Digestion versus abrasion features in rodent bones

摘要: The origin of most fossil small mammal assemblages is predation by avian or mammalian predators. Bone corrosion gastric juices observed in these fossils direct evidence digestion, and traits digestion indicate the type predator involved. However, certain features digested bones, such as rounding polishing, are similar to polishing produced other processes, particularly abrasion, which not Misidentification has major repercussions palaeoenvironmental palaeoclimatic interpretations well biostratigraphy potential reworking. Digestion directional progressive process, primarily affecting mineralized tissues (enamel) advancing from tips centre anatomical element. In contrast, abrasion identically affects any osseous tissue homogeneously entire skeletal Microscopically, bones display a distinctive chemical (‘tornlike’ appearance), whilst abraded appear smooth with microstriations pitting microwear. Here, we present results series experiments designed establish new clear criteria distinguish bone caused that originating abrasion.