The discovery of trace fossils of Early Permian Shoushangou Formation in Xi Ujimqin Banner of Inner Mongolia and its geological significance

This paper systematically describes seven genera and seven species of trace fossils of flysch facies found for the first time in the early Permian Shoushangou Formation in Xi Ujimqin Banner, southeastern Inner Mongolia. The main genera of trace fossils are Zoophycos, Scolicia, Planolites, Taenidium, Chondrites, Helminthoida, and Helminthopsis. The forms, habits and water depth distribution of the trace fossils clearly prove that the trace fossils are typical representatives of the bathyal Zoophycos ichnofacies, reflecting the features of the flysch facies in the deep-water sedimentary environment.