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Crushing strength of Puriana pacifica (Ostracoda), an experimental approach to taphonomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2016

Roger L. Kaesler ,
Mervin Kontrovitz  and
Stefanie Taunton
Roger L. Kaesler
Affiliation:
1Department of Geology, 120 Lindley Hall, The University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045-2124 2Department of Museum of Invertebrate Paleontology, and Paleontological Institute, 120 Lindley Hall, The University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045-2124
Mervin Kontrovitz
Affiliation:
3Department of Geosciences, Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe 71209
Stefanie Taunton
Affiliation:
1Department of Geology, 120 Lindley Hall, The University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045-2124
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Abstract

Specimens of the ostracode species Puriana pacifica Benson, 1959, from a modern assemblage from the Gulf of California can be sorted by visual inspection into five groups based on taphonomic condition. Characteristics used for sorting include: presence or absence of appendages; color and opacity of the valves; and evidence of abrasion, fragmentation, and boring. As measured by resistance to crushing force, members of the five groups show appreciable, progressive, postmortem weakening so that specimens in the poorest apparent condition are the weakest mechanically. The groups also differ in style of fracturing in response to crushing force. Fractures of valves of the freshest specimens are located quite consistently. Among specimens with progressively more damage, the location of fractures becomes less predictable. On valves of the most damaged specimens, typical fractures are short and likely to occur almost anywhere on the valve. These experimental results emphasize the importance of rapid burial in enhancing the likelihood of fossilization. Furthermore, they cast doubt on the ability of paleoecologists to use valves and carapaces of fossil ostracodes to interpret levels of wave and current energy in ancient environments because taphonomic weakening and subsequent destruction may effectively mask functional morphology.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 67 , Issue 6 , November 1993 , pp. 1005 - 1010
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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