Biogenic sedimentary structures (trace fossils or ichnofossils) are biologically produced structures that include tracks, trails, burrows, borings, fecal pellets and other traces made by organisms. Excluded are markings that do not reflect a behavioral function. Owing to their nature, trace fossils can be considered as both paleontological and sedimentological entities, thereby bridging the gap between two of the main subdivisions in sedimentary geology. Four major categories are recognized: (1) bioturbation structures—they reflect the disruption of biogenic and physical stratification features or sediment fabrics by the activity of an organism: includes tracks, trails, burrows, and similar structures; (2) biostratification structures—they consist of stratification imparted by the activity of an organism: biogenic graded bedding, byssal mats, certain stromatolites, and similar structures; (3) biodepositional structures—they reflect the production or concentration of sediments by the...
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Pemberton, S.G. (1978). Biogenic sedimentary structures. In: Middleton, G.V., Church, M.J., Coniglio, M., Hardie, L.A., Longstaffe, F.J. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3609-5_29
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