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.对奥陶纪温特豪斯组（Ordovician Winterhouse Formation）产出的类副汉谢琳迹（aff. Parahaentzschelinia）遗迹化石（trace fossils）开展连续磨片（serial grinding）与三维重建研究，结果显示其存在复杂的分层网络系统，同时伴随更为典型的类副汉谢琳迹型亚垂直锥形管束结构。该潜穴系统（burrow system）的形态复杂性被视作造迹生物行为多样性的重要指示标志。研究推断，该造迹生物曾通过多种行为模式，在富砂事件沉积层（event beds）以及砂岩的上覆与下伏泥质沉积层中获取有机质。此外还可推断存在与“耕作行为（gardening behaviour）”相关的潜在潜穴灌溉与微生物培育现象。目前该造迹生物的具体类群尚未明确，但本研究观测到的遗迹结构与现代多毛类环节动物（polychaetes）、双壳类（bivalves）所形成的遗迹结构具有可比性。