Preservation frequency of tissue-like structures in vertebrate remains from the upper Campanian of Alberta: Dinosaur Park Formation

摘要: Abstract In recent years, several papers have claimed that soft tissue can preserve within bone matrix of extinct vertebrates, some dating back over 100 million years. Work conducted on specimens from Montana suggested sediment type may influence preservation original tissues and proteins. An alternative hypothesis is be linked to the time a specimen exposed environment prior burial. The exposure estimated by degree disarticulation skeleton. A study was determine if these factors truly contribute tissue-like structures in geological record. This not intended verify presence proteins but simply how common are macrostructures look like preservation. Samples were placed into 0.5 M solution (ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid, disodium salt, dihydrate (EDTA) for two months dissolve mineral components. All studied collected Dinosaur Park Formation (upper Campanian) minimize stratigraphic variation Dissolution vertebrate remains sampled indicate an unexpectedly high rate structural Fifteen dinosaur, crocodilian, one fish, turtle total nineteen specimens. Specimens chosen based articulation. Approximately half samples recovered sandstones, other originated mudstones. Additionally, approximately articulated or closely associated skeletons, taken isolated bones micro sites. Of tested, eighteen produced “vessel” structures, had extracellular organic-like matter, seven revealed “osteocyte” structures. Although specific association, appear more often with articulated/associated specimens, especially they preserved sandstones.