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The oldest macroborers: lower cambrian of labrador
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 2, 1977
Summary
The oldest macroborings ever found, dating to the Lower Cambrian, reveal that large endolithic organisms were present shortly after the evolution of animals with hard parts.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Ichnology
- Reef geology
Background:
- The fossil record of macroborings, evidence of organisms boring into hard substrates, is crucial for understanding early animal behavior and ecological interactions.
- Previous oldest macroborings were known from the Lower Ordovician period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery of new, exceptionally old macroborings.
- To extend the known temporal range of macroboring organisms.
Main Methods:
- Field exploration and geological mapping in southern Labrador.
- Identification and analysis of trace fossils (borings) within archaeocyathid reef limestones of the Forteau Formation.
Main Results:
- Numerous borings attributed to Trypanites were identified in archaeocyathid skeletons and limestones.
- These borings represent the oldest macroborings discovered to date, originating from the Lower Cambrian.
Conclusions:
- The discovery pushes back the known record of large endolithic organisms by approximately 100 million years.
- Endolithic organisms have been integral to reef formation since the Early Cambrian, coinciding with the emergence of animals with hard skeletons.
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