Anomuran Microcoprolites from the Lowermost Navesink Formation (Maastrichtian), Monmouth County, New Jersey

摘要

Anomuran microcoprolites are preserved in the Late Cretaceous lowermost Navesink Formation in Monmouth County, New Jersey. These microcoprolites occur within lens-to cigar-shaped phosphatic clay masses that occasionally include fragments of anomuran appendages. Individual microcoprolites are pellet-or rod-shaped and morphologically similar in longitudinal and cross-section to fecal material excreted from the ventro-dorsal hindgut of modern anomurans. The association of these anomuran microcoprolites in situ with Ophiomorpha burrows and the decapod crustacean Protocallianassa provides a compelling association for the identity of their producer.