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Exploring abnormal Cambrian-aged trilobites in the Smithsonian collection.
Russell D C Bicknell1, Stephen Pates2
1Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
Peerj
|March 3, 2020
Summary
Paleozoic trilobites show healed injuries, offering insights into ancient predation and defense. New fossil evidence refines our understanding of Cambrian ecosystems and predator-prey dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Arthropod Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Biomineralised trilobite exoskeletons preserve a 250-million-year record of abnormalities.
- Repaired injuries in trilobites provide evidence of Paleozoic predation, accidental damage, and molting complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document new specimens of injured Cambrian trilobites to enhance understanding of prey items.
- To investigate injury patterns for insights into lateralized prey defense or predator preferences.
Main Methods:
- Documentation of nine new abnormal trilobite specimens with healed injuries.
- Analysis of injury patterns in the context of paleoecological and environmental data.
Main Results:
- The documented injury patterns support hypotheses of lateralized prey defense or predator preference.
- Observed patterns are complicated by the aggregation of data across diverse conditions.
Conclusions:
- Further research on injured Cambrian trilobites is crucial for understanding the Cambrian escalation event.
- Analysis of healed injuries offers a unique window into ancient ecosystems and evolutionary pressures.
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