Can we distinguish taphonomic distortion and (paleo)pathology from normal biological variation?

Key Points

• The study identifies differences in aspect ratios of cervical vertebrae, indicating significant taphonomic distortion and potential (paleo)pathology.
• Photographs of cervical vertebrae from Giraffatitan brancai reveal extensive and unpredictable crushing, complicating biological interpretations.
• Assessment of vertebral distortion involves analyzing specific traits, which may be affected by environmental factors across geological time.
• Understanding this distortion is crucial for accurate identification of biological variations and their implications in paleobiology.