Resolving Details of the Nonbiomineralized Anatomy of Trilobites Using Computed Tomographic Imaging Techniques

Remains of two trilobite species, Elrathia kingii from the Wheeler Formation (Cambrian Series 3), Utah, and Cornuproetus cornutus from the Hamar Laghdad Formation (Middle Devonian), Alnif, Morocco, were studied using computed tomographic (CT) and microtomographic (micro-CT) imaging techniques for evidence of nonbiomineralized alimentary structures. Specimens of E. kingii showing simple digestive tracts are complete dorsal exoskeletons preserved with cone-in-cone concretions on the ventral side. Inferred stomach and intestinal structures are preserved in framboidal pyrite, likely resulting from replication by a microbial biofilm. C. cornutus is preserved in non-concretionary limestone with calcite spar lining the stomach ventral to the glabella. Neither species shows sediment or macerated sclerites of any kind in the gut, which tends to rule out the possibilities that they were sediment deposit-feeders or sclerite-ingesting durophagous carnivores. Instead, the presence of early diagenetic minerals in the guts of E. kingii and C. cornutus favors an interpretation of a carnivorous feeding strategy involving separation of skeletal parts of prey prior to ingestion.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geological Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Peteya, Jennifer Anita

Contributors dc:contributor

• Babcock, Loren

• Paleontology
• Paleoecology
• trilobite
• digestive anatomy
• Elrathia kingii
• Cornuproetus cornutus
• Cambrian
• Wheeler Formation
• Hamar Laghdad Formation
• exceptional preservation

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366025146

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1366025146