The oldest deep-boring bivalves? Evidence from the Silurian of Gotland (Sweden)
Abstract
Compared to modern counterparts, bioerosion is rare in Paleozoic reefs, especially macro-bioerosion. The unique and enigmatic Silurian reefs from Gotland (Sweden), composed of bryozoans and microbial laminates, show evidence of a large amount of bioerosion. The samples contain Trypanites trace fossils, as well as a large number of undescribed macroborings. Small articulated bivalve shells are preserved in some of these macroborings, identified from thin-sections. Three-dimensional images from micro-computed tomography (microCT) reveal an additional bivalve, which is occupying a bioerosion trace. This specimen is possibly contained in a different boring that can be classified as possibly clavate-shaped. Furthermore, evidence of nestling, such as a subsequent modification of the ichnofossils, the presence of bivalves that are much smaller than the trace, or the presence of additional specimens, is missing; therefore, it is most likely that the bivalves made the borings. This is evidence for the existence of deep-boring bivalves in the Silurian.
- Publication:
-
Facies
- Pub Date:
- July 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s10347-019-0570-7
- Bibcode:
- 2019Faci...65...26C
- Keywords:
-
- Bioerosion;
- Endolithic bivalves;
- Paleozoic;
- Reefs;
- Bryozoans;
- Tofta Formation