INVESTIGADORES
VACCARI Norberto Emilio
artículos
Título:
Infaunal moulting in trilobita and escalatory responses against predation
Autor/es:
RUSTÁN, J. J.; BALSEIRO, D.; WAISFELD, B.G; FOGLIA, R.D.; VACCARI, N.E:
Revista:
GEOLOGY
Editorial:
GEOLOGICAL SOC AMER, INC
Referencias:
Año: 2011 vol. 39 p. 495 - 498
ISSN:
0091-7613
Resumen:
The outstanding fossil record of trilobites contrasts with our limited knowledge of their lifestyles
and strategies. Aspects such as infaunalism and behavioral defensive skills in this group
have yet to be demonstrated conclusively. We report new insights based on a striking sclerite
confi guration exhibited by three phacopid trilobite species, part of a late SilurianEarly
Devonian Paciphacops (Paciphacops) Maksimova, 1972, lineage. An unusual molt pattern provides
compelling evidence of infaunal behavior, which accounts for a hiding, antipredatory
adaptation. In addition, strengthening of the exoskeleton and acquisition of spines indicate
an evolutionary trend toward morphological defensive strategies. Both trends in active and
passive traits are considered escalatory in nature, thus providing unequivocal support for
understanding the ecological role of trilobites as a main prey group in the context of the global
diversifi cation of predators recorded during middle Paleozoic time