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Experimental evidence that clay inhibits bacterial decomposers; implications for preservation of organic fossils
Exceptionally preserved organic fossils are commonly associated with clay-rich horizons or directly with clay minerals. It has been posited that interactions between clay minerals and organic tissues inhibit enzymatic reactions or protect carcasses in such a way that decay is impeded. However, inter...
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Published in: | Geology (Boulder) 2016-10, Vol.44 (10), p.867-870 |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | Exceptionally preserved organic fossils are commonly associated with clay-rich horizons or directly with clay minerals. It has been posited that interactions between clay minerals and organic tissues inhibit enzymatic reactions or protect carcasses in such a way that decay is impeded. However, interactions between clay minerals and the biological agents of decay,especially bacteria, may be at least as important to preservation potential. Here we show that clays of particle size |
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ISSN: | 0091-7613 1943-2682 |
DOI: | 10.1130/G38454.1 |