The Paleoenvironmental Significance of Gyrolithes (Lebensspur)

An empirical paleoenvironmental analysis of the biogenic sedimentary structure Gyrolithes reveals that the organism producing it was restricted to marginal marine environments. Combined with this narrow environmental tolerance, the long time range (Jurassic to at least Miocene) and wide geographic distribution make his lebensspur a useful tool in reconstructing ancient habitats. The Gyrolithes organism remains unknown, but new evidence suggests it may have belonged to the Decapoda.