Biogenic production and their sedimentary record: a review

Abstract

The recognized biogenic production corresponds to corporal materials, and ethological structures (ichnofossils). Ethological structures include bioturbation, bioerosion, and biogenic granule-classification structures. Biogenic materials and structures traditionally include biogenic aggregates (such as fecal pellets or castings and coprolite grapstones); bioturbation structures or ichno-structures (burrows, tracks, trails, and root penetration structures); biogenic granulo-classification or biostratification structures (algal and bacterial stromatolites of graded bedding of biogenic origin); bioerosion structures (borings, scrapings, and bitings); and biolitites (e.g., reef structures). This paper presents a new classification system for biogenic materials applicable to the fossil record. It summarizes our efforts to standardize terminology, use new and existing terms, correct any contradictions in some terms, and facilitate teaching and learning processes related to this subject. In our proposal, biogenic production is used for any materials or structures produced, built, modified, or used by living organisms. Biogenic production includes the following five groups: direct production (corporal, biodeposition, bioexhudation, and bioclaustration materials and structures); bio-modified materials and structures (predation, bioerosion, and bioturbation); bio-built materials and structures (biofoodcaches, bioconstructions, and biostratification structures); microbial induced materials and structures; and biotools. All types of biogenic production have examples in the sedimentary record.