taphonomy

Definition

The study of the fate of the remains of organisms after they die, especially the study of fossilization.

Etymology

From tapho- + -nomy. From Ancient Greek τάφος (táphos, “grave”).

Example Sentences

• "These characteristics are also applicable in forensic taphonomy. In contrast to our approach here, Buikstra and Ubelaker place "premortem and perimortem fractures, wounds, and abrasions" (p. 106) in the chapter on paleopathology, thus separating perimortem trauma from taphonomy."
• "Whilst there is some credit in distinguishing between taphonomies for thick-shelled forms and thin-shelled forms in shallower facies, these forms occur in both phacopids and homalonotids."
• "Some cases may have an innocent explanation based in taphonomy, the processes by which bodies are preserved over long spans of time."