Applications of molecular taphonomy to the invertebrate fossil record

Recently several studies have demonstrated the utility of PhotoEmission Electron spectroMicroscopy (PEEM) to observe exceptional preservation of organic matrix components and shell microstructure in fossil mollusks. Comparisons to modern representatives suggests very strong similarity and potential links to paleoenvironmental conditions (e.g., temperature). Current work must focus on replicating these results across additional time periods and types of biomineralizing species. Future work on the utility of hyperspectral imaging, the geography of preservation, and complementary analyses (e.g., Raman spectroscopy), will provide additional clues into the molecular and structural preservation of biominerals, as well as their evolution through geologic time.