There is no general model for occlusal kinematics in conodonts

Knowledge of conodont element function is based largely on analysis of morphologically similar P1 elements of few comparatively closely related species known from abundant articulated remains. From these, a stereotypical pattern of rotational occlusion has been inferred, leading to the suggestion that this may represent a general model for ozarkodinin P1 elements at the very least. We test the generality of this occlusal model through functional analysis of Pseudofurnishius murcianus P1 elements which, though superficially similar to homologous elements in gnathodids, evolved their platform morphology independently, through a different mode of morphogenesis, and in a different topological position within the element. Our integrated functional analysis of several articulated clusters of P1 elements encompassed physical and virtual occlusal analyses, constrained by microwear and sharpness analyses. All of the evidence supports an occlusal model in which the Pseudofurnishius P1 elements oc...