Bromley et al., 1995a

Author(s):Bromley, R., Jensen, M., Asgaard, U.
Year:1995
Title:Spatangoid echinoids: Deep-tier trace fossils and chemosymbiosis
Journal:Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie. Abhandlungen
Volume:195
Number:1-3
Pages:25-35
Abstract

Some species of spatangoid echinoids possess an intestinal caecum containing sulphide-oxidizing bacterial symbionts. Echinocardium cordatum and Schizaster canaliferus burrow deeply and ingest sulphide-rich, anoxic sediment, supplementing their diet with seafloor detritus. The chemoautotrophic synthesis of nutrients would allow echinoids to burrow deeply beneath the seafloor. Deep-tier Scolicia-group trace fossils therefore may be considered Agrichnia.

Keywords:Bioerosion, Echinoidea, Paleontology, Symbiosis, Trace fossils
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1127/njgpa/195/1995/25
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