MICROORNAMENTATION PATTERNS OF CONODONT ELEMENTS

Abstract

This study deals with the reticulate microornamentation of Late Devonian and Early Carboniferous conodont elements. This ornamentation pattern is considered to represent the imprint of secreting epithelial cells. The basic types of microornamentations and their distribution on the surface of platform elements are described. The morphological and ontogenetic factors controlling this distribution are considered, and the pocket of secretory epithelium in conodonts is reconstructed.