| Multina Temporal range:
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|---|---|
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| Multina specimen from Nevada | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Genus: | Multina (Orlowski), 1968
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Multina is a trace fossil that was determined to be a non-graphoglyptid burrow system. It is described as an irregular “polygonal burrow network” that “developed along a horizontal bedding plane in light tan siliciclastic mud.”[1] Similar trace fossils include Paleodictyon and Thalassinoides. While Multina does not have the signature geometrical structure of Paleodictyon, it is similar enough to it that there is discussion among the paleontological community of whether or not Multina could be a precursor to Paleodictyon. Specimens have been found dating from the Early Cambrian era to the Jurassic Period. Multina’s burrow system is described as “networks of meandering traces.”
The first Multina trace fossil was initially discovered in 2013 by a Mount Holyoke College paleontological expedition led by Mark Mcmenamin. The specimen was found in the central Nevadan Luning Formation and was determined to be from the Jurassic era. An additional specimen was found in 2014 on a return expedition. These specific specimens’ burrows were lined with iron oxide, which has been determined to be unusual for Multina, and is thought to possibly be indicative of microbial biofilm lining the interior of the specimen’s burrows.
- ^ Zapata, Lesly P.; Hussey, Meghan C.; McMenamin, Mark A. S. (2017-01-02). "Multina from the Late Triassic Luning Formation, Nevada". Ichnos. 24 (1): 64–71. doi:10.1080/10420940.2016.1259618. ISSN 1042-0940.
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