Arthrophycus as a mimic of crinoid column impressions in the lower Silurian of central Kentucky,USA

Unusual specimens of an ichnofossil, herein ascribed to Arthrophycus, are described from siltstone tempestites in the lower Silurian (Llandovery, Telychian) Estill Shale near Irvine, Estill County, central Kentucky, USA. The specimens display closely spaced, uncurved transverse annulations, but lack the medial ridge, rectangular cross‐sectional shape and dense branching typical of common Silurian Arthrophycus ichnospecies. This combination of features, coupled with the straightness of burrows and alignment parallel to inorganic tool marks, closely approximates the appearance of moulds of partially articulated crinoid columns (= pluricolumnals) that were impressed into firm mud and cast by storm‐deposited sediment. That these structures do not represent the external moulds of body fossils is suggested by minor width variations along the long axis of specimens, possible bioglyphs and the total absence of skeletal material, including isolated crinoid columnals, in this and other tempestites from this interval. More convincingly, the presence of very sparse branching indicates a trace fossil origin for these structures. These fossils are best interpreted as the products of preferential mining of inorganically generated tool marks by deposit feeders, owing to exposure of more organic‐rich muds by erosional scouring. Thus, this occurrence represents a rare instance in which trace fossils display a strong alignment parallel to inorganic sedimentary structures.     

The proterozoic and earliest cambrian trace fossil record; patterns, problems and perspectives

The increase in trace fossil diversity across the Neoproterozoic-Cambrianboundary often is presented in terms of tabulations of ichnogenera.However, a clearer picture of the increase in diversity andcomplexity can be reached by combining trace fossils into broadgroups defined both on morphology and interpretation. This alsofocuses attention on looking for similarites between Neoproterozoicand Cambrian trace fossils. Siliciclastic sediments of the Neoproterozoicpreserve elongate tubular organisms and structures of probablealgal origin, many of which are very similar to trace fossils.Such enigmatic structures include Palaeopascichnus and Yelovichnus,previously thought to be trace fossils in the form of tightmeanders. A preliminary two or tripartite terminal Neoproterozoic tracefossil zonation can be be recognized. Possibly the earliesttrace fossils are short unbranched forms, probably younger thanabout 560 Ma. Typical Neoproterozoic trace fossils are unbranchedand essentially horizontal forms found associated with diverseassemblages of Ediacaran organisms. In sections younger thanabout 550 Ma a modest increase in trace fossil diversity occurs,including the appearance of rare three-dimensional burrow systems(treptichnids), and traces with a three-lobed lower surfaces.     

Trace fossils in fluvial deposits of the uppermost Stockton Formation (Late Triassic), Newark Basin,New Jersey

Abstract

Fluvial deposits of the uppermost Stockton Formation (Late Triassic), Newark Basin, west-central New Jersey have yielded an assemblage of trace fossils. Dominated by burrows, specimens include Cochlichnus anguineus, Helminthoidichnites tenuis, Planolites beverleyensis, Scoyenia gracilis, Spongeliomorpha carlsbergi, Treptichnus bifurcus, Treptichnus pollardi, plant remains, and an undetermined vertebrate trace fossil. The assemblage belongs to the Scoyenia ichnofacies. On the basis of stratification and primary sedimentary structures, the beds are interpreted as deposits in a meandering stream environment. Larval insects, wormlike forms, and arthropods are probably responsible for most of the animal traces in wet or moist channel, floodplain, and point bar sediments subject to subaerial exposure.     

Occurrence of the Lower Cambrian anemone-style trace fossils in the Zabuk Formation (Mardin–Derik,SE Turkey)

The Zabuk Formation of the Derik Group exposed over much of south-eastern Turkey presents a succession composed of shallow marine and fluvial siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. The Lower Cambrian assemblages containing abundant anemone-style trace fossils are known from most major palaeocontinents such as Laurentia, Baltica, and Gondwana. These have possible affinities with semi-infaunal dwelling anemones on siliciclastic mid-latitude shelves of West Gondwana in early Fortunian deposits. Among them is Bergaueria, characterized by plug-shaped burrows as exemplified by Bergaueria perata, that is, a characteristic trace fossil of the Cambrian globally.     

An Ichnotaxonomic Approach to Wrinkled Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures

Microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) are an important facet of recent paleoichnological work because of their taphonomic implications. MISS are extensively studied in terms of their formation processes, recognition in the ancient record, and their diverse morphologies. Classification and terminology schemes are based on their appearance and mode of formation; however, the taxonomic treatment of MISS remains debated. Traditionally MISS have been considered sedimentary structures, and arguments have been made that they cannot be treated as trace fossils under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) due to MISS being formed by communities of microbiota including algae, cyanobacteria, and others, rather than a single tracemaker. Here, we reexamine MISS using an ichnotaxonomic approach and apply ichnologic terminology and binomial names. Upon reexamining the holotype of Kinneyia Walcott, a genus commonly used to describe some MISS, we argue it cannot be used to correctly describe wrinkle or ripple-like features seen in MISS, and we agree with previous authors that Kinneyia is likely not biogenic in origin. We here assign a new ichnogenus and ichnospecies, Rugalichnus matthewii, to ripple-like sedimentary wrinkle marks known as MISS, separating them from the nomen dubium genus Kinneyia.     

河南登封寒武系第三统张夏组核形石与遗迹化石的耦合变化

河南登封关口剖面寒武系第三统张夏组下部碳酸盐岩中发育了大量的微生物成因的核形石和后生动物遗迹化石。在野外和显微镜下对核形石和遗迹化石进行观察,并统计它们在地层中所占比例,表明核形石和遗迹化石存在着耦合关系。下部地层以发育凝块石和形状不规则、纹层不连续、代表一种低能弱搅动水体的Ⅰ型核形石为主,不含遗迹化石,表明此时微生物在海洋生态系统中占主导地位。中部地层则以发育浑圆形、纹层连续的Ⅱ型核形石和遗迹化石Planolites为特征;而且随水体能量的增强,Planolites丰度逐渐升高,核形石丰度逐渐降低;二者的丰度变化说明后生动物的存在对核形石的数量有一定影响,但未破坏核形石的生长条件。上部地层发育大量Thalassinoides和生物扰动构造,缺乏核形石;后生动物对沉积基底进行反复扰动,彻底破坏了原始层理以及微生物造岩的环境,核形石消失。可见,在张夏组沉积时期,微生物与后生动物以及环境之间存在着特殊的相互作用关系。     

Upper ordovician turbidites in western Asturias: A facies analysis with particular reference to vertical and lateral variations

Ab Upper Ordovician sandstone—shale sequence in Asturias, Northwest Spain, is analysed with particular regard to lithology, sedimentary structures and trace fossils. It is deduced that deposition of the sandstones was from axially flowing turbidity currents in a deep-water trough. Trace fossils are rare but there is a predominance of deep-water turbidite-facies types including Helminthopsis, Spirophycus, Cosmorhaphe, and Protopaleodictyon. Arenicolites, normally regarded as typical of shallow water, is, however, also recorded. The low abundance and diversity of trace fossils in this succession is in marked contrast to the situation in many younger turbidite sequences.The initiation of turbidite deposition followed a long period of quiet-water mud sedimentation. Recognition of this abrupt facies change in two sections separated by a down-current distance of 40 km, provides a reference level from which vertical and lateral facies changes are quantitatively documented. In each section, deposition starts with a fining and thinning-upwards cycle and continues with several similar cycles. The onset of turbidite deposition, abrupt facies transition, and repetition of the cycles, are probably largely the result of fault block uplift at source, while initial development of the deep-water trough may have resulted from associated downthrow. The lateral facies variations, which include downcurrent reduction in sandstone/shales ratio and the Walker ABC index, probably result from a combination of factors, including reduced flow velocity and decreased sediment load.     

The earliest known estuarine bivalve assemblage, Lower Ordovician of northwestern Argentina

The oldest known estuarine bivalve assemblage is documented from the Lower Ordovician (upper Arenig-lower Llanvirn) Alto del Cóndor Formation, which crops out in the Cordillera Oriental of northwestern Argentina. This unit displays most of the diagnostic sedimentary attributes of estuarine environments. Biotic components include low-diversity trace fossils and a peculiar bivalve fauna consisting of the new genera Konduria, Pseudoredonia, and Pucamya, and the new species Redonia condorensis. This constitutes the earliest known occurrence of bivalves in brackish waters, suggesting that the capability of this clade to colonize estuarine environments developed early in their radiation.     

Marine influence and incursion in the Gondwana basins of Orissa, India: A review

The Permian–Triassic succession of the Indian Gondwana Sequence was previously considered to have been deposited in a fluviatile-lacustrine environment. Similarly, earlier Lower Gondwanas of Orissa State (a major part of the Mahanadi Master basin) were considered entirely fresh water deposits. Faunal evidence is still scanty in this master basin. Ichnology and palynology along with a few sedimentary records are reviewed and analysed for inferring marine signature. The marine nature of the Talchir, Karharbari, Barakar, Barren Measures and Kamthi sediments of three major basins (Talcher, Ib River and Athgarh) in Orissa State was predicted on the basis of typical marine ichnofossils. Most of these sediments also contain acritarchs reflecting marine marginal environment throughout the Permian. Moreover, evidence of wave activity, salinity raise and discovery of phosphorite in Permian sediments also strengthen this view.Hence, the previous model of continental facies for the Lower Gondwanas is found to be incorrect. The ichnofossils (Skolithos and Cruziana ichno-facies), acritarchs (Foveofusa, Leiosphaeridia, Greinervillites, etc.) and other palynofossils of marine origin can be utilized as a tool for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. In the Gondwana basins of Orissa (Mahanadi Master basin), consistent occurrence of marine acritarchs and trace fossils with some typical sedimentary structures such as wave ripples has been studied and reviewed from the Talchir (Early Permian) to Upper Kamthi (Triassic) formations at various time intervals. Here marine incursion could have occurred due to the well known global transgressions during Permian and Triassic.     

The infaunal echinoid Micraster: Taphonomic pathways indicated by sclerozoan trace and body fossils from the Upper Cretaceous of northern Spain

Micraster echinoid fossils are common in the Upper Cretaceous Olazagutía Formation of northern Spain. Tests frequently record sclerobiont signatures (including bioerosion and encrustation), left by reaction and/or coaction phenomena. Among bioerosion structures, Oichnus simplex, O. paraboloides, O. ichnosp. A, Trypanites solitarius, Rogerella ichnosp. indet., Centrichnus cf. eccentricus, Maeandropolydora ichnosp. indet. and fungal microborings are found, as well as pits and fractures. As for sclerozoan body fossils, bivalves (Dimyidae, Anomiidae, Plicatulidae and other Pectinacea), polychaete annelids (serpulids and spirorbids), lituolid foraminiferans (Haddoniidae and Coscinophragmatidae) and bryozoans (cheilostomate ones and others undetermined), as well as other less common groups, have been identified. Taphonomic paths followed by Micraster tests are analysed, based on conservation state and degree of colonisation and sedimentary filling. This allows to distinguish between accumulated fossils and non accumulated ones (including resedimented and reelaborated ones).     

塔里木盆地西北缘志留系塔塔埃尔塔格组上段的遗迹化石

通过对塔里木盆地柯坪地区志留系塔塔埃尔塔格组上段遗迹化石的研究,识别出8属8种。根据组成、产状、分布规律及其围岩沉积特征,划分为2种不同沉积环境条件下的遗迹组合,即(1)Thalassinoides-Maca-ronichnus遗迹组合,主要组成分子有Thalassinoides suevicus,Macaronichnus segregatis和Rhizocorallium ganx-iensis等,形成于高氧高能的砂坪沉积环境;(2)Scoyenia-Beaconites遗迹组合,常见组成分子有Scoyenia gracilis,Beaconites antarcticus,Planolites vulgaris,Palaeophycus wutingensis和Monocraterioncf.tentaculatum,形成于混合坪-泥坪沉积环境。     

Deep-water trace fossils in the Ilfjellet rift basin (Middle Ordovician), central Norwegian Caledonides

The late Early to early Middle Ordovician Fjellvollen Formation, Central Norwegian Caledonides, is a part of the Ilfjellet Group volcano-sedimentary succession formed in a rift basin that opened along the Laurentian margin. Depositional facies and trace fossils indicate the Nereites ichnofacies, typically found in distal turbidites and deep marine deposits. The recovered trace fossils include ?Alcyonidiopsis, Chondrites, Dictyodora, Gordia, Helminthoidichnites, Macaronichnus, Monomorphichnus, Nereites, Oikobesalon, Palaeophycus, Protovirgularia and Treptichnus. No body-fossils have been reported from the Fjellvollen Formation, but the trace fossils indicate the presence of varied epi- and infaunas of arthropods, bivalves, gastropods and polychaets. The abundance of meandering and looping trace fossils is comparable to what is found in the inferrably time-equivalent Vuddudalen Group farther north, although lack of graphoglyptids like Megagrapton in the Fjellvollen Formation may indicate more proximal, unstable depositional conditions in fan-fringe and adjacent basin-plain settings.     

Scolicia and its producer in shallow-marine deposits of the Miocene Chenque Formation (Patagonia,Argentina): functional morphology and implications for understanding burrowing behavior

Abstract

Scolicia is one of the most conspicuous trace fossils in lower shoreface deposits of the Miocene Chenque Formation of Patagonia, Argentina. This ichnotaxon consists of horizontal, sinuous or meandering trace fossils with a laminated backfill and two parallel strings located at the base. Abundant body fossils attributed to Brisaster iheringi occur in close association to these trace fossils. The echinoids are very well preserved, and most of the specimens have some areas with their spines attached in life position. In particular, preservation of the subanal tufts of spines, associated to isopores (which are interpreted as being associated to funnel building tube feet), supports the interpretation that these organisms are the producers of Scolicia isp. A shaft connecting the burrow with the sediment-water interface was not observed in vertical sections of the excavations, although on bedding plane surfaces, some small circular tube outlets are recognized. However, the great diversity and abundance of ichnofossils co-occurring in these deposits may preclude adequate identification of vertical structures. These deposits provide an excellent opportunity to integrate trace fossil data, body fossil information and observations from modern analogues in order to perform a morpho-functional analysis of Scolicia.     

Names for trace fossils: a uniform approach

The taxonomic treatment of trace fossils needs a uniform approach, independent of the ethologic groups concerned. To this aim, trace fossils are rigorously defined with regard to biological taxa and physical sedimentary structures. Potential ichnotaxobases are evaluated, with morphology resulting as the most important criterion. For trace fossils related to bioerosion and herbivory, substrate plays a key role, as well as composition for coprolites. Size, producer, age, facies and preservation are rejected as ichnotaxobases. Separate names for undertracks and other poorly preserved material should gradually be replaced by ichnotaxa based on well-preserved specimens. Recent traces may be identified using established trace fossil taxa but new names can only be based on fossil material, even if the distinction between recent and fossil may frequently remain arbitrary. It is stressed that ichnotaxa must not be incorporated into biological taxa in systematics. Composite trace fossil structures (complex structures made by the combined activity of two or more species) have no ichnotaxonomic standing but compound traces (complex structures made by one individual tracemaker) may be named separately under certain provisions. The following emendations are proposed to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature: The term 'work of an animal' should be deleted from the code, and ichnotaxa should be based solely on trace fossils as defined herein.     

Paleoecology of the marine endobenthos

Endobenthic animals, which reside within the sea bottom, include stationary suspension feeders, mobile deposit feeders and both stationary and mobile carnivores. Their activities, especially with regard to dwelling, feeding, walking/crawling and resting/nesting, are recorded as trace fossils.Abundance, diversity and density of some kinds of trace fossils allow interpretation of the population strategies of the trace-makers in terms of opportunistic (r-selected) and equilibrium (K-selected) strategies. Opportunistic ichnotaxa tend to be faciesbreaking traces, which are highly localized in low-diversity, high-density trace fossil associations in rocks representing environmental extremes (e.g., variable salinities, harsh temperatures, low oxygen levels or shifting substrates). Equilibrium ichnotaxa usually are restricted to particular sedimentary facies and are characteristic of high-diversity, low-dominance trace fossil associations in sediments reflecting stable, predictable environmental conditions.The most important environmental factors influencing the composition of trace fossil assemblages in marine settings are bathymetry, substrate, oxygen and hydrodynamic energy. The four factors are closely interrelated, because as water depth increases, there is a general decrease in sediment grain size and hydrodynamic energy of the depositional environment. As depth below the water—sediment interface increases, the firmness of the sediment (due to compaction and dewatering) increases and the oxygen content of interstitial waters drops drastically.Marine ichnofacies are largely substrate-controlled. Soupgrounds are water-saturated, incompetent substrates typified by highly compressed and usually unidentifiable burrows. Softgrounds commonly contain numerous distinctive burrows and are zoned bathymetrically by the Skolithos, Cruziana, Zoophycos and Nereites Ichnofacies. Firmgrounds are characterized by stiff, compacted sediments, in which traces of the Glossifungites Ichnofacies are excavated. Hardgrounds are cemented substrates, in which bioerosion traces of the Trypanites Ichnofacies are bored. Woodgrounds are woody materials that have been exposed to the sea and bored by bivalves, which produce characteristic traces of the Teredolites Ichnofacies. Tiering of endobenthic communities is common and is related to substrate preference of the burrowers and oxygen stratification of interstitial waters.     

Trace and soft body fossils from the Pedroche Formation (Ovetian, Lower Cambrian of the Sierra de Córdoba, S Spain) and their relation to the Pedroche event

The low Lower Cambrian rocks from the Sierra de Córdoba contain one of the best successions in Europe, which consists of well exposed mixed facies with abundant fossil assemblages showing long stratigraphical ranges throughout the Pedroche Formation. These assemblages include diverse Ovetian archaeocyaths, trilobites, small shelly fossils, calcimicrobes, trace fossils and stromatolites. Trace fossils are still poorly known, and thus they are the main objective of this work. Ichnological data are obtained from the Arroyo de Pedroche 1, Arroyo de Pedroche 2 and Puente de Hierro sections. Trace fossils include the ichnogenera Bergaueria, aff. Bilinichnus, Cochlichnus, aff. Cosmorhaphe?, Cylindrichnus, Dactyloidites, Dimorphichnus, Diplichnites, Monocraterion, Palaeophycus, aff. Phycodes, Planolites, Psammichnites, Rusophycus, Skolithos, Torrowangea and Treptichnus, as well as faecal pellets, meniscate trace fossils and others. They are abundant in shales and sandstones, and indicate important changes in the benthic conditions with respect to the underlying Torreárboles Formation. Changes in fossil assemblages within Member I of the Pedroche Formation indicate palaeoecological disruptions, which led to the disappearance of numerous archaeocyath species and the decrease of stromatolite biodiversity. This was followed by dominance of trilobite and brachiopod assemblages, accompanied by trace fossils of the Psammichnites ichnosp. A ichnoassociation. This biotic turnover (Pedroche event) occurred at the lower part of the archaeocyath Zone III, within the Bigotina bivallata biozone. The diagnoses of the ichnospecies Cochlichnus anguineus and Dactyloidites cabanasi are emended.     

Oxygen-related facies in Lake Pannon deposits (Upper Miocene) at Budapest-Köbánya

Oxygen availability is considered to have been a major factor in shaping the sedimentary facies and biofacies of a Late Miocene (8–8.5 Ma old) Lake Pannon sequence studied in the Kozma-street outcrop in Budapest-Köbánya. The sequence contains blue clays deposited in low-oxygen conditions between the storm and the fair-weather wave bases and thin intercalations of laminated fine sand interpreted as tempestites. The storms caused temporary oxygenation of the bottom and thus promoted bioturbation, as indicated by the presence of trace fossils belonging to the Arenicolites ichnofacies or a lacustrine equivalent of the marine Skolithos ichnofacies. Fully bioturbated sand layers with the infaunal Dreissenomya and other littoral molluscs indicate longer periods of bottom ventilation. The blue clays immediately above these sand layers also contain abundant and diverse mollusc fauna. Oxygen deficiency on the “shelf” of Lake Pannon was a local phenomenon probably caused by a high organic loading and/or a salinity-induced stratification.     

Bowl-shaped structures in a Pleistocene clastic carbonate wedge on the Island of Rhodes,Greece

Abstract

Bowl-shaped structures are for the first time reported from the Greek Island of Rhodes. They occur in Pleistocene deposits of the Cape Arkhangelos Formation in the Rhodes Synthem. The regularity of their three-dimensional appearance is the argument for a biological origin. This gives the reason to assign the structures to Piscichnus waitemata for which we issue a formal diagnosis. They were formed on a clastic carbonate wedge that built into a coastal, steep-sided basin. Associate trace fossils are Thalassinoides suevicus and Bichordites monastiriensis.     

Tomographic reconstructions of crab burrows from deltaic tidal flat: Contribution to palaeoecology of decapod trace fossils in coastal settings

Trace fossils play an important role in reconstructing palaeoecology and depositional environment. Their palaeoecological implications can be better understood when the trace makers are correctly identified. Neoichnology studies the burrow morphologies, behavioral ecology of modern organisms and their interaction with the environment. Neoichnology is of great significance in linking burrowing behaviors of extant organisms with interpretation of trace fossil palaeoecology. This paper reports a study on burrows produced by the ocypodid crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus De Haan) in the tidal region of the Yellow River Delta using CT scanning techniques. Our results show that M. japonicus produces abundant I-, U-, and Y-shaped burrows in a mudflat of the delta. These domicile structures are similar in morphological characteristics to the trace fossil Psilonichnus, suggesting M. japonicus as its possible additional trace maker. Our study supports the usage of Psilonichnus as a significant palaeoenvironmental indicator for coastal and shelf environments. Furthermore, this study highlights the great potential of applying CT techniques in future ichnological-related studies.     

山东济阳坳陷古近系沙河街组深水湖沉积中的遗迹化石

山东济阳坳陷古近系沙河街组深水湖沉积地层主要由深灰色、褐灰色泥岩、油泥岩、泥灰岩和石灰岩以及岩盐组成,浊流沉积发育。已发现深水型遗迹化石有12个遗迹属14个遗迹种,包括3个新遗迹属6个新遗迹种。根据这些遗迹化石的组成与分布特征及其围岩的沉积特征,可以划分出2种不同沉积环境下的遗迹化石群落,即(1)Mermoides-Neonereites遗迹群落,主要由觅食迹(Fodinichnia)和牧食迹(Pascichnia)组成,常见分子有Mermoides chezhenensis,Mermoides latiusculus,Neonereites uniserialis,Hel minthoidichnitescf.tenuis,Hel-minthopsis abeli,Pilichnus lacustris,Multilagueichnus lingpanensis,Cochlichnus anguineus,Gordiaichnosp.,Palaeophycus tubularis和Planolites beverleyensis等,它们被解释形成于半深水湖或较深水湖沉积环境;(2)Semi-rotundichnus遗迹群落,以半圆形、小碟形牧食迹为其特征,典型组成分子有Semirotundichnus dongyingensis,Pa-tellarisichnus boxingensis和Neonereites uniserialis等,它们均产生于深水湖沉积环境。