey, making it challenging for taphonomists to differentiate between original biological attributes and secondary geological alterations of fossils. The physical structure and chemical composition of enamel, dentine, and bone can be altered during predation and fossilization, but the relationship between surface alterations and compositional changes during fossilization is yet to be established. This review presents a comprehensive overview of taphonomic studies, highlighting the diverse microstructural and chemical changes that occur during fossilization of vertebrate remains and the challenges of reconstructing the history of vertebrate fossil assemblages.