Testing for palaeogeographical patterns in the distribution of Cambrian trace fossils

We examined the palaeogeographical distribution of selected Cambrian trace fossils. Astropolichnus hispanicus, Climactichnites, Syringomorpha nilssoni and early examples of Paleodictyon all have a restricted palaeogeographical distribution, probably representing that of their producers. A cosmopolitan distribution is seen in Didymaulichnus miettensis and in early examples of Rusophycus and Dactyloidites. Oldhamia shows a wide distribution in Lower Cambrian deep-sea sediments although that of Oldhamia geniculata is restricted.