Alexander, 1981
| Author(s): | Alexander, R. R. |
|---|---|
| Year: | 1981 |
| Title: | Predation scars preserved in Chesterian brachiopods: Probable culprits and evolutionary consequences for the articulates |
| Journal: | Journal of Paleontology |
| Volume: | 55 |
| Number: | 1 |
| Pages: | 192–203 |
| Abstract | Chesterian (Upper Mississippian) brachiopods from the Confusion Range of west-central Utah display repaired and unrepaired damaged valves attributable to attacks by shell-crushing sharks. Most diagnostic are tetrahedron-shaped indentations. The scars are situated anteriorly or laterally and only infrequently posteriorly. The predators were not species-selective among the common brachiopods except for a possibly epiplanktic rhynchonellid and chonetids which lack scars. Size-selectivity cannot be documented. Missisippian brachiopod taxa minimized loss to these predators by evolutionary development of large valves, spinosity, plication, cementation, quasi-infaunal mode of life or a continuously enlarging pedicle opening to facilitate strong pedicle attachment |
| Keywords: | Bioerosion, Brachiopoda, Carboniferous, Fossil fishes, paleontoloogia, Predation, Trace fossils |
| SARV-WB: | edit record |