Table 5. Generalized importance of taphonomic characteristics in Purisima Formation vertebrate taphofacies.
| Taphofacies Characteristics | Bonebed Taphofacies | Taphofacies 1 | Taphofacies 2 | Taphofacies 3 |
| Articulation | – | – | + | + |
| Abrasion | ++ | + | + | – |
| Fragmentation | ++ | + | + | – |
| Phosphatization | ++ | ++ | + | – |
| Polish | ++ | – | – | – |
| Bioclast abundance | ++ | + | + | – |
| Corresponding Lithofacies | Spm, Mpm | Shc | Sm, Mm | Mm, Mld |
| Inferred Depositional Setting | Much of shelf surface during transgression | Shoreface | Transition Zone | Offshore |
Abbreviations: ++ = abundant; + = moderate; − = rare; Mld = Laminated Diatomite lithofacies; Mm = Massive Mudrock lithofacies; Mpm = Massive Pebbly Mudrock lithofacies; Shc = Hummocky Cross-Stratified Sandstone lithofacies; Sm = Massive Sandstone lithofacies; Spm = Massive Pebbly Sandstone lithofacies.