Asterosoma

Trace fossil ichnogenus

Asterosoma Temporal range: Paleozoic PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Genus:	†Asterosoma Schimper, 1868
Species
Asterosoma radiciforme Asterosoma ludwigae

Asterosoma is an ichnogenus of trace fossils typically found in marine sedimentary rocks. These trace fossils are recognized by their characteristic radiating burrow systems, which often resemble a star-like pattern, hence the name Asterosoma (from Greek aster meaning "star" and soma meaning "body"). These burrows are believed to have been created by organisms living in the sediment, possibly deposit-feeding worms, during the Paleozoic era.^[1]^[2]

Description

Asterosoma trace fossils are distinguished by their radial symmetry and complex burrow structures. The burrows often have a central tube with radiating arms that can be straight or curved, depending on the sedimentary environment. The morphology of Asterosoma suggests a behavioral pattern where the trace-making organism moved within the sediment to feed or escape predation.^[3]

Geological significance

Asterosoma is a valuable indicator of paleoenvironmental conditions, particularly in shallow marine settings. These trace a fossils are commonly found in transgressive–regressive cycles, where they can provide insights into the sedimentary dynamics and the behavior of ancient marine life. The presence of Asterosoma in the rock record can help geologists reconstruct past environments and understand the biological activity that took place during the deposition of the host sediments.^[4]^[5]

Fossil record

Asterosoma trace fossils have been recorded in various locations worldwide, with notable occurrences in Devonian strata of the Paraná Basin, Brazil, and other Paleozoic formations. These fossils are often associated with other ichnogenera, contributing to a broader understanding of the ecological interactions within ancient sedimentary environments.^[6]^[7]

References

^ Sedorko, Daniel; Bosetti, Elvio P.; Netto, Renata G. (January 2018). "An integrative ichnological and taphonomic approach in a transgressive–regressive cycle: a case study from Devonian of Paraná Basin, Brazil". Lethaia. 51 (1): 15–34. Bibcode:2018Letha..51...15S. doi:10.1111/let.12219. ISSN 0024-1164.
^ "Fossil of the Month: Asterosoma". Kentucky Geological Survey. University of Kentucky. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
^ Seilacher, Adolf (1975). "Trace Fossils and Problematic Fossils". Invertebrate Paleontology. W. Geological Society of America: 38–177. doi:10.1130/SPE121-p1.
^ Howard, J.D.; Frey, R.W. (1984). "Characteristic Trace Fossils in Nearshore to Offshore Sequences". Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. 21: 200–219. doi:10.1139/e84-023.
^ "Palaeoenvironmental Significance of Ichnofossil Assemblages from the Paleogene Sediments of Inner Fold Belt, Naga Hills, NE India". Journal of the Geological Society of India. 2021. doi:10.1007/s12594-021-1577-1 (inactive 2024-08-14).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2024 (link)
^ "Fossil of the Month: Asterosoma". Kentucky Geological Survey. University of Kentucky. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
^ Martino, R.L. (1996). "Trace Fossils from Pennsylvanian Strata of the Appalachian Basin". Geological Society of America. 314: 145–162. doi:10.1130/1996.2314(06) (inactive 2024-08-14).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2024 (link)