The Aptian Crato Konservat-Lagerstätte is renowned for its exceptionally preserved fossils in lacustrine laminated limestones. Although previous works on this site include numerous taxonomic studies, its taphonomy remains a subject of debate. Herein, we present new data on the taphonomy of decapod crustaceans preserved in wrinkle laminites, highlighting the role of microbial mats in enhancing fossil preservation. Our results suggest that benthic microorganisms may have promoted protection and organic mineralization of some of the allochthonous to parautochthonous organic remains within the microbial laminites of the Crato lake. Overall, this work provides the first empirical evidence that the preservational pathways of the fossils in the Crato Konservat-Lagerstätte involved microbial mats.
How to translate text using browser tools
18 July 2019
EXCEPTIONAL PRESERVATION OF SOFT TISSUES BY MICROBIAL ENTOMBMENT: INSIGHTS INTO THE TAPHONOMY OF THE CRATO KONSERVAT-LAGERSTÄTTE
Filipe G. Varejão,
Lucas V. Warren,
Marcello G. Simões,
Franz T. Fürsich,
Suzana A. Matos,
Mario L. Assine
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
It is not available for individual sale.
This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
It is not available for individual sale.
PALAIOS
Vol. 34 • No. 7
July 2019
Vol. 34 • No. 7
July 2019