Cochleatina is an organic-walled microfossil ('Small Carbonaceous Fossil') known from the late Ediacaran period and early Cambrian Fortunian Stage.[1] Cochleatina comprises a complex spiral ribbon structure, with a serrated outer margin. These spirals are frequently found embedded in an organic sheet.[1][2][3] Cochleatina is a rare example of a fossil taxon known to span the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary.[1]

Cochleatina
Temporal range: Ediacaran – Fortunian[1]
Cochleatina canilovica
Scientific classification Edit this classification
(unranked): incertae sedis
Genus: Cochleatina
Aseeva, 1974

Affinity edit

Cochleatina's biological affinity is unknown. It has been variously regarded as the fossil remains of an animal, an algae, or a protist.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Slater, Ben J.; Harvey, Thomas H. P.; Bekker, Andrey; Butterfield, Nicholas J. (2020). "Cochleatina: an enigmatic Ediacaran–Cambrian survivor among small carbonaceous fossils (SCFs)". Palaeontology. 63 (5): 733–752. doi:10.1111/pala.12484. ISSN 1475-4983.
  2. ^ "New information on the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition in the Vestertana Group, Finnmark, northern Norway, from trace fossils and organic-walled microfossils" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2017-01-23. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ Organic-walled microfossils from the Ediacaran-Cambrian Global Boundary Stratotype Section, Chapel Island and Random formations, Newfoundland, Canada (PDF).