Data from: 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.

奥陶纪温特豪斯组（Ordovician Winterhouse Formation）产出的亲近种Parahaentzschelinia（aff. Parahaentzschelinia）遗迹化石，经连续磨片与三维重建后，揭示出一类复杂的分层网络系统，该系统与更典型的类Parahaentzschelinia亚垂直管锥状束结构密切相关。该潜穴系统的形态复杂性，被视为造迹生物行为多样性的重要指示标志。研究推断，该造迹生物通过多种行为策略，在富砂事件沉积层以及砂岩上下覆及下伏的泥质沉积层中获取有机质。此外还推断存在与抚育行为相关的潜穴灌溉及微生物培育过程。目前该造迹生物的具体分类类群尚不明确，但本研究观测到的潜穴结构，可与现代多毛类环节动物及双壳类生物所形成的遗迹结构进行类比分析。