Preservation of Heme Derivatives in Vertebrate Fossils from the Messel Pit and Enspel, Germany

Research at the Messel Pit and Enspel, Germany, reveals exceptional preservation of heme derivatives in vertebrate fossils, offering unprecedented insights into ancient biological molecules. This study demonstrates that heme compounds, critical for oxygen transport and metabolism, can survive fossilization under specific conditions, providing a molecular window into the biology of prehistoric organisms. The findings suggest that these derivatives may serve as biomarkers for paleobiological reconstructions, enhancing our understanding of evolutionary adaptations and environmental interactions in Eocene ecosystems. The study employed advanced analytical techniques to isolate and characterize heme derivatives from fossilized remains, highlighting the potential of organic geochemistry in paleontology.

Siljeström, S., Thiel, V., & Steele, A. (2019). Preservation of Heme Derivatives in Vertebrate Fossils from the Messel Pit and Enspel, Germany. 29th International Meeting on Organic Geochemistry, 1. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.201902692