33 results
A protracted Ediacaran–Cambrian transition: an ichnologic ecospace analysis of the Fortunian in Newfoundland, Canada
- Brittany A. Laing, M. Gabriela Mángano, Luis A. Buatois, Guy M. Narbonne, Romain C. Gougeon
-
- Journal:
- Geological Magazine / Volume 156 / Issue 9 / September 2019
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 02 April 2019, pp. 1623-1630
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
The transition between the seemingly disparate Ediacaran and Cambrian faunas is both enigmatic and body-fossil poor. The Chapel Island Formation on the Burin Peninsula, Newfoundland, Canada, contains a rich diversity of ichnofossils, providing new insight into the nature of the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition and early Fortunian ecosystems. Five ichnoguilds are recognized within the Treptichnus pedum zone. Ichnologic data are analysed from an ecospace perspective, revealing a more protracted transition between Ediacaran and Cambrian ecosystems. Our analysis documents the appearance of limbs, vertical burrows and uncontroversial equilibrium structures, as well as the retention of ‘other’ feeding styles, such as microbial grazing and chemosynthesis.
Ichnostratigraphy of the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary: new insights on lower Cambrian biozonations from the Soltanieh Formation of northern Iran
- Setareh Shahkarami, M. Gabriela Mángano, Luis A. Buatois
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Paleontology / Volume 91 / Issue 6 / November 2017
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 12 September 2017, pp. 1178-1198
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
Strata in the Central Alborz Mountains, northern Iran, are interpreted to show continuous sedimentation from Ediacaran through Cambrian times. The Soltanieh Formation consists of five members: Lower Dolomite, Lower Shale, Middle Dolomite, Upper Shale and Upper Dolomite members. The clastic units (Lower and Upper Shale members) represent sedimentation in distal marine settings, ranging from the shelf to offshore, and contain abundant trace fossils of biostratigraphic utility. Four ichnozones have been recognized. Ichnozone 1, containing Helminthoidichnites tenuis, Helminthopsis tenuis, and Cochlichnus anguineus, is early Fortunian based on small shelly fossils, and is interpreted as a distal expression of the Treptichnus pedum zone. Ichnozone 2, comprising the first occurrence of T. pedum, is middle Fortunian, and is best regarded as the upper half of the Treptichnus pedum Zone. Ichnozone 3 is late Fortunian–Cambrian Age 2, characterized by a sudden change in abundance and complexity of trace fossils. Main elements in this ichnozone include Cruziana problematica, Curvolithus isp., Phycodes isp., Treptichnus pedum, Treptichnus pollardi, and Treptichnus isp. Ichnozone 4 is of Cambrian Age 2–Age 3 and marked by the first appearances of Psammichnites gigas, Rusophycus avalonensis, and Didymaulichnus miettensis. Integration of trace fossils with small shelly fossils suggests that the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary should be placed at the base of the Soltanieh Formation or within the Lower Dolomite Member. The delayed appearance of T. pedum and the low ichnodiversity in the Lower Shale and lower interval of the Upper Shale reflect limited colonization of settings below storm wave base during the early Fortunian.
Ichnofauna from coastal meandering channel systems (Upper Cretaceous Tremp Formation, South-Central Pyrenees, Spain): delineating the fluvial-tidal transition
- Davinia Díez-Canseco, Luis A. Buatois, M. Gabriela Mángano, Margarita Díaz-Molina, M. Isabel Benito
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Paleontology / Volume 90 / Issue 2 / March 2016
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 July 2016, pp. 250-268
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
The Upper Cretaceous “redbeds” of the lower Tremp Formation (South-Central Pyrenees, Spain) contains an ichnofauna consisting of Taenidium barretti, Taenidium bowni, Loloichnus isp., Arenicolites isp., Planolites isp., and Palaeophycus isp. This ichnofauna occurs in deposits formed in tide-influenced meander loops and their associated overbank mudflats. Evaluation of the taphonomic controls on the Tremp ichnofauna shows that (1) two morphotypes of Taenidium barretti are controlled by the substrate consistence, (2) Arenicolites may be enlarged by erosion processes, and (3) Taenidium barretti and Planolites isp. are not the same ichnotaxa showing different types of preservation. The meniscate fill in Taenidium barretti suggests that this structure was produced by deposit feeders. The Tremp ichnofauna is grouped into two trace-fossil assemblages, a depauperate subaquatic monospecific Planolites suite and an assemblage representing the Scoyenia Ichnofacies. Trace-fossil distribution reflects paleoenvironmental changes in the meandering channels along the stratigraphic section with the Planolites suite in the lowermost part of the lower interval and the Scoyenia Ichnofacies in the middle and upper intervals. The lowermost suite may be likely formed seaward of the maximum salinity limit, under extreme brackish-water conditions, whereas the Scoyenia Ichnofacies records a freshwater assemblage that was formed landward of the maximum salinity limit, reflecting deltaic progradation.
Ichnology of an Upper Carboniferous fluvio-estuarine paleovalley: The Tonganoxie Sandstone, Buildex Quarry, Eastern Kansas, USA
- Luis A. Buatois, M. Gabriela Mangano, Christopher G. Maples, William P. Lanier
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Paleontology / Volume 72 / Issue 1 / January 1998
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 May 2016, pp. 152-180
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
Tidal rhythmites of the Tonganoxie Sandstone Member (Stranger Formation, Douglas Group) at Buildex Quarry, eastern Kansas, contain a relatively diverse ichnofauna. The assemblage includes arthropod locomotion (Dendroidichnites irregulare, Diplichnites gouldi types A and B, Diplopodichnus biformis, Kouphichnium isp., Mirandaichnium famatinense, and Stiaria intermedia), resting (Tonganoxichnus buildexensis) and feeding traces (Stiallia pilosa, Tonganoxichnus ottawensis); grazing traces (Gordia indianaensis, Helminthoidichnites tenuis, Helminthopsis hieroglyphica); feeding structures (Circulichnis montanus, Treptichnus bifurcus, Treptichnus pollardi, irregular networks), fish traces (Undichna britannica, Undichna simplicitas), tetrapod trackways, and root traces. The taxonomy of some of these ichnotaxa is briefly reviewed and emended diagnoses for Gordia indianaensis and Helminthoidichnites tenuis are proposed. Additionally, the combined name Dendroidichnites irregulare is proposed for nested chevron trackways. Traces previously regarded as produced by isopods are reinterpreted as myriapod trackways (D. gouldi type B). Trackways formerly interpreted as limulid crawling and swimming traces are assigned herein to Kouphichnium isp and Dendroidichnites irregulare, respectively.
Taphonomic analysis suggests that most grazing and feeding traces were formed before the arthropod trackways and resting traces. Grazing/feeding traces were formed in a soft, probably submerged substrate. Conversely, the majority of trackways and resting traces probably were produced subaerially in a firmer, dewatered and desiccated sediment.
The Buildex Quarry ichnofauna records the activity of a terrestrial and freshwater biota. The presence of this assemblage in tidal rhythmites is consistent with deposition on tidal flats in the most proximal zone of the inner estuary, between the maximum landward limit of tidal currents and the salinity limit further towards the sea.
Paleoecologic and Biostratigraphic Significance of Trace Fossils From Shallow- to Marginal-Marine Environments From the Middle Cambrian (Stage 5) of Jordan
- Richard Hofmann, M. Gabriela Mángano, Olaf Elicki, Rafie Shinaq
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Paleontology / Volume 86 / Issue 6 / November 2012
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 May 2016, pp. 931-955
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
The Hanneh Member (Cambrian Stage 5) of the Burj Formation and the Umm Ishrin Formation of Jordan represent a transgressive-regressive succession that contains twenty-eight ichnotaxa, including vertical burrows (Arenicolites isp., Diplocraterion isp., Gyrolithes polonicus, Rosselia isp., Skolithos linearis, escape trace fossils), horizontal simple burrows and trails (Archaeonassa fossulata, Gordia marina, Helminthoidichnites tenuis, Palaeophycus tubularis, Planolites beverleyensis, P. montanus), plug-shaped burrows (Bergaueria sucta), horizontal branched burrows (Asterosoma isp., Phycodes isp., Treptichnus cf. T. pedum), bilobate structures (various ichnospecies of Cruziana and Rusophycus), and trackways and scratch marks (Diplichnites isp., Dimorphichnus cf. D. obliquus, Monomorphichnus isp.). Eleven trace-fossil assemblages are identified. The Arenicolites isp. and Diplocraterion isp. assemblages occur in transgressive tidal dunes and bars whereas the Rosselia isp. assemblage characterizes areas between tidal dunes. The Cruziana salomonis assemblage reflects a wide variety of environmental settings including channels within tidal-bar complexes, bottomsets of tidal dunes, and interdune areas. The Gordia marina assemblage is present between dune patches. The Gyrolithes polonicus assemblage penetrates into firmground mudstone below the maximum flooding surface. The Bergaueria sucta, Archaeonassa fossulata, Rusophycus aegypticus and Cruziana problematica assemblages occur in different subenvironments of the progradational delta. Cruziana salomonis and Rusophycus burjensis, originally considered indicative of an early Cambrian age, are actually middle Cambrian in their type locality. Occurrences of Cruziana jordanica and Rusophycus aegypticus provide evidence that these ichnospecies are of the same age in Jordan and may co-exist in terms of stratigraphic distribution with C. salomonis and R. burjensis.
The ichnogenus Curvolithus revisited
- Luis A. Buatois, M. Gabriela Mangano, Radek Mikuláš, Christopher G. Maples
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Paleontology / Volume 72 / Issue 4 / July 1998
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 July 2015, pp. 758-769
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
The ichnogenus Curvolithus Fritsch, 1908, originally described from the Ordovician of the Prague Basin, typically comprises ribbonlike or tonguelike, flattened, endostratal traces with three rounded lobes on the upper surface. However, considerable confusion persists regarding the ichnotaxonomic status and diagnostic features of its ichnospecies. The type specimens of this ichnotaxon, overlooked in most subsequent reports, are redescribed herein. Curvolithus multiplex Fritsch, 1908, the type species, is retained for specimens with a trilobate upper surface and a quadralobate lower surface, in contrast to the criteria adopted by subsequent authors. The other ichnospecies originally proposed from the type locality, C. gregarius Fritsch, 1908, actually consists of a series of grouped parallel scratch marks forming ridges and should be removed from Curvolithus. Subsequently, four ichnospecies were defined: C.? davidis Webby 1970; C. annulatus Badve and Ghare 1978; C. aequus Walter et al. 1989; and C. manitouensis Maples and Suttner 1990. Curvolithus? davidis shows the typical trilobation of Curvolithus apparently in its lower surface, but the morphology of the upper surface is uncertain. Accordingly, it does not warrant ichnospecific assessment, and is regarded as a nomen dubium. The nature of the annulations on the trilobate upper surface of C. annulatus is unclear, and this ichnospecies is also best considered as a nomen dubium.Curvolithus aequus has a bilobate lower surface and probably represents washed out specimens of Didymaulichnus. Finally, C. manitouensis comprises specimens with a smooth, trilobate upper surface and a smooth, quadralobate lower surface, and is best regarded as a junior synonym of C. multiplex. Curvolithus multiplex has been used incorrectly for Curvolithus with a trilobate upper surface and a trilobate to unilobate lower surface. The new ichnospecies, Curvolithus simplex, is proposed herein for such traces. Curvolithus is interpreted as a locomotion trace (Repichnia) of endostratal carnivores, possibly gastropods, flatworms, or nemerteans. Curvolithus is a component of the Cruziana ichnofacies in shallow-marine facies, either of normal salinity or slightly brackish, in the latter case typically associated with fan deltas.
A new ichnospecies of Nereites from Carboniferous tidal-flat facies of eastern Kansas, USA: Implications for the Nereites-Neonereites debate
- M. Gabriela Mangano, Luis A. Buatois, Christopher G. Maples, Ronald R. West
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Paleontology / Volume 74 / Issue 1 / January 2000
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 July 2015, pp. 149-157
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
Predominantly horizontal, gently curved to slightly sinuous traces constituting uniserial rows of imbricated, subspherical sediment pads occur in Pennsylvanian tidal-flat facies of eastern Kansas. These traces exhibit a complex, actively filled internal structure. The presence of a median tunnel enveloped by overlapping pads of reworked sediment indicates that these biogenic structures should be included in the ichnogenus Nereites MacLeay in Murchison, 1839. A new ichnospecies, N. imbricata, is erected. Externally, Nereites imbricata differs from the other Nereites ichnospecies by the large, tightly packed, imbricated pads that commonly result in an annulated appearance on bedding-planes. Internally, obliquely arranged, arcuate laminae envelope the median tunnel and tend to follow the outline of the external semispherical pads. Additionally, the behavioral pattern reflected by N. imbricata is less specialized than that of the other Nereites ichnospecies. Eione monoliformis Tate, 1859 resembles N. imbricata in general appearence, but lack the diagnostic Nereites internal structure, and is invariably preserved as positive epireliefs. Occurrence of Nereites imbricata as both median tunnels surrounded by reworked sediment (Nereites preservation) and uniserial rows of imbricated sediment pads (Neonereites preservation) supports the notion that Neonereites Seilacher, 1960 is a preservational variant of Nereites. The ichnogenus Nereites is an eurybathic form and is a common component of Paleozoic shallow-marine facies.
4 - The ichnofacies model
- from Part I - Conceptual tools and methods
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 58-82
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
Anyone can make the simple complicated. Creativity is making the complicated simple.
Charles Mingus Unsourced quoteIchnofacies stand today as one of the most elegant but widely misunderstood concepts in ichnology.
Robert Frey, George Pemberton, and Thomas Saunders “Ichnofacies and bathymetry: a passive relationship” (1990)The ichnofacies model was introduced in a series of papers originally published in German by Seilacher (1954, 1955b, 1958, 1963b), and later expanded into English (Seilacher, 1964a, 1967b). In doing so, he created from a series of apparently disparate worldwide observations an elegant and coherent conceptual model. This body of work resulted in the first paradigm in ichnology, and transformed this field of research from a parochial discipline practiced by a few into a mainstream paleontological and geological science with a rich conceptual framework and multiple fruitful applications. Subsequently, the model was refined and expanded in a series of papers (e.g. Frey and Seilacher, 1980; Bromley et al., 1984; Frey and Pemberton, 1984, 1985, 1987; Bromley, 1990, 1996; Pemberton et al., 1992b; Bromley and Asgaard, 1993a; Lockley et al., 1994; Buatois and Mángano, 1995b, 2009; Gibert et al., 1998, 2007; Genise et al., 2000, 2010a; Ekdale et al., 2007; Hunt and Lucas, 2007; Minter and Braddy, 2009), remaining at the core of ichnology, both as a theoretical framework and as a tool. The aim of this chapter is to provide an updated review of the ichnofacies model, addressing not only marine softground and substrate-controlled ichnofacies, but also invertebrate and vertebrate continental ichnofacies. Vertebrate ichnofacies are still in flux and what is presented herein should be understood as a preliminary “state-of-the-art” rather than a consensus view on the matter.
8 - Ichnology of marginal-marine environments
- from Part II - Spatial trends
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 152-180
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
“Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?”
“To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.”
“The dog did nothing in the night-time.”
“That was the curious incident,” remarked Sherlock Holmes.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle “Silver Blaze” (1892)Marginal-marine environments represent one of the most successful areas of ichnological research. These environments comprise a wide variety of coastal settings characterized by rapid environmental perturbations, typically salinity changes, but also increased sediment discharge and extreme clay flocculation, among many other controls. These different factors generate stressful conditions that strongly affect benthic biotas, imparting clearly detectable signals in the ichnological record (e.g. Pemberton and Wightman, 1992; MacEachern and Pemberton, 1994; Buatois et al., 1997b; Mángano and Buatois, 2004a; MacEachern and Gingras, 2007). Ichnology is a powerful tool to differentiate deposits formed under marginal-marine conditions from those that accumulated in fully marine settings. In this chapter we review the ichnology of different marginal-marine environments, visiting estuaries, bays, deltas, and fjords.
10 - Ichnology of continental environments
- from Part II - Spatial trends
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 197-216
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
The prevalent notion that trace fossils are comparatively rare in nonmarine facies is more a reflection of insufficient reconnaissance than of a true dearth of specimens.
Robert Frey and George Pemberton “The Psilonichnus ichnocoenose, and its relationship to adjacent marine and nonmarine ichnocoenoses along the Georgia coast” (1987)Vemos las cosas según como las interpretamos. Lo llamamos previsión: saber de antemano, estar prevenidos. Usted en el campo sigue el rastro de un ternero, ve huellas en la tierra seca, sabe que el animal está cansado porque las marcas son livianas y se orienta porque los pájaros bajan a picotear en el rastro. No puede buscar huellas al voleo, el rastreador debe primero saber lo que persigue: hombre, perro, puma. Y después ver. Lo mismo yo. Hay que tener una base y luego hay que inferir y deducir. Entonces – concluyó – uno ve lo que sabe y no puede ver si no sabe…Descubrir es ver de otro modo lo que nadie ha percibido. Ése es el asunto.. – Es raro, pensó Renzi, pero tiene razón –.
Ricardo Piglia Blanco Nocturno (2010)Historically invertebrate ichnology has focused on marine ichnofaunas. However, studies have gradually moved into freshwater and, more recently, terrestrial environments. As a result, continental ichnology has experienced a remarkable development during the last 15 years, and our perspective on this topic has changed dramatically. Earlier case studies started to show that continental invertebrate ichnofaunas were more varied and abundant than originally envisaged (e.g. Bromley and Asgaard, 1979; Bown, 1982; Pollard et al., 1982; Frey et al., 1984b; Walker, 1985; Ekdale and Picard, 1985; D’Alessandro et al., 1987; Gierlowski-Kordesch, 1991; Pickerill, 1992). It rapidly became clear that continental environments were as numerous and diverse as marine settings, and that such variability was indeed reflected in the ichnological record (Frey and Pemberton, 1987). Subsequent work focused on the expansion of the continental dataset, but more significantly in the proposal of archetypal ichnofacies in addition to the Scoyenia ichnofacies (Smith et al., 1993; Buatois and Mángano, 1995b, 2004a, 2007; Bromley, 1996; Genise et al., 2000, 2004b, 2010a). Also, the potential and limitations of the ichnofabric approach to the study of freshwater and terrestrial ichnofaunas have been addressed in a number of studies (e.g. Buatois and Mángano, 1998, 2007; Genise et al., 2004a; Buatois et al., 2007a). More recently, proposals have been made to define continental ichnofacies based on vertebrate trace fossils (Lockley et al., 1994; Hunt and Lucas, 2006a, 2007). There has also been a recent revival of continental neoichnology (e.g. Scott et al., 2007b; Smith and Hasiotis, 2008; Hembree, 2009; Genise et al., 2009). The fields of invertebrate and vertebrate ichnology have evolved independently, and research involves two separate scientific communities to a great extent (Lockley, 2007). This is certainly not a significant problem in marine ichnology, but it has had a negative impact on continental ichnology. The need to integrate vertebrate and invertebrate datasets has long been recognized (e.g. Buatois and Mángano, 1995b, 1996), but little progress has been attained. However, a series of recent papers seem to show that a better articulation between invertebrate and vertebrate ichnology is possible (e.g. Melchor et al., 2006; Lockley, 2007; Hunt and Lucas, 2007; Minter et al., 2007b; Scott et al., 2007b; Krapovickas et al., 2009). Integration of both datasets will be essential to produce more robust depositional models of continental environments.
Index
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 347-358
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
Acknowledgments
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp xi-xii
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
5 - The ichnofabric approach
- from Part I - Conceptual tools and methods
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 83-96
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
I confess frankly, it was the warning voice of David Hume that first, years ago, roused me from dogmatic slumbers, and gave a new direction to my investigations in the field of speculative philosophy.
Immanuel Kant Critique of Pure Reason (1781)We now come to the more immediate subject of this volume, namely the amount of earth which is brought up by worms from beneath the surface.
Charles DarwinThe Formation of Vegetable Mould Through the Action of Worms with Observations on their Habits (1881)
The ichnofabric approach represents a relatively new trend in ichnology that started in the second half of the eighties, becoming much more popular since the nineties. As is the case of the ichnofacies model, the ichnofabric approach has been frequently misunderstood. Earlier studies involving ichnofabrics put too much emphasis on assessing bioturbation and other more significant aspects, such as tiering or evaluation of successive bioturbation events, were commonly overlooked. Even worse, the idea that measuring the intensity of bioturbation could replace trace-fossil identification as ground data for paleoenvironmental interpretations persisted for some years. At present, the idea that ichnofabric analysis is simply measuring the degree of bioturbation has been mercifully abandoned by all serious workers. If the ichnofabric approach is understood as a comprehensive way of analyzing bioturbated deposits, then the wealth of information that may be obtained is huge and not only restricted to paleoenvironmental reconstructions but also of significant potential in understanding reservoir properties, benthic paleoecology, and evolutionary paleoecology. German philosopher Immanuel Kant expressed that his reading of his British peer David Hume roused him from his dogmatic slumber and led him to become a “critical philosopher”. In the same vein, the focus of this chapter, the ichnofabric approach, with its emphasis on taphonomic aspects, helps us to avoid taking the trace-fossil record at face value, permeating the whole interpretative process with some healthy criticism. We will start by providing the basics of the tiering concept before moving into a review of the ichnofabric concept, including aspects of quantifying the degree of bioturbation, visual strategies to present ichnofabric data, the paramount role of taphonomy, and the different types of ichnofabrics. Then, we will present the concept of ichnoguild, which, in our view, is central to the ichnofabric approach. Later, we will briefly review recent developments in the field of paleosol ichnofabrics. We will then address the general role of bioturbation, bioerosion, and biodeposition, before moving to the issue of bioturbation-enhanced permeability and reservoir characterization, a recently developed topic, which is having a strong impact in the petroleum industry. Finally, we will compare the ichnofacies and ichnofabric approaches.
12 - Trace fossils in sequence stratigraphy
- from Part III - A matter of time
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 231-251
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
For my part, following out Lyell’s metaphor, I look at the natural geological record, as a history of a world imperfectly kept, and written in a changing dialect; of this history we possess the last volume alone, relating only to two or three countries. Of this volume, only here and there a short chapter has been preserved; and of each page, only here and there a few lines.
Charles Darwin On the Origin of Species (1859)Trace fossils are proving to be one of the most important groups of fossils in delineating stratigraphically important boundaries related to sequence stratigraphy.
George Pemberton and James MacEachern “The sequence stratigraphic significance of trace fossils: examples from the Cretaceous Foreland Basin of Alberta, Canada” (1995)The appearance of sequence stratigraphy in the late eighties resulted in a revolution in the study of sedimentary rocks. The shift from seismic stratigraphy (Vail et al., 1977) to sequence stratigraphy brought the incorporation of outcrops and cores as sources of data in stratigraphic analysis (Posamentier et al., 1988; Posamentier and Vail, 1988; Van Wagoner et al., 1990). Coincident with this shift, ichnological studies began to emphasize the importance of trace fossils in sequence stratigraphy (e.g. Savrda, 1991b; MacEachern et al., 1992; Pemberton et al., 1992b). In little more than a decade, the field experienced a rapid increase in the number of studies devoted to exploring the applicability of ichnology in refining sequence-stratigraphic analysis (e.g. MacEachern et al., 1992, 1999a, 2007c; Savrda et al., 1993; Taylor and Gawthorpe, 1993; Pemberton and MacEachern, 1995; Ghibaudo et al., 1996; Martin and Pollard, 1996; Buatois et al., 1998d, 2002b; Pemberton et al., 2001, 2004; Carmona et al., 2006). At present, ichnological aspects are currently covered in sequence-stratigraphic textbooks (e.g. Catuneanu, 2006). The aim of this chapter is to provide a detailed review of the applications of ichnology in sequence stratigraphy. Although a large part of this chapter deals with the recognition of discontinuity surfaces in marine siliciclastic successions, we will also cover other topics which are commonly overlooked in the literature. These include characterization of parasequences, parasequence sets, and systems tracts, but also the potential of trace fossils to address sequence-stratigraphic issues in carbonates and continental deposits.
References
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 297-346
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
2 - Taxonomy of trace fossils
- from Part I - Conceptual tools and methods
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 25-37
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
In the final analysis, it is the morphology of the trace as an expression of animal behaviour that is the basis of the name.
Richard Bromley Trace Fossils: Biology, Taphonomy and Applications (1996)As ichnologists we must admit that the introduction and discussion of different ichnotaxonomic philosophies reminds us of the inherent subjectivity in any scientific endeavor. Ostensibly the ICZN should constrain such subjective interpretation and bring order to the field. In practice this is difficult, and a certain degree of chaos and ambiguity still reigns. Nonetheless the science progresses, and names, however reliable or controversial, are used for descriptions and dialog between ichnologists.
Martin Lockley “A tale of two ichnologies: the different goal and potential of invertebrate and vertebrate (Tetrapod) ichnotaxonomy and how they relate to ichnofacies analysis” (2007)Although it is not uncommon to find expressions of doubt about the need to use a formal taxonomy to classify trace fossils, ichnotaxonomic classification is an unavoidable companion to preservational and ethological schemes. If a formal name is available, simple descriptors (e.g. vertical burrows and meniscate traces) should be avoided. The ichnotaxonomic classification, albeit imperfect, provides the best common ground on which to base more theoretical elaborations and practical applications (Buatois et al., 2002a). In any case, in modern ichnology contrasting philosophical perspectives have been adopted to classify trace fossils. However, exchange of ideas during and after the 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. Workshops on Ichnotaxonomy have resulted in a growing consensus among practicing ichnologists (Bertling et al., 2006). In this chapter, we turn our attention into the theoretical and practical aspects involved in classifying trace fossils from a taxonomic standpoint. We first address some philosophical problems involved in this approach. Then, we focus on a detailed review of the different ichnotaxobases currently in use and the problems associated with compound and composite trace fossils. Subsequent to that, we move on to some recent ideas and proposals with respect to the uses of hierarchies in trace-fossil taxonomy and the peculiarities of vertebrate ichnotaxonomy. Finally, we review some practical aspects involved in the recognition of trace fossils in both outcrops and cores.
1 - The basics of ichnology
- from Part I - Conceptual tools and methods
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 5-24
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
These "-ichnial" ethologic categories are useful tools for organizing important paleoecologic information about a particular organism community. Of course, semantic distinctions between the different categories may be carried to the extreme, and confusion rather than clarification results. For example, imagine the trackway created by a man running across a mudflat at low tide. Do his footprints represent repichnia (perhaps he was jogging for his health) or fugichnia (perhaps he was being chased by someone with harmful intentions) or praedichnia (perhaps he was chasing sea gulls for a special gourmet dinner)? Imagine that the man fell flat on his face in the mud. If he got up and continued his journey, the impression he left behind would be a cubichnial trace. If, on the other hand, he died where he fell and his body decayed away totally, the remaining impression would be a body fossil (i.e., external mould) and not a trace fossil at all!
Tony Ekdale “Paleoecology of the marine endobenthos” (1985)Ichnology involves the study of traces produced by organisms (both animals and plants) on or within a substrate, and includes all issues related to bioturbation, bioerosion, and biodeposition (Pemberton et al., 1992a; Bromley, 1990, 1996). As such, ichnology encompasses both the study of processes, and their resulting products. The processes are all those involved in the interaction between organisms and substrates. The products are the traces themselves, which comprise individual and distinctive structures of biogenic origin, particularly those related more or less directly to the morphologies of the producers (Frey, 1973), and any sedimentary fabric resulting from biogenic reworking of the substrate, including non-discrete mottlings (i.e. biodeformational structures). Ichnology comprises two main fields: neoichnology (the study of modern traces or lebensspuren of classic German papers) and paleoichnology (the study of their fossil counterparts: trace fossils or ichnofossils). In this chapter, we review the conceptual framework of ichnology. We start by introducing basic concepts and outlining the 10 most important characteristics of trace fossils. Then we discuss aspects of trace-fossil preservation, including different schemes to classify biogenic structures in this respect. Finally, we turn our attention to the potential of trace fossils as sources of behavioral information, providing an in-depth discussion of the ethological classification.
13 - Trace fossils in biostratigraphy
- from Part III - A matter of time
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 252-264
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
Invertebrate trace fossils can be used for the stratigraphic correlation of otherwise nonfossiliferous clastic sequences, provided that they share particular “fingerprints” and thus reflect behavioral diversification within taxonomically coherent groups of (commonly unknown) tracemakers.
Dolf Seilacher Trace Fossil Analysis (2007)In contrast to body fossils, trace fossils are often characterized by long temporal ranges and narrow facies ranges (see Section 1.2.8). As a consequence, trace fossils are highly useful in paleoenvironmental analysis and less so in biostratigraphic studies. Although most ichnogenera display long temporal ranges, it is also true that some biogenic structures can preserve specific fingerprints of their producers. If the producers record significant evolution, then the trace fossils may also yield biostratigraphic implications (Seilacher, 2007b). There are some ichnofossils that reflect particular kinds of animals in which body morphology and behavior underwent closely related evolutionary transformations through time (Seilacher, 2000). The more complex (in terms of fine morphological detail) a structure is, the more direct its biological relationship, distinctive its behavioral program, and hence, larger its biostratigraphic significance. Historically invertebrate trace fossils have been applied in biostratigraphy in two main areas: the positioning of the Proterozoic–Cambrian boundary (e.g. Seilacher, 1956; Banks, 1970; Alpert, 1977; Crimes et al., 1977; Narbonne et al., 1987; Crimes, 1992, 1994; Jensen, 2003) and the establishment of relative ages in lower Paleozoic clastic successions based on Cruziana and related trilobite trace fossils (e.g. Seilacher, 1970, 1992a, 1994; Crimes, 1975). In recent years, attempts have been made to incorporate other ichnotaxa, such as Arthrophycus and related trace fossils (e.g. Seilacher, 2000; Mángano et al., 2005b). In the field of vertebrate ichnology, tetrapod trackways have a long tradition in biostratigraphy, particularly in upper Paleozoic–Mesozoic strata (e.g. Haubold and Katsung, 1978; Lucas, 2007). In this chapter we will address the utility of both invertebrate and vertebrate trace fossils in biostratigraphy.
9 - Ichnology of deep-marine clastic environments
- from Part II - Spatial trends
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 181-196
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
Y cuando me hundo en el mar
de la fertilidad,
un silencio visual:es la fauna abisal
reflejando el color del sol
Gustavo CeratiLisa (1993)
Deep-marine trace fossils have long fascinated ichnologists with their amazing variety of shapes and sizes, arranged in regular and recurrent patterns (Fuchs, 1895). Graphoglyptids preserved at the base of sandy turbidites have represented a challenging puzzle. Trace fossils preserved in turbidites exposed mostly in European Mountain Chains (Fuchs, 1895; Azpeitia-Moros, 1933; Seilacher, 1962, 1977a; Książkiewicz, 1970, 1977; Crimes, 1977; Crimes et al., 1981), but also in South (Macsotay, 1967) and North (Chamberlain, 1971) America rapidly captured the attention of ichnologists. These structures were originally interpreted as post-turbidite (Seilacher, 1960), but after further research Seilacher (1962) was able to demonstrate that graphoglyptids were in fact pre-turbidite trace fossils formed as shallow-tier open burrow systems in the hemipelagic mud and preserved due to uniform stripping of the uppermost muddy layer by the incoming turbidity current and subsequent casting with sand. In another seminal paper, Seilacher (1977a) introduced a morphological classification of these structures, including continuous meanders (e.g. Helminthorhaphe and Cosmorhaphe), uniramous meanders (e.g. Belorhaphe, Helicolithus, and Urohelminthoida), biramous meanders (e.g. Desmograpton and Paleomeandron), radial structures (e.g. Glockerichnus and Lorenzinia), irregular networks (e.g. Megagrapton and Acanthorhaphe), and regular networks (e.g. Paleodictyon). The fact that these structures were originally described and interpreted from the fossil record, and only later recorded in the modern deep sea has been regarded as an example of reverse uniformitarianism, in which the past is the key to the present (Frey and Seilacher, 1980). Recent years have witnessed extraordinary progress in our understanding of the ichnotaxonomy of deep-marine trace fossils. Following a long tradition started by Polish ichnologist Marian Książkiewicz, a number of monographs have been published during the last 15 years or so (Uchman, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2001), allowing the establishment of a systematic framework to classify deep-marine trace fossils. Parallel to this, significant progress was attained in our knowledge of biogenic structures formed in the modern deep sea (e.g. Werner and Wetzel, 1982; Wetzel, 1981, 1984, 1991, 2002, 2008). Integration of modern observations and detailed systematic work are now resulting in more finely tuned ichnological and sedimentological models of turbidite systems (e.g. Wetzel and Uchman, 2001; Ponce et al., 2007; Olivero et al., 2010; Wetzel, 2010; Carmona and Ponce, 2011), including studies in based on cores (Knaust, 2009). In all probability, future work will emphasize the search for comparative ichnological signatures of various deep-sea processes, such as episodic turbidity currents, hyperpycnal flows, and bottom currents (e.g. Wetzel et al., 2008). In this chapter, we will review the ichnology of deep-marine environments, covering both slopes and base-of-slope turbidity systems. In order to do so, we will subdivide slopes in topographically simple and topographically complex, and turbidite systems into fine-grained and coarse-grained.
15 - Ichnology in paleoanthropology and archaeology
- from Part III - A matter of time
- Luis A. Buatois, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, M. Gabriela Mángano, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
-
- Book:
- Ichnology
- Published online:
- 25 October 2011
- Print publication:
- 11 August 2011, pp 292-296
-
- Chapter
- Export citation
-
Summary
And what had he felt, I asked Mario, when he’d seen it there, the huella?
“One thing is to see artifacts presumably made by somebody and another is to see the pisada someone made, what their foot left in the earth. That’s what gives you the sense of humanity, right?”
Ariel DorfmanDesert Memories (2004)
While the previous chapter deals with processes occurring at the scale of deep time, we now move into a more recent past, a time witnessing human activities. For the implications of trace fossils in paleoanthropology, information is based on the study of human fossil footprints (Kim et al., 2008a). Human footprints also play a major role in archaeology, although sources of information are found in many other ichnological datasets, such as bioerosion and bioturbation structures, and other vertebrate tracks as well (Baucon et al., 2008). The aim of this chapter is to review recent research in the area of ichnological applications in paleoanthropology and archaeology. The first half of the chapter will be devoted to review the fossil record of human footprints, from the Pliocene to the Holocene. The second half will explore the uses of ichnology in archaeology.