Bone weathering in the tropical rain forest

Bones deposited on the rain forest floor exhibit distinctly different surface modifications from those found in savannas. The development of weathering cracks is considerably slower than in more open environments, suggesting that the dearth of rain forest fossil assemblages is not caused by increased weathering in these environments. Ubiquitous surface modifications include green plant growth on the bone's exposed surfaces, termite-caused pitting, and extensive rodent gnawing. If preserved on fossil bone these modifications may serve as palaeoenvironmental indicators.