EXERCISES 1. To understand the taphonomic processes that can affect organisms be

Question

EXERCISES 1. To understand the taphonomic processes that can affect organisms before burial and becoming part of the fos sil record, paleontologists often conduct experiments using present-day species. This is called actualistic taphonomy. Examine the photographs of a Cape Buffalo carcass in Amboseli National Park, southern Kenya courtesy of Dr. A.K. Behrensmeyer, USNM), and answer the following questions. A. Photograph I was taken in 1975, about two years after the animal died during a drought. The skin is still intact around the skeleton and the internal organs are still preserved. How can you account for the condition of this carcass after two years of exposure? B. Photograph II was taken in 1976, follow ing a relatively rainy year. The dark area in the center of the photograph is all that remains of the gut contents. Why has there been a dramatic change in the char- acter of the carcass following a wet pe- riod? C. Photograph IlI was taken in 1980, seven years after death. At this time, some of the small bones were found partially buried in the soft soil. How can you ac- count for the scattering of the bones?

Explanation / Answer

Since the animal died during a drought, we can conclude that there was no humidity in the atmosphere following the animal’s death. The chief decomposers are fungi or bacteria. These microorganisms breakdown the tissues in a process known as putrefaction. However, both bacteria and fungi require optimal temperature and moisture conditions in order to grow. High temperature and low humidity in the atmosphere prevented the action of bacteria and fungi on the remains of the animal which left the skin and internal organs intact. Abundance of water is an excellent medium for growth of microorganisms. Bacteria and fungi flourish in humid conditions. Due to availability of water, bacteria could grow on the corpse of the animal. These bacteria perform anaerobic metabolism on the animal remains which results in the accumulation of gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide. The production of these gases results in an increase of pressure inside the body which leads to its rupture. This bacterial activity is followed by insect and fungi activity which lead great mass loss. The scattering of bones might be due the activity of scavenger birds or other animals.

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