VARIATIONS IN THE OUTLINE AND DISTRIBUTION OF EPITHELIAL CELL IMPRINTS ON THE SURFACE OF POLYGNATHACEAN CONODONT ELEMENTS

Abstract

The elements of many conodont taxa exhibit a polygonal surface micro-ornamentation. Four main types are recognized (striation, linear texture, regular (idiomorphic) texture and granular texture) and their distribution over the conodont elements of different morphology is considered. The intraspecific (ontogenetic and ecological) and interspecific (phylogenetic) causes of the reticulation texture variations are also considered.