Three-dimensional morphological analysis of a Parahaentzschelinia-like trace fossil

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.

对奥陶纪温特豪斯组（Ordovician Winterhouse Formation）中相似型副汉逊迹（aff. Parahaentzschelinia）遗迹化石开展的连续研磨与三维重建研究，揭示出一套复杂的分层网络系统，该系统与更典型的副汉逊迹状近垂直锥状管束结构相关联。该潜穴系统的形态复杂性被解读为造迹生物具备多样化行为的指示标志。据推测，该造迹生物可通过多种行为模式，在富砂事件沉积层以及砂岩上下方的泥质沉积层中获取有机质。同时还推断存在与该生物耕作行为相关的潜穴灌溉与微生物培育活动。目前该造迹生物的具体分类尚不明确，但本次研究中观察到的潜穴结构，可与现代多毛类环节动物（polychaetes）和双壳类（bivalves）所构建的遗迹结构进行类比。