Specifies various modifications or alterations observed in Quaternary or sub-fossils, such as carbonization, mineralization, and fragmentation.
| modification_type_id | modification_type_name | modification_type_description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carbonised | Organic matter converted to carbon, most commonly though heating. |
| 2 | Calcified | Organic matter replaced by calcium |
| 3 | Eroded | Surface of fossil has been worn away by physical processes, such as sediment abbraision. |
| 4 | Fragmented | Fossil is not whole. |
| 5 | Mineralised (unspecific) | Organic matter replaced by unspecified mineral(s). |
| 6 | Pyritified | Organic matter replaced by pyrite or marcasite. |
| 7 | Discoloured (more than expected) | Expected colour of fossil, considering preservation factors, is of an unexpected colour. E.g. as a result of dying. |
| 8 | Petrified | Organic matter converted to stone by impregnation with silica. |
| 9 | Encased in amber | Fossil is encapsulated in a piece of amber. |
| 10 | Corroded | Surface of fossil has been damage by chemical processes. |
this is the table that Tom Ryan suggests we put things like the estimated "biological age" of an animal that grew the bones:
The numbers in the first column are my guess as to what the
modification_type_idwill be once these new types exist in SEAD.
| modification_type_id | modification_type_name | modification_type_description |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | nd | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was not determined |
| 12 | 0-3 m | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was 0 to 3 months |
| 13 | 3-10 m | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was 3 to 10 months |
| 14 | neonat | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was ‘neonatal’ |
| 15 | juvenile | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was ‘juvenile’ |
| 16 | subadult | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was ‘subadult’ |
| 17 | adult | The estimated biological age at death for this bone was ‘adult’ |