Abstract
Fossilization results from several physical-chemical-geological
processes. Original labile and non-bioclastic structures rarely survive
throughout this process. In particular, the Crato Formation (Araripe
Basin) is one of the most significant Cretaceous Konservat-Lagerstatten
due to its well-preserved invertebrates, mainly three-dimensional
insects. In general, Crato insects exhibit brown-orange color,
constituted by goethite or hematite replacements. In this context, we
used the scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive
spectrometer and Raman spectroscopy to analyze Araripeblatta
dornellesae, a 115 million-years-old fossil from Crato Formation,
Araripe Basin. Our results show that a dark-color material rather than
the brown-orange pattern preserve this specimen. The carbon is
restricted to the fossil imprint, indicating some retention of the
original organic remains. In addition, the presence of original organic
components allowed to approach the biochemical aspects further than
simple morphology, as well as to elucidate the taphonomical complexity
involved in this preservation style.
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