Data from: Three-dimensional morphological analysis of a Parahaentzschelinia-like trace fossil

• Main Authors: Reynolds, Robyn, McIlroy, Duncan
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: ichnology; three dimensional; ichnotaxonomy; idiomorphic; Canada; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10255/dryad.131980; https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.524mc

Serial grinding and three-dimensional reconstruction of aff. Parahaentzschelinia trace fossils from the Ordovician Winterhouse Formation reveals complex tiered network systems associated with more typical Parahaentzschelinia-like conical bundles of sub-vertical tubes. The morphological complexity of the burrow system is interpreted as an indication of the diverse behaviour of the trace-making organism. This organism is inferred to have exploited organic matter within the sand-rich event beds as well as in muddier beds above and below the sandstone beds using a variety of behaviours. Potential burrow irrigation and microbial cultivation associated with gardening behaviour is also inferred. The trace-making organism is unknown, but comparisons are drawn between the structures observed herein and those produced by both modern polychaetes and bivalves.