Comparing Recent and Ancient Taphonomic Processes


Mass deaths are not uncommon among large plant-eaters. Thousands of caribou perished in the flood waters of Quebec's Caniapiscau River in 1984. Wildebeest herds often drown in African rivers. Dinosaurs in ancient times also are thought to have drowned in mass herds.

Recent processes acting upon a large group of African wildebeasts.
Click on image for taphonomic history


Ancient processes acting upon a large group of centrosaurs.
Click on image for taphonomic history