Document Type
Article
Version Deposited
Published Version
Publication Date
9-23-2020
Publication Title
Scientific Reports
DOI
10.1038/s41598-020-72648-6
Abstract
The rare earth element (REE) composition of a fossil bone reflects its chemical alteration during diagenesis. Consequently, fossils presenting low REE concentrations and/or REE profiles indicative of simple diffusion, signifying minimal alteration, have been proposed as ideal candidates for paleomolecular investigation. We directly tested this prediction by conducting multiple biomolecular assays on a well-preserved fibula of the dinosaur Edmontosaurus from the Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation previously found to exhibit low REE concentrations and steeply-declining REE profiles. Gel electrophoresis identified the presence of organic material in this specimen, and subsequent immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays identified preservation of epitopes of the structural protein collagen I. Our results thereby support the utility of REE profiles as proxies for soft tissue and biomolecular preservation in fossil bones. Based on considerations of trace element taphonomy, we also draw predictions as to the biomolecular recovery potential of additional REE profile types exhibited by fossil bones.
Recommended Citation
Ullmann, P.V., Voegele, K.K., Grandstaff, D.E. et al. (2020). Molecular tests support the viability of rare earth elements as proxies for fossil biomolecule preservation. Scientific Reports 10, 15566. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72648-6
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Comments
Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.