Linking taphonomic patterns of the stout razor clam, Tagelus plebeius (Lightfoot, 1786), to environmental features in a South American coastal lagoon of international significance

Abstract The preservation of remains is conditioned by biotic and abiotic characteristics that are determined by the environmental conditions; thus, taphonomic analysis may indicate environmental features. Estuaries are priority areas due to their socio-ecological importance; however, they are at risk due to climate change and anthropogenic impacts. Bivalves are abundant in estuarine soft-bottoms and their remains may be valuable environmental indicators, since the biotic (e.g., life habits, mineral composition) and abiotic characteristics (e.g., tides or topography) lead to differences in the accumulation and preservation of their shells. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the accumulation and taphonomic aspects of modern shells of the stout razor clam Tagelus plebeius in relation to the topographic characteristics of intertidal areas in Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon (Buenos Aires, Argentina). The results would indicate remains transport to the intertidal areas with a low-energy dynamic. The topographic characteristics of the beaches combined with the pattern of shell accumulation, suggested that the remains transport is not due directly to topography but to a combination of factors. In fact, those factors related to beach localization with respect to the main water flow direction and hydrodynamics would be more relevant. Furthermore, the findings showed that the taphonomic attributes of deposited modern shells may indicate environmental characteristics, such as energy of transport, submersion time or predation pressure. This study showed the contribution that actualistic taphonomy research can make to understanding environmental characteristics and to diagnostics development for the management of these vulnerable and socio-economic important areas. Statements and Declarations There is no competing interests related to this publication.