Blastogeny in tabulate corals: case studies using X‐ray microtomography. (26th November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zapalski, Mikołaj K.; Dohnalik, Marek
• Is Part Of: Lethaia. Volume 46:Number 2(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 231
• Publication Date: 2012-11-26
• Subjects: Paleontology -- Periodicals; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Periodicals; 560
• DOI: 10.1111/let.12005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-1164

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="let12005-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>X‐ray microtomography (XMT) is a non‐invasive and non‐destructive method that has often been used to study fossils. It allows serial sections to be made as little as few micrometers apart; such a resolution is unachievable for classical serial sectioning; moreover, in contrast to the latter, the specimen is not destroyed. Microtomography can, however, be applied only in cases where differences in X‐ray absorption between the skeleton and its infilling are great. We show that this method may be also applied to tabulate corals. Case studies of blastogeny are based on Silurian (<italic>Aulopora, Favosites</italic>) and Devonian (<italic>Thamnopora</italic>) specimens from Poland. We show that the sequence of events in the blastogeny of <italic>Aulopora</italic> sp. is different from that of '<italic>Aulopora serpens minor'</italic> from the Devonian of the Holy Cross Mountains and similar to auloporids from the Devonian of England. Blastogeny in <italic>Favosites</italic> is very similar to that known from the related genera <italic>Squameofavosites</italic> and <italic>Thamnopora</italic>. This suggests that members of the genus <italic>Aulopora</italic> may be more diversified within the genus (as presently understood) than genera within the <italic>Favositidae</italic>.</p> </abstract>