Topologic configuration of a graphoglyptid and its functional morphologic analysis

Conclusions

• 1. Topologic analysis of representative Devonian graphoglyptids of China shows that a huge graphoglyptid clan can be grouped into three kinds of topologic configurations homeomorphic to line, tree and network, which correspond to foraging, probing feeding and the catching and feeding of constructing and inhabiting in anoxic, suboxic and dysoxic²⁾ deep-water environments respectively.

• 2. It is well known that, in paleoecology and paleontology, morphologic features are bases of functional morphologic analysis of body and trace fossils, but, the features are not only Euclidean geometric, but also topologic and fractal geometric. In terms of the topologic graphoglyptids homeomorphic to line, tree and network, the functional morphologic analysis based on topologic configuration can reveal trace producer’ s ethology and ecological function mysteries contained in trace fossils from new aspects.

• 3. A functional topologic morphologic analysis first can get rid of interference of original biogenic traces to be subjected to compacting, diagenesis and deformation. In addition, it can simplify existing classification and naming system of ichnology, enrich and develop the theory and methodology of a functional morphologic analysis.