Multicellularity and fossilization of soft bodies

The reliability of evolutionary reconstructions based on the fossil record critically depends on our knowledge of the factors affecting the fossilization of soft-bodied organisms. Despite considerable research effort, these factors are still poorly understood. In order to elucidate the main prerequisites for the preservation of soft-bodied organisms, we conducted long-term (1-5 years) taphonomic experiments with the model crustacean Artemia salina buried in five different sediments. The subsequent analysis of the carcasses and sediments revealed that, in our experimental settings, better preservation was associated with the fast deposition of aluminium and silicon on organic tissues. Other elements such as calcium, magnesium and iron, which can also accumulate quickly on the carcasses, appear to be much less efficient in preventing decay. Next, we asked if the carcasses of uni- and multicellular organisms differ in their ability to accumulate aluminium ions on their surface. The experim...

基于化石记录开展的演化重建结果的可靠性，核心取决于我们对软躯体生物化石形成相关影响因素的认知水平。尽管学界已投入大量研究精力，但此类因素至今仍未得到充分阐明。为阐明软躯体生物保存的核心前提条件，我们以模式甲壳类动物卤虫（Artemia salina）为研究对象，在五种不同沉积物中开展了为期1至5年的埋藏学实验。随后对实验遗骸与沉积物的分析显示，在本实验设置下，有机组织上铝与硅的快速沉积与更佳的保存效果密切相关。尽管钙、镁、铁等元素也可快速在生物遗骸表面富集，但它们在延缓生物体腐烂方面的效果要逊色得多。后续我们进一步探究了单细胞与多细胞生物的遗骸在表面富集铝离子的能力是否存在差异。实验