Analytical tools for quantifying the morphology of invertebrate trace fossils

Lehane, James R.; Ekdale, A. A.

doi:10.1666/13-080

Cited by 13 publications

(9 citation statements)

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“…The published graphoglyptid trace fossils (1850–2017, 28 ichnogenera and 79 ichnospecies) are divided into three major topological groups, i.e., line, tree, and net graphoglyptids (cf. Gong and Si 2002; Lehane and Ekdale 2014), which are subdivided into 13 minor topological groups and further attributed to 19 topological prototypes (Table 1).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In this respect, the application of the theories of topology, which considers the properties of objects under continuous deformation, would be beneficial to find out the essential morphological constructs of complex geometric patterns (cf. Gong and Si 2002; Lehane and Ekdale 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…“Graphoglyptid” is a loose term encompassing biogenic structures with patterned, regular, and complex morphology that are commonly found in deep-sea sediments from the Cambrian to the Recent (Fuchs 1895; Seilacher 1977; Ekdale 1980; Uchman 2003), with rapid radiation and diversification since the Late Cretaceous (Uchman 2003, 2004). Traditionally, they have been attributed to four major morphological groups (i.e., meandering, spiral, radial, and network structures) (Uchman 2003; Lehane and Ekdale 2014, 2016), with some more detailed geometric grouping (Seilacher 1977). As records of mostly deep-sea benthic animal activities near the sediment–water interface (Seilacher 1962), graphoglyptids may offer a special perspective on the macrobenthic ecology and habitats in the deep-sea ecosystems (Ramirez-Llodra et al 2010), yet remain a mystery as to their possible producers, constructional morphology, and paleoecology (Miller 1991, 2014).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Topological analysis of graphoglyptid trace fossils, a study of macrobenthic solitary and collective animal behaviors in the deep-sea environment

Fan¹,

Gong²,

Uchman³

2018

Paleobiology

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Graphoglyptids are biogenic structures commonly found in deep-sea flysch deposits and occasionally detected on the modern deep-sea floor. They extend principally horizontally and take a variety of geometric patterns, whose functional morphology remains an enigma in ichnology and paleoceanography. Based on published materials from 1850 to 2017 (79 ichnotaxa from 28 ichnogenera of graphoglyptids) and systematic observations of one of the largest deep-sea trace fossil collections in the world, this paper proposes that topological analysis is an important ingredient in the taxonomy and functional interpretation of graphoglyptids. Accordingly, graphoglyptids are classified into line, tree, and net forms by their key topological architecture, and are further attributed to 19 topological prototypes by detailed secondary topological features. Line graphoglyptids are single-connected structures with uniform tunnel width, representing primarily the feeding patterns of solitary animals. Tree graphoglyptids, the most diverse architectural group of graphoglyptids, are ascribed to 11 topological prototypes according to the connectivity features of burrow segments and the number and distributional pattern of the branching points. Net graphoglyptids are subdivided into three topological prototypes on the basis of the connectivity features and/or the regularity of the meshes. Multiconnected net forms are considered as a continuous morphological spectrum with different levels of complexity in the net formation. The various connected components in multiconnected tree and net graphoglyptids generally exhibit small and uniform tunnel diameter in a given structure (suggesting a tiny trace maker[s]). The whole structure shows relatively extensive linear or surface coverage and overall good preservation, indicating sustained processes of burrow construction. It is highly probable that certain multiconnected tree and net graphoglyptids represent some emergent patterns from self-organized collective behaviors of conspecific animals. Graphoglyptids thus provide us with a new perspective on the study of solitary and collective behaviors of macrobenthos in the deep-sea environment.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Topological analysis of graphoglyptid trace fossils, a study of macrobenthic solitary and collective animal behaviors in the deep-sea environment

Fan¹,

Gong²,

Uchman³

2018

Paleobiology

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“…Full quantitative study of trace fossils is highly recommended for any ichnological analysis and is becoming more approachable with recent technological advances (Gingras et al, 2002;Bednarz and McIlroy, 2009;Platt et al, 2010;Lehane and Ekdale, 2014). Results from the analyses described here show that quantitative data sets can be used to evaluate the tracemakers of continental trace fossils.…”

Section: Application To Trace Fossilsmentioning

confidence: 87%

Using Experimental Neoichnology and Quantitative Analyses to Improve the Interpretation of Continental Trace Fossils

Hembree

2016

Ichnos

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The successful interpretation of continental ichnofossils is impeded by our limited knowledge of the burrows produced by modern continental animals. Actualistic studies of modern burrowing animals provide the data that make trace fossils invaluable to paleoecological and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. The goal of this project is to determine how well burrows produced by terrestrial arthropods, amphibians, and reptiles engaged in known behaviors under controlled environmental conditions can be differentiated on the basis of qualitative and quantitative morphology. The animals produced a diverse assemblage of shafts, tunnels, ramps, U-, J-, W-, Y-shaped and helical burrows, and mazeworks. The quantitative aspects of the burrow morphologies were compared using nonparametric similarity and distance indices as well as cluster analyses to determine if the burrow casts could be effectively differentiated based upon their tracemakers, behaviors, and environmental conditions. By using multiple properties of burrow morphology to compare the burrows statistically, many of the burrows were separated according to different behaviors and tracemakers, although overlaps did occur. Levels of similarity were highest amongst animals with similar morphologies, burrowing techniques, and behavioral patterns. Results from these analyses provide an assessment of our ability to reconstruct ancient soil ecosystems based on trace fossil morphology. By assembling a comprehensive analysis of the burrows of modern terrestrial animals, trace fossils may be described in a similar manner and compared directly to these modern analogs. This will be invaluable to improving the interpretation of tracemakers and behaviors.

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“…Lautenschlager and Rücklin (2014) discuss alternative strategies for presenting 3-D digital data, while Garwood and Dunlop (2014) explain how Blender can be used by paleontologists to bring their fossils back to life. Lehane and Ekdale (2014) introduce a suite of analytical tools for quantifying the morphology of trace fossils. Bright (2014) reviews finite-element analysis (FEA), a method that can be used to quantify function in extinct species, and comments specifically on the validity of paleontological models.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtual paleontology: computer-aided analysis of fossil form and function

Rahman

Smith

2014

J. Paleontol.

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‘Virtual paleontology’ entails the use of computational methods to assist in the three-dimensional (3-D) visualization and analysis of fossils, and has emerged as a powerful approach for research on the history of life. Three-dimensional imaging techniques allow poorly understood or previously unknown anatomies of fossil plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, as well as microfossils and trace fossils, to be described in much greater detail than formerly possible, and are applicable to a wide range of preservation types and specimen sizes (Table 1). These methods include non-destructive high-resolution scanning technologies such as conventional X-ray micro-tomography and synchrotron-based X-ray tomography. In addition, form and function can be rigorously investigated through quantitative analysis of computer models, for example finite-element analysis.

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Analytical tools for quantifying the morphology of invertebrate trace fossils

Cited by 13 publications

References 36 publications

Topological analysis of graphoglyptid trace fossils, a study of macrobenthic solitary and collective animal behaviors in the deep-sea environment

Topological analysis of graphoglyptid trace fossils, a study of macrobenthic solitary and collective animal behaviors in the deep-sea environment

Using Experimental Neoichnology and Quantitative Analyses to Improve the Interpretation of Continental Trace Fossils

Virtual paleontology: computer-aided analysis of fossil form and function

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