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Lower Cambrian trace fossil evidence for predation on trilobites

1975; Wiley; Volume: 8; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1502-3931.1975.tb00926.x

1502-3931

Stephen P. Alpert, Johnnie N. Moore,

Geology and Paleoclimatology Research

Predation upon trilobites previously has been inferred from large coprolites containing trilobite fragments, and from specimens of trilobites with healed wounds. The discovery of large burrows (Dolopichnus gulosus, n. ichnogen., n. ichnosp.) in micritic quartz arenite of the Lower Cambrian Poleta Formation in Esmeralda County, Nevada, suggests that sea anemones preyed upon trilobites. Dolopichnus n. ichnogen., vertical cylindrical burrows with a central cylindrical core, is interpreted as dwelling burrows of sea anemones. In the specimens studied, the core contains coarser-grained material, and in one series of burrows, is composed of trilobitc fragments and micrite pellets. cemented with sparite. The central cylinder is interpreted to be a cast of the sea anemone's coelenteron, which in some specimens contains stomach contents.