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Erschienen in:

2014 | OriginalPaper | Buchkapitel

14. Biogenic Structures of Burrowing Skinks: Neoichnology of Mabuya multifaciata (Squamata: Scincidae)

verfasst von : Angeline M. Catena, Daniel I. Hembree

Erschienen in: Experimental Approaches to Understanding Fossil Organisms

Verlag: Springer Netherlands

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Abstract

Neoichnological experiments involving a species of tropical, ground-dwelling skink, Mabuya multifasciata, demonstrate the diversity of biogenic structures produced by medium-sized lizards. Although the majority of skinks are ground dwellers or burrowers, little is known about the biogenic structures produced by this most diverse group of lizards. The documentation of biogenic structures produced by M. multifasciata will aid in the identification of trace fossils produced by skinks, help to improve the fossil record of these difficult-to-preserve animals, and allow for more complete paleoecological and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Skinks were placed in terrariums filled with sediment of varying compositions and moisture content and were allowed to burrow. Open burrows were cast with plaster, photographed, measured, and statistically analyzed. The skinks produced seven distinct burrow morphologies including various ramps, U-, and J-shaped burrows. While there was no direct correlation between burrow properties and sediment properties, the burrows showed some variations due to the changes in sediment density and moisture content. The burrows had greater average complexities and tunnel heights when the sediment moisture was increased, whereas they had lower average widths and circumferences when the sediment density was increased. The data collected in this study can be directly applied to terrestrial trace fossil assemblages in tropical paleosols to better interpret their paleoecology and assess paleoenvironmental conditions.

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Titel: Biogenic Structures of Burrowing Skinks: Neoichnology of Mabuya multifaciata (Squamata: Scincidae)
verfasst von: Angeline M. Catena
Daniel I. Hembree
Verlag: Springer Netherlands
Buch: Experimental Approaches to Understanding Fossil Organisms
Print ISBN: 978-94-017-8720-8

Electronic ISBN: 978-94-017-8721-5

Copyright-Jahr: 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8721-5_14