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Identifying moa gastroliths using a video light scattering instrument

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2016

Roger G. Johnston ,
William G. Lee  and
W. Kevin Grace
Roger G. Johnston
Affiliation:
1Chemical and Laser Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS J565, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
William G. Lee
Affiliation:
2Landcare Research NZ Ltd., Private Bag 1930, Dunedin, New Zealand
W. Kevin Grace
Affiliation:
1Chemical and Laser Sciences Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS J565, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
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Abstract

When not found with fossil bone, gastroliths (fossil gizzard stones) may be hard to identify. One attribute that is potentially useful is their high degree of surface polish, presumably caused by abrasion in the animal's gizzard. A novel video laser light scattering instrument is used to characterize the surface roughness of suspected moa gastroliths, as well as similar (non-gastrolith) quartz rocks that were polished by ocean waves. The instrument is fairly successful at distinguishing between the two types of samples.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 68 , Issue 1 , January 1994 , pp. 159 - 163
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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References

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