Stars in the Silurian sky. A case study from the Carnic Alps, Austria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1344/GeologicaActa2016.14.4.1Keywords:
Echinoderms, Holdfast, Functional morphology, Palaeoecology, Iron, Cardiola Formation.Abstract
A small collection of echinoderm holdfasts from the Ludlow Cardiola Formation of the Carnic Alps (Austria) contains a wide range of morphologies as a response of environmental adaptation. In general, the holdfasts have a globous and massive dome-like profile with several processes arranged in a sub-radial disposition, so to create a sort of “star-like” outline. A small central depression is common but not present on all specimens. The distinctive holdfasts are preserved in an iron-rich phase, documenting a substitution that has also affected other non-echinoderm calcareous material.
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