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Significance of ultrastructural features in etched conodonts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2015

Richard D. Burnett  and
Jack C. Hall
Richard D. Burnett
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland
Jack C. Hall
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 28403
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Abstract

Acid etching combined with scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.) accentuates a variety of conodont microstructural patterns as compared to unetched specimens. External and internal organic layers surrounding apatitic lamellae are found with internal organic layers apparently thinner than their external counterparts. This may imply partial removal of the outermost organic layer prior to secretion of the next lamella. Etching also provides evidence of internally preserved striate ornament. Polygonal etch artifacts and zones of crystallites aligned in small areas are interpreted as possible sites for apatite biomineralization.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 66 , Issue 2 , March 1992 , pp. 266 - 276
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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