Here is a very detailed Ediacara fossil of the species Gemmaphyton taoyingensis from the Doushantuo Formation of Guizhou in China. This specimen clearly shows the typical filament structures. This Gemmaphyton specimen measures about 13 x 11 mm The Precambrian Doushantuo Formation from the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Guizhou is known for its rich Ediacarian fossil content. In the black shales, the Ediacara fossils are preserved as organic carbon imprints with an outstanding depth of detail. The predominant fossil finds are interpreted as multicellular algae and thallophytes. Cyanobacteria and acritarches and even the oldest potential representative of Bilateria, named Vernanimalcula, are also known from the Doushantuo Formation. The Doushantuo Formation has an age of about 635-551 Ma. The richest finds come from the middle of the profile and date to about 570 Ma. | |||
Location: | Jiangkou, Guizhou, south China | ||
Fossil Matrix: | about 52 x 31 mm | ||
Age: | Precambrian, Proterozoic, Ediacarian, Doushantuo Formation (About 570 MA) |