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Titel |
Experimental mineralization of crustacean eggs: new implications for the fossilization of Precambrian–Cambrian embryos |
VerfasserIn |
D. Hippler, N. Hu, M. Steiner, G. Scholtz, G. Franz |
Medientyp |
Artikel
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Sprache |
Englisch
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ISSN |
1726-4170
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Digitales Dokument |
URL |
Erschienen |
In: Biogeosciences ; 9, no. 5 ; Nr. 9, no. 5 (2012-05-21), S.1765-1775 |
Datensatznummer |
250007028
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Publikation (Nr.) |
copernicus.org/bg-9-1765-2012.pdf |
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Zusammenfassung |
Phosphatized globular microfossils from the Ediacaran and lower Cambrian of
South China represent an impressive record of early animal evolution and
development. However, their phylogenetic affinity is strongly debated.
Understanding key processes and conditions that cause exceptional egg and
embryo preservation and fossilization are crucial for a reliable
interpretation of their phylogenetic position. We conducted phosphatization
experiments on eggs of the marbled crayfish Procambarus that indicate a close link
between early mineralization and rapid anaerobic decay of the endochorional
envelope. Our experiments replicated the different preservational stages of
degradation observed in the fossil record. Stabilization of the spherical
morphology was achieved by pre-heating of the eggs. Complete surface
mineralization occurred under reduced conditions within one to two weeks,
with fine-grained brushite (CaHPO4 · 2H2O) and calcite. The
mechanisms of decay, preservation of surface structures, and mineral
replacement in the experiment were likely similar during fossilization of
Cambrian embryos. |
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