Work

Differential taphonomic pathways in a Pleistocene cave deposit from Brazil

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In Brazil, caves constitute important paleontological deposits, often yielding exceptionally well-preserved fossil specimens. Numerous Pleistocene vertebrate fossils have been discovered in this region, and an increasing number of investigations are utilising these remains. However, research on the processes of deposition and preservation remains scarce, particularly detailed studies into the factors affecting different locations within the same cave. This study examines taphonomic signatures in 401 mammal fossil specimens from Toca da Barriguda cave (municipality of Campo Formoso, northeast of Brazil), one of the most important cave deposits in South America. The taphocoenosis of Toca da Barriguda cave includes five taxa distributed across three accumulations within the cave. The analysis enabled the identification and interpretation of distinct biostratinomic processes, revealing the existence of three separate taphonomic histories characterized by in situ, peripheral, and ex situ preserved assemblages. Throughout its history, the cave experienced alternating periods of humidity and dryness, which significantly influenced the preservation of these assemblages.

Source: Lethaia

DOI: 10.18261/let.59.3.5

Authors: Laís Alves-Silva, Ronaldo Araujo Leoni, Fernando Henrique De Souza Barbosa, Hermínio Ismael De Araújo-Júnior

Institutions: Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas

Language: English

Topic: Evolution and Paleontology Studies

Subfield: Paleontology

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,300

OpenAlex ID: W7124421631

FWCI: 4.418

Cites: 48

Cited by: 1

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