Diagenetic and functionalized steroids in Oligocene marine mammal bones from Hokkaido, Japan

Key Points

• Functionalized steroids were identified in Oligocene marine mammal bones, suggesting unique biochemical processes.
• Isotopic analysis revealed distinct diagenetic patterns in marine mammal bones from Hokkaido, Japan.
• Observational analysis of bone chemistry links steroid presence with marine mammal fossilization processes.
• Findings highlight the importance of diagenetic processes in understanding ancient marine ecosystems.