Abstract: The new ethological class Digestichnia is introduced in the present article. It comprises all trace fossils (and their recent counterparts) originating from the digestive process of animals, such as coprolites (feces), regurgitalites (regurgitations) and gastroliths. The class is based upon a group within the unused classification system for trace fossils proposed by Vialov in 1972.
Notes: Full citation:
Vallon, L.H. (2012): Digestichnia (Vialov, 1972) - an almost forgotten ethological class for trace fossils. - In: Hunt, A. P., Milà n, J., Lucas, S. G. & Spielmann, J. A. (eds.), 2012, Vertebrate coprolites. - New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Bulletin 57: 131-135.
Abstract: Four different kinds of excrement-copies are served on a dessert plate at the Cafeteria of Randers Regnskov (âThe tropical rainforest of Randers,â Denmark). This extraordinary ichnological dish is portrayed in the following. Owing to the fact that data about appearances of the real feces are very hard to find, short descriptions of the original digestichnia are given for comparison.
Abstract: A muroidean burrow excavated in snow is described. Its mode of excavation as well as its function are discussed. In all probability the burrow has to be interpreted as an equilibrichnium. The above-surface burrow-extension in snow most likely conduces to a better ventilation within the permanent, subterraneous burrow part. Due to the morphological similarity of the described burrow with the ichnogenus Spongeliomorpha de Saporta, 1887 the ichnotaxonomical validity of the ichnogenus Alezichnos Gobetz, 2006 is discussed, which was erected for vertebrate burrows. The morphological characteristics of Alezichnos do not justify the erection of a new ichnogenus. Alezichnos has therefore to be regarded as a junior synonym of Spongeliomorpha.
Abstract: (not really an abstract, but the introduction to this popular science article in German:) Kaum etwas erscheint vergänglicher als eine grazile Qualle, wenn sie beim Tauchen an uns vorbeischwebt. Am Meeresufer gestrandet, verwandeln sie sich jedoch schnell in gallertige Klumpen, die an der Sonne rasch vertrocknen und keine fossilisationsfähigen Reste hinterlassen. Umso erstaunlicher ist es, dass selbst Quallen zuweilen eine Chance hatten, fossil überliefert zu werden.
Abstract: Spurenfossilien sind in manchen Sedimenten oft der einzige Beweis für ehemaliges Leben. Da es sich dabei um Sedimentstrukturen und nicht um Körperteile handelt, haben sie ein höheres Erhaltungspotenzial als Körperfossilien. Im Gegensatz zu diesen können Spurenfossilien nicht transportiert werden, was sie zu sehr wertvollen Indizien für die paläoökologische Rekonstruktion von Lebensräumen macht. Leider ist es oft nicht möglich, die Erzeuger der Spuren zu benennen. Die im Folgenden vorgestellte, kürzlich erst beschriebene, neue Spurenfossilgattung kann jedoch auf Grund ihrer äuÃeren Form mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit möglichen Erzeugern zugeordnet werden.
Abstract: Two species of a new trace fossil genus (cubichnia) are described: Tripartichnus triassicus n. igen., n. isp. from the âPlattensandsteinâ (Upper Buntsandstein, Röt-Folge, Lower Triassic) of Keltern-Dietlingen (Enzkreis, Baden-Württemberg, SW-Germany) and Tripartichnus imbergi n. igen., n. isp. from the Solnhofen Lithographic Limestones (Upper Jurassic, Tithonian) from Walting and Pfalzpaint (district of Eichstätt, Bavaria, SE-Germany). Due to the characteristic shape of the new ichnotaxa the tracemakers can be named in all probability: Tripartichnus triassicus was most likely made by Euthycarcinus kessleri HANDLIRSCH, 1914 and Tripartichnus imbergi by Palinurina sp.
Abstract: Aulacostephanus cf. subundorae (PAVLOW) is recorded for the first time from the Upper Jurassic Brenztaltrümmerkalk Member in Eastern Swabia (SW Germany). Together with Gravesia irius (DâORBIGNY), this ammonite species of Subboreal origin is indicative of the youngest Late Kimmeridgian Autissiodorensis Zone. The co-occurring ammonites from this formation have a Submediterranean origin. Hence, a good correlation is possible between the Subboreal and the submediterranean zonation around the Kimmeridgian/Tithonian boundary.
Abstract: A peculiar fossil was found in the uppermost Maastrichtian at Stevns Klint, 20 cm below the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, exposed at Korsnæb Odde, Rødvig. The more or less circular fossil has a diameter of about 13 cm and is preserved as a slightly bowl-shaped depression. Eight lobe-like extensions surround a central circular part which contains four bean-shaped elevations. Apart from the garland-like wrinkles of the lobes, the surface of the fossil is smooth, without any evidence of shell-material or other skeletal structures. A second incomplete specimen found at Sigerslev, Stevns Klint shows the same morphology and dimensions. The (double-) tetramerous radial symmetry of the fossils suggests a Cnidarian affiliation and the lack of a velum probably puts it into the class Scyphozoa. The fossil medusa-genus Acraspedites Haeckel, 1869 from Pfalzpaint (Solnhofen Lithographic Limestones, Upper Jurassic) displays a very similar anatomy to the specimens from Stevns Klint. A similar specimen was depicted by von Ammon in 1886 and described as âMedusites latilobatusâ. However, this specimen had a different symmetry and was later reinterpreted as possible sponge. Based on the morphology and lack of any visible organ or skeletal structures, we cautiously interpret the fossil as a medusa.
