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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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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geology (Boulder) 2016-10, Vol.44 (10), p.867-870
Main Authors: McMahon, Sean, Anderson, Ross P, Saupe, Erin E, Briggs, Derek E. G
Format: Article
Language:English
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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
ISSN:0091-7613
1943-2682
DOI:10.1130/G38454.1