Thin section photomicrograph of a modern ostrich eggshell (IMAGE)

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Thin section photomicrograph of a modern ostrich eggshell

Caption

A. Thin section photomicrograph of a modern ostrich eggshell in cross section, and corresponding eggshell structures denoted by V (vertical layer), P (palisade or prismatic layer), and C (cone layer). Pores serving as oxygen pathways for incubating chicks are visible as open holes penetrating through the eggshell. B. Epoxy-mounted fragment of an ancient eggshell from Ysterfontein 1 in cross section, showing the same eggshell structures are well preserved in deep time. Analyses from laser ablation are evident along pitted lines and track concentrations of U and Th. A pore is apparent in the center of the mounted�fragment.�Scale bars are 1 mm.

Credit

Elizabeth M. Niespolo

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