Symbiotic relationships between worms and solitary rugose corals in the Late Ordovician

Paleobiology ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Elias
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Late Ordovician ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Taxonomic Affinity ◽  
External Wall ◽  
Symbiotic Relationships ◽  
Rugose Corals ◽  
History Of

Symbiotic relationships involving physical contact between worms and solitary rugosan polyps are recorded by the following structures in North American Late Ordovician corals: (1) Trypanites borings enclosed within septal swellings in two specimens, (2) vermiform grooves and openings along the external wall of one corallum, and (3) a chamber containing a unique brown tube within one individual. These features are indicative, respectively, of commensal boring polychaete annelids that penetrated through coralla, commensal epizoic worms of unknown taxonomic affinity that attached to the side of a polyp, and a tubicolous worm (possibly a polychaete) that was likely a parasitic endozoan. Symbionts comparable to the latter two types are also known from two specimens of Devonian solitary rugose corals.Indirect evidence suggests that symbioses between solitary rugosans and the worms that produced Trypanites borings as dwelling structures in the sides of coralla were relatively common. However, direct evidence that the hosts were alive has been found in only two corals. In both cases, worms bored through septa within the calices and came into contact with basal surfaces of the polyps, which secreted skeletal material that sealed off the intruders. The rarity of such structures suggests that the encounters were inadvertent. If boring worms favored upcurrent portions of objects in order to maximize feeding benefits and avoid sedimentation, their locations indicate that the concave sides of curved coralla faced toward prevailing currents when in life positions.“Opportunistic” worms are known to have attached to the sides of polyps only in rare instances when the hosts became temporarily exposed as a result of accidents or abnormalities. This indicates that coralla normally served to shield polyps from colonization by nonboring epizoans.Worms that apparently extended up through openings in basal surfaces of polyps likely obtained sustenance parasitically within the central cavities. They could have entered the hosts through their mouths, or via the calices when parts of the polyps detached from their coralla and contracted radially. The rarity of this type of relationship in solitary Rugosa suggests that the worms entered inadvertently.Symbioses involving physical contact between worms and polyps seem to have been rare throughout the history of solitary rugose corals. Both groups apparently tolerated such associations when they did occur, although the rugosans secreted structures in their coralla that served to isolate the symbionts. In doing so, they recorded the presence of worms not likely to be preserved as body fossils. The interpretation of such features provides information on the physiology and ethology of both organisms, on the history of symbiotic relationships, and on the diversity of soft-bodied organisms in ancient environments.

scholarly journals A Report on the History of the Acheulean Industry of Mai Idon Toro in the Central-Region of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. p29
Author(s):  
Jock Matthew Agai
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Stone Tools ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Early Humans ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The 1960S

The last time the Acheulean tools at Mai Idon Toro (NAFOK) were collected and studied scientifically by different archaeologists/historians for the purpose of national and international patronage was in the 1920s through the 1960s. After the 60s up-to-date, many writers have been writing about the Acheulean tools in NAFOK without having a physical contact with the tools or without having a direct understanding of the dilapidated state of the Acheulean site in NAFOK. More so, in the process of this study, I have not come across any single library material that deals specifically and wholly with the Acheulean industry in NAFOK, instead; the subject is casually or indirectly referenced as secondary. The information from the secondary sources I collected about NAFOK was peripheral and in distinct pieces seemingly because a specific author had not wholly dealt with the subject. This instigated the need to visit the Acheulean site in NAFOK in search of primary sources or information. This research is a study of the history of the researches done strictly about NAFOK and its Acheulean finds. The aims of this research are first, to give an update on the history of researches done about the Acheulean in NAFOK and second, to create further awareness on the need to encourage the patronage of public archaeology among Nigerians using the Acheulean site in NAFOK as a case study. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The presence of fossils and bones of early humans found in Eastern, Northern and Southern Africa are often referred to as the “direct evidence” for the existence of early humans in these regions of Africa. This is so because there is a view among many archaeologists, anthropologists and paleontologists according to which bones are reliable evidence for the existence of early humans than stone tools. Bone tools or bone evidence for the existence of early humans in West Africa is scanty. Archaeologists rely on stone tools to explain the probable existence of early humans in West Africa and the stone tools are referred to as “indirect evidence.” It is likely that early humans might have lived in NAFOK not because direct evidence has been found but indirect evidence. This research is a study of the indirect evidence found in NAFOK for the existence of early humans. Historical archeologists and students of anthropology and West African history would find this research of great benefit because it discusses the contentious history of the view according to which early humans lived in NAFOK millions of years ago.

scholarly journals Health and Nutrition Status of the Caregiver: Effect on Caregiving Capacity

1995 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Winkvist
Keyword(s):  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Child Survival ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Adequate Care ◽  
Mental Demands ◽  
Older Siblings

The importance of child care in ensuring optimal child survival, growth, and development is increasingly recognized. Unfortunately, poor health and nutrition status of the caregivers likely limit their agility to provide adequate care in many countries. Direct evidence for this has been shown in Egypt, where poor dietary intake, low haemoglobin levels, and low vitamin B6 status of the mothers were related to less time spent on care, less response to infants’ vocalization, less vocalization to infants, and greater utilization of older siblings as caregivers. In Kenya, lower maternal caloric intake was associated with less physical contact with their toddlers. Indirect evidence can be inferred from a review of illnesses affecting women globally in the light of the physical and mental demands of adequate caregiving. For this purpose, ill health of women is evaluated from both epidemiological and anthropological perspectives.

Paleobiologic and evolutionary significance of corallite increase and associated features inSaffordophyllum newcombae(Tabulata, Late Ordovician, southern Manitoba)

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Jin Lee ◽  
Robert J. Elias
Keyword(s):  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Late Ordovician ◽  
Evolutionary Significance ◽  
Partial Mortality ◽  
Rugose Corals ◽  
Tabulate Coral ◽  
History Of ◽  
Direct Ancestor ◽  
Colony Integration ◽  
Peripheral Expansion

Saffordophyllum newcombaeFlower, 1961, displays unique abilities and an unprecedented range in types of corallite increase. Cerioid growth was characteristic, but colonies on soft substrates could grow in a tollinaform manner during early astogeny. The capacity for recovery from damage and partial mortality is amazing. Rejuvenation may have been accompanied by peripheral expansion in some cases. Rapid regeneration could involve axial increase. Circular lacunae that formed during recovery became sites of rapid lateral increase or corallite decrease.Two types of axial increase occurred within coralla. Lateral increase was concentrated mainly along the basal wall and adjacent to certain circular lacunae. In typical cerioid parts of the corallum, lateral increase seldom yielded “adult” corallites, but incipient lateral offsets could be numerous. The level of colony integration was probably moderately high. There was likely soft-tissue continuity among polyps, coordination of polyp behavior, subjugation of individuals for the good of the colony, and perhaps astogenetic control.Saffordophyllum newcombaeis considered to be a tabulate coral, although one type of axial increase is similar to that in a few rugose corals and the other type of axial increase as well as possible peripheral expansion resemble modes of increase in some coralline sponges. Lateral increase is considered compatible with cnidarian rather than poriferan biology. Corallite size is typical of tabulates.Saffordophyllummay not be the direct ancestor of favositid tabulates, and may not even be closely related to them;S. newcombaeis very different fromPaleofavositesandFavosites.The remarkable range in forms of increase discovered inS. newcombaedemonstrates the critical need for detailed paleobiologic studies, if we are to understand the early evolutionary history of corals and to establish reliable criteria for distinguishing various coral groups and homeomorphs.

Paleobiologic significance of fossulae in North American Late Ordovician solitary rugose corals

Paleobiology ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Elias
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Genetic Factors ◽  
Outer Wall ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Late Ordovician ◽  
Water Circulation ◽  
Central Cavity ◽  
Foreign Objects ◽  
Rugose Corals

Three features that provide information on the paleobiologic significance of fossulae in North American Late Ordovician solitary rugose corals are (1) irregularities in shape and position of the outer wall, (2) discontiguous septal growth lamellae, and (3) foreign objects incorporated into interseptal chambers within the corallum. Outer wall irregularities indicate that portions of a polyp could detach from the calice and could contract and expand radially by a significant amount and for prolonged periods of time during ontogeny, especially in the vicinity of the alar and cardinal fossulae. Discontiguous lamellae indicate that the polyp could detach from septa and contract laterally, especially in the cardinal fossula. This began with the onset of maturity and probably reflects reproductive activity. Ostracodes are the most common foreign objects in these coralla and are usually situated within or near the cardinal and alar fossulae. In the most likely hypothesis accounting for their presence, a live ostracode entered the calice when one side of the polyp temporarily detached from the corallum and contracted radially. It became trapped upon expansion and reattachment of the soft parts. The polyp moved upward in its corallum by detachment and uplift of the aboral surface. In a less likely hypothesis, the ostracode was captured by the coral for food and came to rest on the floor of the central cavity. It was incorporated into an interseptal chamber when the polyp moved upward in its corallum by atrophy of the aboral surface and formation of a new base above the object. In either hypothesis, portions of the polyp in the cardinal and alar fossulae probably functioned throughout ontogeny for water circulation in the central cavity, and for the intake of food and/or ejection of undigested material through the mouth. Taxonomic, stratigraphic, and paleobiogeographic variability in frequencies of the three features may indicate differences in the necessity and/or ability of polyps to perform these functions involving the fossulae. This could be a reflection of environmental and/or genetic factors.

The relationship of the scleractinian corals to the rugose corals

Paleobiology ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 6 (02) ◽  
pp. 146-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Critical Points ◽  
Scleractinian Corals ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Early Triassic ◽  
Rugose Corals ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Biologic Factors

The Mesozoic-Cenozoic coral Order Scleractinia has been suggested to have originated or evolved (1) by direct descent from the Paleozoic Order Rugosa or (2) by the development of a skeleton in members of one of the anemone groups that probably have existed throughout Phanerozoic time. In spite of much work on the subject, advocates of the direct descent hypothesis have failed to find convincing evidence of this relationship. Critical points are:(1) Rugosan septal insertion is serial; Scleractinian insertion is cyclic; no intermediate stages have been demonstrated. Apparent intermediates are Scleractinia having bilateral cyclic insertion or teratological Rugosa.(2) There is convincing evidence that the skeletons of many Rugosa were calcitic and none are known to be or to have been aragonitic. In contrast, the skeletons of all living Scleractinia are aragonitic and there is evidence that fossil Scleractinia were aragonitic also. The mineralogic difference is almost certainly due to intrinsic biologic factors.(3) No early Triassic corals of either group are known. This fact is not compelling (by itself) but is important in connection with points 1 and 2, because, given direct descent, both changes took place during this only stage in the history of the two groups in which there are no known corals.

North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAASR)

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-30
Author(s):  
Matt Sheedy
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
American Association ◽  
The North ◽  
History Of

I interviewed Russell McCutcheon back in March 2015, about his new role as president of the North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAASR), asking him about the history of the organization, goals for his tenure, and developments for NAASR’s upcoming conference in Atlanta in November 2015.

Indian Boarding School Gothic in Older than America and The Only Good Indian

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-27
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Kella
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Boarding School ◽  
Boarding Schools ◽  
Spiritual Values ◽  
Feature Films ◽  
Native North American ◽  
Indian Boarding School ◽  
Visual Sovereignty ◽  
History Of ◽  
Indian Boarding Schools

This article examines the appropriation and redirection of the Gothic in two contemporary, Native-centered feature films that concern a history that can be said to haunt many Native North American communities today: the history of Indian boarding schools. Georgina Lightning’s Older than America (2008) and Kevin Willmott’s The Only Good Indian (2009) make use of Gothic conventions and the figures of the ghost and the vampire to visually relate the history and horrors of Indian boarding schools. Each of these Native-centered films displays a cinematic desire to decenter Eurocentric histories and to counter mainstream American genres with histories and forms of importance to Native North American peoples. Willmott’s film critiques mythologies of the West and frontier heroism, and Lightning attempts to sensitize non-Native viewers to contemporary Native North American concerns while also asserting visual sovereignty and affirming spiritual values.

Hymnody and Liturgy

2019 ◽  
pp. 491-506
Author(s):  
Jonathan Hehn
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Seventeenth Century ◽  
Sixteenth Century ◽  
North American ◽  
John Calvin ◽  
Church Of Scotland ◽  
Metrical Psalmody ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Church

This chapter outlines the history of Presbyterian worship practice from the sixteenth century to the present, with a focus on North American Presbyterians. Tracing both their hymnody and their liturgy ultimately to John Calvin, Presbyterian communions have a distinct heritage of worship inherited from the Church of Scotland via seventeenth-century Puritans. Long marked by metrical psalmody and guided by the Westminster Directory, Presbyterian worship underwent substantial changes in the nineteenth century. Evangelical and liturgical movements led Presbyterians away from a Puritan visual aesthetic, into the use of nonscriptural hymnody, and toward a recovery of liturgical books. Mainline North American and Scottish Presbyterians solidified these trends in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; however, conservative North American denominations and some other denominations globally continue to rely heavily on the use of a worship directory and metrical psalmody.

An Economic Analysis of Indian Behavior in the North American Fur Trade

1972 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. McManus
Keyword(s):  
Economic Analysis ◽  
North American ◽  
Economic History ◽  
Fur Trade ◽  
Historical Research ◽  
The North ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Way

This study of Indian behavior in the fur trade is offered more as a report of a study in progress than a completed piece of historical research. In fact, the research has barely begun. But in spite of its unfinished state, the tentative results of the work I have done to this point may be of some interest as an illustration of the way in which the recent revival of analytical interest in institutions may be used to develop an approach to the economic history of the fur trade.

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