A reexamination of the Pennsylvanian trace fossil Olivellites

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
By:  and 

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Abstract

The original interpretation of Olivellites plummeri Fenton and Fenton as the trace of an infaunal gastropod, is reconsidered and rejected. The original slab bearing several examples of O. plummeri has been reexamined and reillustrated. The slab came from the type-locality of O. plummeri in Eastland County, Tex., and is a shallow sub tidal sandstone of the Graham Formation; the sandstone, which has yielded additional specimens, is presumably a reworked delta-front deposit. Olivellites was also observed in the Caddo Creek Formation in Stephens County, Tex., but, to date, it has not been found elsewhere in north-central Texas. Interpretation of Paleozoic ichnofossils by analogy with modern traces is limited; behavioral characteristics may be the products of post-Paleozoic innovation. The internal morphology and path of Olivellites are unlike those of any modern gastropod trail, and the genus is removed from the Mollusca.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title A reexamination of the Pennsylvanian trace fossil Olivellites
Series title Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
Volume 6
Issue 6
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 8 p.
First page 789
Last page 796
Country United States
State Texas
County Eastland County
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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