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Microstructure and composition of the periderm of conulariids

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2016

Robert C. Ford ,
Heyo Van Iten  and
George R. Clark II
Robert C. Ford
Affiliation:
New Explorers High School, 730 Concourse Village West, Bronx, New York 10451, USA 〈rcford79@gmail.com〉
Heyo Van Iten
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana 47243, USA Cincinnati Museum Center, Department of Invertebrate Paleontology, 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45203, USA 〈vaniten@hanover.edu〉
George R. Clark II
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA 〈grc@k-state.edu〉
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Abstract

Transmitted light and scanning electron imaging of sectioned specimens of Conularia and Paraconularia, prepared using HCl etching and critical point drying, revealed that their periderm is composed of extremely thin (approximately 0.5–3 µm), variably distinct microlamellae that are alternately organic poor and organic rich. Organic-rich microlamellae are cross-connected by slender strands of organic matter originally embedded in calcium phosphate, which in etched specimens has been dissolved. Microlamellae may be organized in thicker (approximately 5–75 µm) layers, or macrolamellae, that vary in color and organic matter content, possibly owing to changes in the ambient paleoenvironment. Thickening of the periderm to form transverse ribs and internal carinae was achieved through gradual thickening of individual microlamellae. In the core of the transverse ribs and internal carinae the distinction between organic-rich and organic-poor microlamellae may be reduced, owing to organic material becoming dominant over (former) mineral matter or vice versa. Combined with observations of plicated aperture closure in thin-walled conulariids, including Archaeoconularia slateri (Reed, 1933) (Upper Ordovician, Scotland) showing smooth folding of midline carinae through angles greater than 90°, these results suggest a structure and original flexibility in the organic-rich biocomposite forming the conulariid periderm that supports its homology to the chitinous lamellar periderm of coronate scyphozoans.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 90 , Issue 3 , May 2016 , pp. 389 - 399
Copyright
Copyright © 2016, The Paleontological Society 

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