Forensic Fossils Simulation
Objective: Perform a forensic criminal investigation. Using the following data and the
results of the analyses you perform, submit the required recommendation to the Lavana
County Sheriff’s office.
General Instructions:
1. Read all of the following material and familiarize your group with the case.
2. Pick up your evidence bag from the receptionist in Wood 202. Record the sample
number that is on the bottle.
3. Go to the conodont work area in lab.
4. Perform the analyses described.
5. Determine whether or not the evidence supports the presumption that the suspect
was at the scene of the crime.
6. Turn in only the final report sheet and the evidence material, including your
mounted fossil grid. (Due to differences in samples, your conclusions may differ
from other groups.)
Highway 21
site 93
zone 3
zone 2
Ag Plant
zone 1
site 94
Plate 1. Cross section of sites.
Highway 21
Ag Plant
site 93
site 94
ridge
Plate 2. Top View of sites.
PaleoScan, Inc.
P.O. Box 6789
Phoenix, AZ 71857
Results of Preliminary Paleontological Survey
Case # 35776129
Requisitioned by: Lavana County Sheriff’s Office
Initial surveys have determined that the most effective index fossils for this site are
microfossil conodonts. USGS maps of the area indicate three primary strata zones in
which conodonts may occur (Plate 1). The ridge east of site S93 has exposed segments of
these three zones. The exposed ground surface at site S94 is made up of weathered
material from zone 3 and some material from eroded strata that once overlaid it.
We recommend that samples collected as evidence be analyzed for the presence of all
conodont species present. Determination of the samples’ origins may then be made by
comparing species to the known constituents of the various strata. Included is a brief
protocol developed for conodont recovery and identification, and a list of conodont
species with their accompanying zone ranges.
Pete Bogmann
PaleoScan, Inc.
PaleoScan Fact Sheet F109
Conodonts: A General Overview
Conodonts are extinct marine animals that resemble eels
with unusually large eyes. Although the hard mouthparts
have been studied since the 1800s, an impression of the soft
body of the animal wasn’t discovered until the middle of
the 20th century. It is unclear how conodonts used their
mouthparts, but they do seem to resemble teeth. These
mouthparts, called elements, are well preserved as fossils.
They are typically composed of the mineral apatite and
have been found in several types of sedimentary strata.
Many different species of conodonts have been discovered.
These species are identified by the unique shapes of their
elements. Conodont elements may be divided into three
basic shape categories. Coniform elements are found as
elongated cones. Ramiform elements are blade-like with
several “teeth” resembling a comb. Pectiniform elements
are plate-like or in the shape of grooved platforms.
Conodont fossils are useful in identifying and
comparing different rock strata. Whatever caused
the deposition of these animal remains, the various
species are quite predictably found in specific rock
strata. In other words, certain species are always
found in higher or lower strata relative to other
species. This indicates that some species must have
been deposited before others and can give clues
about the relative ages of strata. We are also able to
identify various strata in different areas based on the
unique combinations of conodont species present.
Conodonts also give us another valuable piece of information about sedimentary rock
strata. The fossils change color according to the maximum temperature to which they
have been exposed. By comparing these with a color alteration index (CAI) we can tell
how hot various strata have been which usually gives us clues as to the depth at which the
strata has been buried.
Excerpt from Lavana County Register October 4
Suspect Arrested in Lavana Ag Break-In. (United Press) Lavana
County Sheriff’s Department reports that a suspect has been taken into
custody in connection with the break-in last week of the Lavana
Agricultural Products. Deputies apprehended 49-year-old John William
Daniel near Highway 21 at the point overlooking the chemical plant.
Daniel had in his possession various rappelling equipment which allegedly
had been used to descend the nearby ridge into the secured area of the
plant. The suspect claims that he was traveling from Sandville to Rosley
on the night of the arrest, and had simply stopped to rest at the overlook
point. The case has drawn the attention of national security officials due to
the fact that Lavana Agricultural Products is primarily involved in the
distribution of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer sometimes used in the
production of explosives. Daniel is currently being held in the county
facility awaiting hearing.
Final Report
FCV# 675B 432F 212D
To: Lavana County Sheriff’s Department
Methods Employed:
Findings:
Conclusion:
Signatures of research team members participating:
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Protocol for Conodont Recovery and Identification
1. Divide the sample among your team members, and place into plastic observation
trays.
2. Remove the glass cover and coat the mounting grid with a thin layer of adhesive
solution.
3. Using a stereoscope, search through the sample for conodont fossil fragments.
The fossils may range in color from brown to black, and will resemble all or part
of a species shown on the Conodont Photo Reference Chart.
4. Fossils may be picked up with the moistened tip of a small paintbrush.
5. Transfer each fossil onto a separate square on the mounting grid. Additional
moisture may be needed to glue the sample in place.
6. Continue searching until you fill the 16 squares with the most complete fossils or
fragments. Slide the glass cover onto the slide to protect the specimens.
7. Place the slide under the stereoscope. Using the Conodont Photo Reference Chart
identify the specimens and record the information. If you need to flip a specimen
over, it may be loosened with a little moisture. If a specimen cannot be identified
make that notation on the table.
8. Compare your specimen data to the species zones shown on the Conodont Species
Zone Ranges.
9. Using all of the data obtained determine which zones are represented by your
sample. This information should provide the necessary evidence for filing your
final report.