Applications of Synchrotron Radiation Techniques To The Study Of Taphonomic Alterations and Preservation in Fossils
Date
2019-02
Authors
Popovoski Kolaceke, Anezka
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina
Abstract
Fossils have traditionally been seen as sedimentary rocks that preserve little of the
original composition of animals, except for their shapes, and perhaps some original
material from recalcitant mineralized structures, such as bones, and teeth. However,
recent studies have shown that not the case. Researchers have identified preserved
organic molecules, such as collagen and melanosomes, as well as mineralized soft
tissues, including feathers, muscle tissue and skin, tens of millions of years after the
animal's death. These results have improved our understanding of extinct species,
and have been obtained using a variety of characterization techniques, including the
synchrotron-based approaches that are the focus of the research presented in this
thesis. The main goal of the research discussed in this thesis was the application of
synchrotron radiation techniques (X-ray
uorescence and X-ray absorption
spectroscopy, in particular) in order to determine the taphonomic alterations that
fossils experience, and examine how different materials are preserved.
In this thesis, I discuss the results of the chemical characterization on the
remains of the Tyrannosaurus rex known as \Scotty", turtle shells, and a rare
specimen of fossilized hadrosaur skin. I also examine the applicability of X-ray
uorescence to determine the composition and elemental distribution of insect
inclusions in amber. The results presented herein offer possible explanations on how
some of these specimens were preserved and the extent of the chemical alterations
they underwent during their taphonomic history.
Beyond the specific results for each specimen, the overall research presented in
this thesis shows that synchrotron radiation techniques have great potential to
advance palaeontological research, as it becomes necessary to evaluate the chemistry
of specimens in high resolution. These characterization techniques were able to
con rm that more original material is preserved after fossilization than would have
been believed possibly even a decade ago.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, University of Regina. xxiv, 251 p.