Biomarker signatures in host rocks and their co-occurring fossil plants from northern Scotland

Abstract

The Devonian Period paleogeographic setting fostered the growth of diverse terrestrial and marine organisms, enhancing organic matter production and preserving terrestrial organic matter (TOM). Northern Scotland shows rock sequences with well-preserved TOM, including distinctive fossil plant fragments. The biomarker record of host rock-fossil plant system is notably fragmented. Nonetheless, the exposed outcrops of Old Red Sandstone in northern Scotland allow detailed sampling and biomarker analysis of the Devonian rocks and their co-existing fossil plants. The biomarker record of the host rocks and the co-occurring plant fossils show that the organic matter of the Rhynie Chert, Newton of Kinkell and Kerrera siltstones were derived from vascular plants. The plant biomarkers detected in the Rhynie Chert includes tetracyclic diterpenoids (kaurane and beyerane), cadalene and methylnaphthalene. These biomarkers except cadalene were also present in Den of Morphie samples, Achanarras Quarry, Kerrera plant and Newton of Kinkell siltstone-plant samples. The similarity in biomarker signatures between fossil plants and host rocks in Achanarras suggested a shared origin of organic matter. Also, the sulfur-rich euxinic conditions in the studied areas, the hydrothermal permineralization and presence of pyrite framboids in the Rhynie Chert preserved the organic matter. This was indicated by low Pr/Ph ratios and high sulfur content, enhancing preservation and reducing organic matter degradation. The study concluded that the biomarker record of the host rock-plant fossil system in northern Scotland aids the understanding of terrestrialization process and higher plant evolution in the Devonian.