Anomuran Microcoprolites from the Lowermost Navesink Formation (Maastrichtian), Monmouth County, New Jersey

Author: Becker Martin   Chamberlain John  

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

ISSN: 1042-0940

Source: Ichnos, Vol.13, Iss.1, 2006-03, pp. : 1-9

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Abstract

Anomuran microcoprolites are preserved in the Late Cretaceous lowermost Navesink Formation in Monmouth County, New Jersey. These microcoprolites occur within lens-to cigar-shaped phosphatic clay masses that occasionally include fragments of anomuran appendages. Individual microcoprolites are pellet-or rod-shaped and morphologically similar in longitudinal and cross-section to fecal material excreted from the ventro-dorsal hindgut of modern anomurans. The association of these anomuran microcoprolites in situ with Ophiomorpha burrows and the decapod crustacean Protocallianassa provides a compelling association for the identity of their producer.

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