INFLATABLE DICKINSONIA: A NEW POSSIBLE FEEDING MECHANISM FOR EDIACARAN FAUNA

Dickinsonia is one of the most familiar of the Ediacaran fossils, but its way of life and precise taxonomic affinities are still obscure. We present a specimen that shows trace evidence that appears to show that this organism could inflate like a balloon, presumably to feed. It is noted that several Dickinsonia fossils have shown wrinkling that may be indications of collapsed individuals, but this is the first specimen to show putative inflation. Here we will speculate on possible lifestyles of Dickinsonia and on potential feeding specializations.