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A mathematical description of fossilization.

Corentin C Loron1

  • 1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Royal Society Open Science
|July 18, 2024
PubMed
Summary

This study introduces a mathematical framework to quantify fossilization processes, moving beyond subjective preservation definitions. It offers a unified approach to analyze changes in biogenic objects during decay and fossilization for diverse paleontological studies.

Keywords:
Price equationdecaydiagenesisfossilspalaeontologytaphonomy

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Area of Science:

  • Paleontology
  • Geochemistry
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Fossil records are crucial for understanding past life but are distorted by decay and fossilization processes.
  • Current interpretations of fossil preservation are often subjective and lack quantitative rigor.
  • Understanding taphonomic changes is essential for accurate paleontological interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel mathematical description for decay and fossilization processes.
  • To provide a unified formalism for comparing different fossil assemblages and experimental data.
  • To offer an objective method for defining and analyzing fossil preservation states.

Main Methods:

  • Developing a mathematical model based on changes in the relative frequency and characteristics of biogenic objects within organism-fossil systems.
  • Partitioning taphonomic changes into categories of gain, loss, and alteration of state.
  • Relating the proposed formalism to George R. Price's equation for evolutionary trait change.

Main Results:

  • A quantitative framework for describing decay and fossilization is established.
  • The formalism allows for the categorization of taphonomic changes into gain, loss, and alteration.
  • The approach provides a unified method applicable to diverse paleontological data and experiments.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed mathematical description offers an objective and unified approach to studying fossilization.
  • This formalism can enhance the interpretation of the fossil record and facilitate comparisons across different studies.
  • The framework has potential applications beyond paleontology, including other systems involving decay and preservation.