Additional contributions to the knowledge of the Taquaral Member, Irati Formation (Lower Permian, Paraná Basin): Taphonomy and paleoenvironmental implications

Abstract

The silty shale facies of the Taquaral Member (Irati Formation), which is one of the Permian units in the Brazilian Parana Basin, is discussed here based on the taphonomy relevant to the paleoenvironmental interpretation. The fossils are crustaceans (Clarkecaris and other indeterminate forms), isolated teeth, scales and bones of Actinopterygii, "Palaeonisciformes ", which are the most common vertebrate remains, and also frequent scales of Coelacanthiformes. The scales, teeth and disarticulated bones are found together in accumulations, which may be interpreted as coprolites. Many of the fossil crustaceans display characteristics of ecdysis.