Experimental Investigation of the Taphonomy of Holocene Chicken Feathers
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Date
2021-08
Authors
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
This set of experiments was designed to gain insight into the potential for feathers
to fossilize in a variety of depositional settings. Taphonomic experimentation on
chicken feathers (Gallus gallus domesticus) took place in six different
experimental settings: open air (protected, unprotected), freshwater (oxygenated,
anoxic), and salt water (oxygenated, anoxic). Feathers showed surprising
resistance to breakdown in most experimental settings. After eight weeks, feathers
showed little or no obvious change except in the freshwater, oxygenated setting.
Feathers in the freshwater, oxygenated setting began to break down in three
weeks; structural integrity of the shaft was reduced, and barbs easily fell from the
shaft.
Description
Keywords
Feathers, Aquatic, Preservation, Depositional Environment