Silicification of trilobites and biofilm from the Cambrian Weeks Formation, Utah: Evidence for microbial mediation of silicification: COMMENT

Abstract

Melim et al. (2023) presented potential evidence for the microbial mediation of silicification, citing examples such as “carbon-rich threads, ribbons, and strings.” They interpreted the carbon-rich materials covering the trilobite sclerites and the matrix as a silicified biofilm, suggesting this was the first direct evidence of microbial-mediated silicification. While we agree that biofilms could play a significant role in silicification, we recommend reevaluating some of the evidence for the “silicified biofilm” presented by Melim et al.