CONCLUSIONS

The application of high-resolution X-ray CT scanning has the capability to illustrate internal morphological structures of rudists that otherwise could only be studied by destruction of the specimen. Traditional sectioning by a diamond saw requires that the angles and positions of cutting be predetermined. If serial sections are made the specimen is completely destroyed. CT scanning is non-destructive, and specimens may be viewed from many different angles. The enhancement of scanned images may reveal structures that could not be observed in traditional sections. Detailed measurements of different structures are possible in 3-D images 0.1433 mm, or thinner, that cannot be made in thicker traditional serial sections. In addition CT images may reveal minute ontogenetic changes that may be lost in sawed sections.