TRACKING SOFT-TISSUE DECOMPOSITION AND PRESERVATION USING X-RAY TOMOGRAPHIC MICROSCOPY (Invited Presentation)

Traditional decay experiments have long been used to parse through the biases present in the soft-tissue fossil record. In an attempt to provide a more holistic view of taphonomic decay experiments, we previously tested the applicability of X-ray tomographic microscopy (µCT) as a novel visualization and data analysis technique. Establishment of this new protocol allows for systematic tracking of decomposition and the capture of three-dimensional, quantifiable datasets providing directly comparable and easily shared results. When compared to the results of decay indices from more classical approaches, our data illustrate and thus support similar timelines as have been previously observed for tissue decay. However, µCT methods allow for nondestructive quantitative volumetric assessment which greatly improves upon both the breadth and depth of the evaluation of decay through high-resolution, three-dimensional visualization. Herein we apply our established µCT protocol to a classic taphonomic experimental setup and report the results of continuous soft-tissue decay under varied oxygen and chemical conditions to replicate early Paleozoic marine floor settings.