ABSTRACT
Clypeasteroid preservation in the fossil record is often characterized by well preserved specimens occurring together with highly disintegrated fragments of the same species. The taphonomic processes leading to the differential preservation of clypeasteroids in the Northern Bay of Safaga, (Red Sea, Egypt) were investigated by observing the decay of Clypeaster humilis and Echinodiscus auritus . Dead echinoid specimens of these species were placed in wire cages in two sites on and within the sediment. All specimens lost their spines within 4 days. Breakage of the skeletons was differential, if present being followed by subsequent rapid disarticulation into test fragments. Complete tests of E. auritus found in the field range from freshly predated specimens to highly abraded, encrusted forms. The studied taphonomic features include predation, decay, spine as well as plate disarticulation, fragmentation, encrustation, bioerosion, corrosion and abrasion.
