Objective A large number of Thalassinoides trace fossils developed in the Cambrian strata of Henan province. We studied the morphology and distribution characteristics of different ichnospecies and analyzed the sedimentary environment-controlling factors. Methods Based on lithology and ichnography, the morphology, size, disturbance depth, and disturbance intensity of Thalassinoides in this area were combined with sedimentary environment parameters. Results The dense network Thalassinoides suevicus featuresY-shaped branches with enlarged intersections, developed in the intertidal zone where water is turbulent and oxygen is abundant. Sparse Thalassinoides horizontalis Type 1, which is Y-shaped long branches with large diameters, formed in the shallow water area in front of the oolitic beach with abundant oxygen and nutrients due to water turbulence. Thalassinoides horizontalis Type 2, T-shaped short branches with smaller diameters, occurred in deeper waters on the seaward side in front of the oolitic beach. The three-dimensional, boxwork burrows of Thalassinoides bacae, featuring vertical tubes, branches, and thick lining walls, developed in interbeach-confined seas and deep subtidal zones where oxygen and nutrients were deficient. Conclusions The variation in different ichnospecies and morphologies of Thalassinoides is controlled by factors such as water depth, water kinetic energy, nutrients, and oxygen content of the sedimentary environment. The trace maker adopted different strategies to cope with the changing sedimentary environment.
| 科 Family | 属数 Number of genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) | 属 Genus | 种数 Number of species | 占总种数比例 Percentage of total species (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 鹅膏菌科Amanitaceae | 2 | 11 | 5.26 | 鹅膏菌属 Amanita | 10 | 4.78 |
| 小菇科 Mycenaceae | 2 | 12 | 5.74 | 丝盖伞属 Inocybe | 5 | 2.39 |
| 多孔菌科 Polyporaceae | 8 | 14 | 6.70 | 蜡蘑属 Laccaria | 5 | 2.39 |
| 红菇科 Russulaceae | 3 | 23 | 11.00 | 小皮伞属 Marasmius | 6 | 2.87 |
| 小菇属 Mycena | 11 | 5.26 | ||||
| 光柄菇属 Pluteus | 5 | 2.39 | ||||
| 红菇属 Russula | 17 | 8.13 | ||||
| 栓菌属 Trametes | 5 | 2.39 |