During this lecture we will look at a number of methods and techniques available to researchers that assist in reconstructing the nature, time, and other factors regarding paleoecosystems. For the purposes of this discussion, I am going to assume historic records and archives are not available. I. Fossils Fossilization is a rare event and generally requires that the organism be buried quickly. Many different conditions must be right for preservation. Further, the assemblage should remain undamaged by later events or we might misinterpret the evidence.
Aquatic organisms are more likely to be preserved than terrestrial species.
Fossil are evidence of past life or conditions Direct remains, bones, pollen, shells, etc. Indirect remains, e.g., impressions, burrow casts, borings, etc. Soft tissue organisms preserved less easily than bony organisms. Other soft tissue species are preserved as flattened impressions. Grazers require much different and harder dentition than carnivores Legs and feet.