taphonomy

plural taphonomies

1. countableuncountableThe study of the fate of the remains of organisms after they die, especially the study of fossilization.First known use 20th c.

   Some cases may have an innocent explanation based in taphonomy, the processes by which bodies are preserved over long spans of time.

   2011, Steven Pinker, The Better Angels of Our Nature, Penguin, published 2012, page 4

   2 more examples

   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.

   2002, Marcella H. Sorg, William D. Haglund, “1: Advancing Forensic Taphonomy: Purpose, Theory, and Process”, in William D. Haglund, Marcella H. Sorg, editors, Advances in Forensic Taphonomy, CRC Press, page 11

   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.

   2005, Memoirs of Museum Victoria, Volume 62, Museums Board of Victoria, page 10