NETWORK THEORY IN ICHNOLOGY: FROM BEHAVIOURAL TOPOLOGY TO THE DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT

This study aims to (1) develop quantitative approaches for the study of ichnological systems; (2) model, for the first time, ichnosites as networks; (3) analyze the response of ichnological systems to global dynamics, with particular regard to Late Paleozoic fluvial-influenced settings. In this regard, the modern peritidal environments of the Grado lagoon (Italy, Adriatic Sea), the Nurra ichnosite (Permian-Triassic; Italy) and the Pramollo ichnolagerstätte (Carboniferous-Permian; Italy) have been selected for developing, applying and testing network analysis for the study of ichnological systems. Results show that network theory is able to depict the traces-environment relationships both for modern and fossil ichnological systems. It is therefore suggested that network theory may have great potential for understanding Phanerozoic bioturbation patterns.