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Degree

MS, Kent State University, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Geology, 2007.

Abstract

The bivalves and mollusks of the Late Cretaceous Coon Creek Formation in Tennessee are well preserved and exhibit biotic interactions with a variety of organisms. Almost 60% of the bivalves collected in the field show some form of interaction; many show multiple forms of biotic activity. These interactions provide information on how the bivalves lived, and if they were alive at the time the other organisms were interacting with them. Bivalves were used as substrates by several organisms, including sponges, bryozoans, other bivalves, worms, microbial fungi, and foraminifera. Predation of the bivalves by gastropods is also noted. Location of burrows, impressions, and drill holes provides information on the orientation of the living bivalves. Interactions that are seen on the interior of the valves indicates that the bivalve was dead at the time the other organism began living on it.

Subject Headings

Geology ; Paleontology

Keywords

Tennessee; Biotic Interactions; Cretaceous; Paleontology; Coon Creek Formation; Bivalves

Advisor

Rodney M. Feldmann

Pages

88p.

Document number: kent1190996654
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1190996654

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