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Article: Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis of maniraptoran eggshells with important implications for microstructural and taphonomic interpretations

Palaeontology - Vol 62, Part 5 - Cover Image
Publication: Palaeontology
Volume: 62
Part: 5
Publication Date: September 2019
Page(s): 777 803
Author(s): Seung Choi, Seokyoung Han, and Yuong‐Nam Lee
Addition Information

How to Cite

CHOI, S., HAN, S., LEE, Y. 2019. . Palaeontology, 62, 5, 777-803. DOI: /doi/10.1111/pala.12427

Author Information

  • Seung Choi - School of Earth & Environmental Sciences Seoul National University Seoul 08826 South Korea
  • Seokyoung Han - School of Earth & Environmental Sciences Seoul National University Seoul 08826 South Korea
  • Yuong‐Nam Lee - School of Earth & Environmental Sciences Seoul National University Seoul 08826 South Korea

Publication History

  • Issue published online: 29 August 2019
  • Manuscript Accepted: 04 January 2019
  • Manuscript Received: 15 June 2018

Funded By

National Research Foundation of Korea. Grant Number: 2016R1A2B2015012

Online Version Hosted By

Wiley Online Library
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Abstract

Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a useful tool for gathering crystallographic information from carbonate biominerals because it maps out the orientation of crystal grains very precisely. EBSD has become popular in invertebrate palaeontology but its application in vertebrate palaeontology remains limited. However, the study of fossil eggshells is a field where EBSD has wide potential applicability and provides a quantitative approach to fossil eggshell research as well as new qualitative data. Here we analyse fossil and extant maniraptoran dinosaur eggshells using EBSD analysis emphasizing four different aspects. The mapping imaging clarifies previously ambiguous characters such as squamatic ultrastructure and allows a more objective evaluation of avian and non‐avian maniraptoran eggshell. In particular, our results imply that the presence of an external zone in the manirpatoran eggshell is not diagnostic of avian eggshell. EBSD analysis can be also used for differentiating true pore canals from cracks in the eggshell radial section, thereby determining the biological genuineness or otherwise of a pore‐like structure. Finally, the misorientation angle distribution of the material shows a clear dichotomy that may reflect reproductive brooding strategy, although further studies on contact incubation of palaeognaths and neognaths are needed to confirm this.

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