Tuanshanzia is a genus of Proterozoic eukaryote, known from several locations across China and India, including the Gaoyuzhuang and Chuanlinggou formations,[1] as well as the Vindhya Basin.[2] It is probably an alga, although its exact classification is currently unclear. Tuanshanzia seems to be part of a wider group of elongate Proterozoic algae, alongside Changchengia and Eopalmaria.[3]

Tuanshanzia
Temporal range: Statherian–Calymmian
Scientific classification
Domain:
Kingdom:
Genus:
Tuanshanzia

Yan, 1995
Type species
Tuanshanzia lanceolata
Yan, 1995
Species
  • T. parva Chen et al., 2023
  • T. linearis Chen et al., 2023
  • T. fasciaria Yan and Liu, 1997
  • T. platyphylla Yan and Liu, 1997

Description

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Tuanshanzia specimens range from 4 to 30 cm (1.6 to 11.8 in) long, and are often preserved as carbonaceous films with a wide range of shapes, varying by species. The type, T. lanceolata has a lanceolate shape, whereas other species have shapes ranging from oval to elongated. As a form taxon, Tuanshanzia is likely paraphyletic, although as no practical alternative exists it remains a valid genus. The genus is named after the Tuanshanzi Formation, where it was first discovered, while the various species are named after their morphology.[1][3][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Chen, Kai; Miao, Lanyun; Zhao, Fangchen; Zhu, Maoyan (15 July 2023). "Carbonaceous macrofossils from the early Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation in the Yanshan Range, North China". Precambrian Research. 392. Bibcode:2023PreR..39207074C. doi:10.1016/j.precamres.2023.107074. S2CID 258675790.
  2. ^ a b Sharma, Mukund (December 2006). "Late Palaeoproterozoic (Statherian) carbonaceous films from the Olive Shale (Koldaha Shale), Semri Group, Vindhyan Supergroup, India" (PDF). Journal of the Palaeontological Society of India. 51 (2): 27–35.
  3. ^ a b Wang, Ye; Wang, Yue; Tang, Feng; Zhao, Mingsheng (8 June 2020). "Ediacaran macroalgal holdfasts and their evolution: a case study from China". Palaeontology. 63 (5): 821–840. Bibcode:2020Palgy..63..821W. doi:10.1111/pala.12485.