Disarticulation and Preservation of Fossil Echinoderms: Recognition of Ecological-Time Information in the Echinoderm Fossil Record

Echinoderms are model organisms to determine post-mortem transportation and recognize ecological-time data within paleocommunity accumulations, allowing research on various aspects of their paleocommunities, such as distribution of soft tissues, fossil transportation, intraspecific variation, paleocommunity composition, and niche differentiation. Crinoids and echinoids have received the most taphonomic research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The intricate tapestry of life on Earth is intricately woven from the accumulation of fossils over extended periods of time. While glimpses into ecological-time attributes and processes are relatively uncommon, the remarkable time-sensitive and predictable nature of echinoderm disarticulation renders them ideal model organisms for studying post-mortem transportation. This unique characteristic enables the recognition of ecological-time data within paleocommunity accumulations, providing invaluable insights into the past.

In contrast to many other fossil groups, the study of echinoderms and their paleocommunities has flourished due to the availability of this data. Researchers have been able to explore a wide range of aspects, including the distribution of soft tissues, the assessment of fossil transportation prior to burial, the determination of intraspecific variation, the composition of paleocommunities, the estimation of relative abundance of taxa, and the investigation of niche differentiation attributes.

Two particular groups, crinoids and echinoids, have garnered the most attention in terms of taphonomic research. The patterns observed in these two groups offer a profound understanding of all echinoderm clades, shedding light on their evolutionary relationships and ecological significance.

Through the meticulous analysis of these fossils, scientists have been able to piece together the intricate story of life on Earth, unraveling the mysteries of ancient ecosystems and shedding light on the processes that have shaped the world we inhabit today. The study of echinoderms continues to be a vital field of research, providing valuable insights into the evolution and diversification of life on our planet.

Weight: 100g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108789806