EXPERIMENTAL IN VITRO DISSOLUTION OF THE DENTINE OF TEETH OF SUS SCROFA (MAMMALIA,SUIDAE): CHEMISTRY AND MICROSTRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS*

Alterations induced during the first step of fossilization are examined. Molars and premolars of a modern large mammal were crushed to expose fresh dentine. Fragments were placed in solutions of acids present in humus for 2 months. Changes in composition of the solutions were analysed. Micro‐ and nanostructural changes of fresh and etched dentine were observed with scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. The ion contents of the acetic acid solution are higher than those of oxalic and oxalic plus acetic acid solutions. Oxalic acid etching results in secondary deposits of oxalates on the exposed dentine. The composition of the soil in natural fossilization processes is a main factor in fossil preservation.