Death and Fossilization

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the processes of death, fossilization, and taphonomy as discussed in the lecture.

Taphonomy

The study of natural processes that affect an organism after death, including decay, scavenging, fossilization, and erosion.

Bloat-and-float

A phenomenon where a carcass swells with gases after death, becoming buoyant and possibly being transported by water.

Disarticulation

The separation of bones in a skeleton, which can occur from natural processes like scavenging, decay, or transportation by water.

Plastic deformation

A process where the shape of a buried fossil changes due to pressure, preventing it from returning to its original shape even when the pressure is removed.

Fluvial deposits

Sediments deposited by rivers and streams, which are often good environments for fossil preservation.

Lacustrine deposits

Sediments that accumulate in lake environments, which can preserve soft tissues due to low water movement.

Permineralization

A process in fossilization where minerals fill the empty spaces within a bone.

Replacement

A fossilization process where the original bone decays and is replaced by minerals, filling its former space.

Sedimentary rocks

Rocks formed from the accumulation and cementation of mineral and organic particles, commonly containing fossils.

Overburden

The rock and earth that covers a fossil specimen, which must be removed before excavation can proceed.