Direct Evidence of Ancient Symbiosis Using Trace Fossils

• DOI: 10.1017/s1089332600001728
• Publication Date: 2019-06-08T08:43:44Z
• Authors: Leif Tapanila
• Keywords: Taphonomy; Commensalism; Bioerosion; Fossil Record

Symbiotic associations are a poorly studied aspect of the fossil record, owing largely to taphonomic biases that inhibit direct observation two organisms shared an intimate association in life. A symbiosis between infesting animal and skeleton-producing host can form bioclaustration cavity directly preserves has high preservation potential. Identification ancient mutuals parasites must reject null hypothesis commensalism by demonstrating correlates with positive or negative change fitness as compared non-symbiotic relative taxon. Reviews Paleozoic record marine symbionts show majority hosted colonial animals, especially corals calcareous sponges. These hosts include structural forms have moderate levels integration support bioclaustrations clonal units, mitigating effects symbionts, perhaps facilitating symbiosis. The is biased toward recording long-lasting, widespread, equilibrated associations. By contrast, parasitisms expected be fossilized rarely. symbiotic may also represent endolithic adaptive strategy response biological antagonisms, such predation spatial competition. Late Ordovician rise joins burrows borings trace examples infaunalization strategies accompany faunal radiation.