Anagenetic evolution and peramorphosis of a latest Devonian conodont from Holy Cross Mountain (Poland)

Abstract

Abstract. I explored the fossil record of the Dasbergina marburgensis → Dasbergina trigonica lineage in Kowala, situated in the Holy Cross Mountains of central Poland. Through biometrical measurements of the platform P1 element, I traced the trajectory of anagenetic evolution. The collected data reveal a gradual shift in the morphology of elements, encompassing the development of branches, a change in the platform line, and transformations of the basal cavity. An interesting aspect lies in the ontogeny evolution, which I studied using rhythmic increments corresponding to potential days of the animals lifespan. Notably, the organogenesis of branches, calibrated based on ontogeny, indicates that these conodonts underwent a process of peramorphosis. Furthermore, this study introduces an alternative approach for age correlation during the latest Famennian period and perspectives on the evolutionary history of Dasbergina.