About Taphonomic Studies

aphonomy is the study of what happens to an organism after its death and until its discovery as a fossil. This includes decomposition, post-mortem transport, burial, compaction, and other chemical, biologic, or physical activity which affects the remains of the organism. Being able to recognize taphonomic processes that have taken place can often lead to a better understanding of paleoenvironments and even life-history of the once-living organism.