anorthrosis

Anorthrosis is a term used in paleontology and geology to describe the process of abnormal or irregular fossilization. Unlike typical fossilization, where the original organic material is replaced by minerals in a way that preserves its original form, anorthrosis involves distortion or alteration of the fossil's structure. This can occur due to a variety of factors during the fossilization process, such as pressure, chemical changes in the surrounding sediment, or early decomposition of the organism.

The resulting anorthrotic fossils may be difficult to identify or classify accurately, as their original features may be obscured or misleading. This can pose challenges for paleontologists attempting to study the morphology and evolutionary history of extinct organisms. The term is not as widely used as standard fossilization terminology, but it highlights the complexities and variations that can occur during the transformation of organic remains into fossils. Understanding anorthrosis is important for interpreting the fossil record and recognizing potential preservation artifacts.