Examination of Conodont Ontogeny, Phylogeny and Experimental Diagenesis Utilizing Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Strontium Isotope Analysis
Date
2015-05-08
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Abstract
While conodont fossils have been known for over 150 years and have been used extensively for biostratigraphic purposes, it was not until recently that detailed studies of conodont ontogeny and phylogeny have been pursued. While conodonts are widely considered chordates, their exact relationship to living and fossil vertebrates is still debated, while specifics of their ontogeny and life cycle remain largely unexplored. Conodont histology was examined using an array of microscopy techniques, leading to a new three stage ontogeny model while simultaneously building the case for a close phylogenetic relationship to modern day lampreys.
In addition to recent paleobiological studies, conodonts have also been increasingly used to obtain paleo-oceanic strontium isotope ratios which can be used for indirect age dating of conodont fossils and the surrounding strata. Strontium based experiments performed call this practice into question by demonstrating the ease at which fluids can alter these isotope ratios.
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Geochemistry, Paleontology
Citation
Terrill, D. F. (2015). Examination of Conodont Ontogeny, Phylogeny and Experimental Diagenesis Utilizing Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and Strontium Isotope Analysis (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/26011