The
most diverse group of animals in chemosynthetic ecosystems with the potential
to be preserved in the fossil record are the mollusks. Symbiont-bearing
bivalves for example have inhabited these ecosystems for more than 150 Million
years and are thus ideal for evolutionary studies.
Taxonomic
work, the detailed description and classification of the fossil species in
question, constitutes the basis of my research. This way I could show for
example that the oldest member of those mussels (Bathymodiolinae) that inhabit
chemosynthetic ecosystems today have already lived there 40 Million years ago.
My systematic work also includes searching for new aspects that can contribute to identify fossil taxa. I have investigated the shell microstructures of a representative sample of gastropods from vents and seeps. Shell microstructures have the potential to be preserved in fossils. Their examination is thus a useful tool and it has already been helpful in improving the identification of gastropods at fossil seeps. Ancient members of the modern lineages can also be recognized with the application of this method.
Bathymodiolus willapaensis
Amano, K. & Kiel, S. 2007. Fossil vesicomyid bivalves from the North Pacific region. The Veliger 49(4): 270-293.
Kiel, S. 2006. New records and species of mollusks from Tertiary cold-seep carbonates in Washington State, USA. Journal of Paleontology 80: 121-137.
Kiel, S. & Campbell, K.A. 2005. Lithomphalus enderlini gen. et sp. nov. from cold-seep carbonates in California - a Cretaceous neomphalid gastropod? Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 227: 232-241.
Kiel, S. 2004. Shell structures of selected gastropods from hydrothermal vents and seeps. Malacologia 46: 169-183.