Report of bioerosions and cells in Cainotheriidae (Mammalia, Artiodactyla) from the phosphorites of Quercy (SW France)

The phosphorites of the Quercy from SouthWest France are well known for fossils preserved in 3D with phosphatized soft-tissues. Given that phosphatization is known to favor fine cellular preservation, the present study delves into the histological analysis of white and brown bones of Cainotheriidae (Artiodactyla) recently excavated from the DAM1 site near Caylus. Microscopy revealed that the white bones were completely filled with bacterial erosions, while the brown bones showed a pristine histology and intralacunar content resembling fossilized osteocytes in some areas. After decalcification, a brown bone revealed an abundance of blood vessel-like structures, innumerable osteocyte-like structures with canaliculi and a few chondrocyte-like structures, while a white bone revealed only blood vessel-like structures that looked eaten away. All the data combined suggest the brown bones were shielded from bacterial attacks and were filled with fossilized organic matter and original biological structures. The data taken all together do not support that these structures are casts, but indeed original and endogenous cells. This study encourages further histochemical and mineralogical analyses on Quercy fossils and the unique taphonomy of DAM1 to better understand fossilization processes and their impact on the color of bones, the chemistry of skeletal tissues, soft tissues, and cells.