Zoophycos is a trace fossil. Trace fossils are the tracks, trails, burrows or other markings left behind by organisms in the sediment. Zoophycos feeding traces consist of radiating arc-like grooves and ridges which are termed spreite. The spreite are arranged in broad overlapping tongues and fans around a central vertical shaft or burrow.
The central burrow is the temporary home of the invertebrate organism and the curving lines are the patterns made as the organism burrowed and sifted for food around its central home.
The animal that made this trace fossil was probably a polychaete worm resembling the sand worm of today. These animals feed on algae, diatoms and small invertebrates in the mud. Today some species can grow up to 3 metres in length.
Polychaete worms have many segmented appendages called parapodia with tough bristles called chaete.
These parapodia move the animal along when burrowing or moving about the seafloor. The appendages can leave a track in the mud or sand.
These wonderful fossils were discovered on Denman Island by residents Paul Weyer and Tara Parkinson.
Courtenay Museum Curator Pat Trask said, “This unique fossil discovery is another example of life’s diversity clearly illustrated in the fossil record. These Denman Island residents did the right thing when making their discovery.
New regulations regarding fossils in the Province of B.C. suggest that if you find a unique fossil, your responsibility as a citizen scientist is to alert a museum or institution that has the ability to guarantee long term care, preservation, and study.”
This fossil is now on display at the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Centre.
