首页|There is no general model for occlusal kinematics in conodonts

There is no general model for occlusal kinematics in conodonts

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  • NSTL
  • Wiley
Knowledge of conodont element function is based largely on analysis of morphologically similar P_1 elements of few comparatively closely related species known from abundant articulated remains. From these, a stereotypical pattern of rotational occlusion has been inferred, leading to the suggestion that this may represent a general model for ozarkodinin P_1 elements at the very least. We test the generality of this occlusal model through functional analysis of Pseudofurnishius murcianus P_1 elements which, though superficially similar to homologous elements in gnathodids, evolved their platform morphology independently, through a different mode of morphogenesis, and in a different topological position within the element. Our integrated functional analysis of several articulated clusters of P_1 elements encompassed physical and virtual occlusal analyses, constrained by microwear and sharpness analyses. All of the evidence supports an occlusal model in which the Pseudofurnishius P_1 elements occluded with the dextral blade located between the rostral face of the sinistral blade and the first cusp of the rostral primary process. In achieving this, the dorsal and ventral blades guided the opposing elements, and the rostral processes of both elements guided the final stages of precise occlusion. Spalling and microwear on the non-occlusal side of the element evidence malocclusion, requiring the complete separation of elements within the occlusal cycle. This occlusal cycle is entirely linear, orthogonal to the plane of attachment of the elements. Evidently, the rotational occlusal model is not general for P1 elements, even for ozarkodinins, and it is likely that among conodonts occlusal kinematics are as disparate as element morphologies. Attempts to elucidate the diversity of occlusal kinematics and, therefore, feeding ecologies of conodonts will be repaid by an understanding of the role of this important abundant and diverse clade in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic marine ecosystems.

general modelocclusal kinematicsmorphologically similar

JINGENG SHA、HECTOR BOTELLA、CARLOS MARTíNEZ-PéREZ、PABLO PLASENCIA、DAVID JONES、TEA KOLAR-JURKOV?EK、PHILIP C.J. DONOGHUE

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State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Palaeontology and Geology, 39 East Beijing Road, 210008 Nanjing, China

Department of Geology, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50 Burjassot, 46100 Valencia, Spain

School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building Queen's Road, Bristol, BS8 1RJ, UK

Geolo?ki zavod Slovenije, Dimièeva 14, 1001 Ljubljana, Slovenija

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2014

10.1111/let.12080

Lethaia

Lethaia

SCI
ISSN：0024-1164
年,卷(期)：2014.47(4)
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