Blade-shaped conodont elements functioned as cutting teeth
Article Abstract:
The anatomical structure of the conodonts has been made clearer by the functional examination of the blade-shaped element pairs from the conodont species Vogelgnathus campbelli. The conodonts are a group of eel-shaped fossil animals thought to be related to the vertebrates. However, paleontologists have been unable either to classify the conodonts or to determine the exact purpose of their surviving body parts. The new functional analysis suggests that the elements served as incisor teeth within a larger apparatus for seizing and processing food.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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A giant conodont with preserved muscle tissue from the Upper Ordovician of South Africa
Article Abstract:
The fossilized anterior part of a giant conodont found in the Soom Shale in South Africa contains well preserved muscles. The body of the animal is flattened and contains 19 elements which were used as teeth. An oval patch of fiberous texture present anterior to the elements constitutes the eye muscles and a patch of organic material present behind the eyes may be the remains of a visceral organ. There is no trace of the notochord and the muscles contain only slow fibers showing that the animal could not swim fast.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Microwear on conodont elements and macrophagy in the first vertebrates
Article Abstract:
The microwear patterns seen on conodont elements are similar to those seen on vertebrate teeth. These elements were used as teeth and the wear patterns were formed by the food being crushed between two elements. The first fossil records of conodonts found are 40 million years old and contain mainly their mouth parts. Study of these elements and the wear patterns shows that the conodonts were macrophages and predators and their evolution shifted the evolutionary trend from suspension feeders to predators.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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