A new approach for investigating spatial relationships of ichnofossils: a case study of Ediacaran–Cambrian animal traces

Abstract Trace fossils record foraging behaviors, the search for resources in patchy environments, of animals rock record. Quantification strength, density, and nature behaviors enables investigation how these may have changed through time. Here, we present a novel approach to explore such patterns using spatial point process analyses quantify scale strength ichnofossil distributions on horizontal bedding planes. To demonstrate utility this approach, use two samples from terminal Ediacaran Shibantan Member South China (between 551 543 Ma) early Cambrian Nagaur Sandstone northwestern India 539 509 Ma). We find that ichnotaxa both surfaces exhibited significant nonhomogeneous lateral patterns, with distinct levels heterogeneity by different types trace fossils. In Shibantan, show evidence mutual positive aggregation over shared resource, suggesting ability focus optimal resource areas. exhibit more sophisticated behavior, greater niche differentiation. Critically, mark correlation functions highlight autocorrelation fossil orientations, demonstrating tracemakers patches. Despite potential limitations, hint at changes development optimization Ediacaran/Cambrian transition analysis tease apart subtle differences behavior