| Title |
Abnormal trilobites from the Silurian and Devonian of Europe |
| Publication Type
|
Journal Article |
| Year of Publication
|
2025 |
| Authors |
Bicknell, R.D.C., Smith, P.M., L. Amati, Hopkins, M.J. |
| Keywords |
Trilobita, CalymeneTreveropyge, Lioharpes, Scutellum, Evolution, injuries, malformations, teratologies |
| Journal |
Acta Palaeontologica Polonica |
| Volume |
70 |
| Issue Number |
2 |
| Pagination |
205–212 |
| Abstract |
Malformed trilobites have been documented in deposits ranging from the Cambrian to the Permian. Continued examination
of novel malformed specimens provides insight into how trilobites recovered from injuries, experienced genetic
abnormalities, and adapted to pathological conditions. This study focuses on trilobites from the Silurian and Devonian
of Europe, presenting new records of: (i) a moulting-related injury in Lioharpes venulosus; (ii) genetic malformations
in Calymene blumenbachii and Treveropyge sp.; and (iii) a moulting injury or genetic anomaly in Scutellum (Scutellum)
pardalios. Additionally, we record evidence of bryozoan growth on a C. blumenbachii specimen. Our findings provide
important data for contextualizing the paleobiology of early and middle Paleozoic trilobites, especially related to responses
to ecological pressures. |
| DOI |
10.4202/app.01229.2024
|
