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Farrar_Thesis-4.23.19.pdf (1.18 MB)

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Characterizing Traces of Predation and Parasitism on Fossil Echinoids

Farrar, Lyndsey
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1057-9338
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1556793580479455

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science, Miami University, Geology and Environmental Earth Science.
Echinoids interact with many predators and parasites, producing traces found on Recent and fossil echinoids. The morphology and ecology of traces vary, while identifying trace makers remains contentious. Characterizations of traces would improve our ability to interpret interactions, particularly in the fossil record. Here we characterize traces found on fossil echinoids using museum collections and field sampling from the Jurassic to Recent. 8,564 specimens were examined using light-microscopy and 577 traces were observed. Trace outline, maximum diameter, and edge characteristics were recorded. Using these descriptions, we classified traces into eight categories: circular, subcircular, elongated, irregular, rectangular, figure-eight, notched, and linear. Examples were SEM imaged to enhance characterizations. Each morphotype can be further classified using edge characteristics: beveled, smooth, irregular, jagged, vertical, concave, and dissolution halos. These characteristics can be attributed to a trace maker or taphonomic process. Trace diversity increases in the late Eocene, suggesting that biotic interactions intensified through evolutionary time, as predicted by several macroevolutionary hypotheses. These categorizations contribute to a growing literature on echinoid associated traces and interpretations of interactions. A thorough classification may promote the identification of traces on fossil echinoids, and may enhance our ability to identify evolutionary trends in interaction intensity and diversity.
Carrie Tyler, Dr. (Advisor)
Jason Rech, Dr. (Committee Member)
Hailiang Dong, Dr. (Committee Member)
41 p.
Geology; Paleontology
Echinoids; biotic traces; biotic interactions; coevolution

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Farrar, L. (2019). Characterizing Traces of Predation and Parasitism on Fossil Echinoids [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1556793580479455

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Farrar, Lyndsey. Characterizing Traces of Predation and Parasitism on Fossil Echinoids. 2019. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1556793580479455.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Farrar, Lyndsey. "Characterizing Traces of Predation and Parasitism on Fossil Echinoids." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1556793580479455

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1556793580479455
148
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.