Carbon Isotope Ratios in the Apatite-Protein Composites of Conodont Elements—Palaeobiological Proxy

摘要: Conodonts were the Palaeozoic and Triassic extinct group of marine animals possessing discussed affinities. The only mineralized parts conodonts are tooth-like elements composing feeding apparatus. conodont consisted complex fluorapatite-protein nanocomposites. mineral component is represented by apatite-(CaF) with minor content CO3 ions, Na, Sr. Organic matter composed protein(s), consisting less than 4% a element. study material comprises middle Frasnian genera Youngquistognathus Mehlina, latest Famennian-Tournaisian species: Polygnathus parapetus Druce, Hindeodus crassidentatus (Branson et Mehl), Ligonodina sp. Conodont used for analysis composition organic apatite matrix, carbon isotope values. Studied characterized quite high Sr/Ca values in albid tissue ranging from 0.002 up to 0.016 that specific low trophic level. Low δ13Corg wide interval −30.4 −22.5‰ also suggest level conodonts. Thus, data obtained advocate consumers on phytoplankton or/and zooplankton. This conclusion promises possibilities revise functional morphology apparatuses, elucidates significant biochemical differences between vertebrates.