| Tuanshanzia Temporal range: Statherian–Calymmian Pha. Proterozoic Archean Had. | |
|---|---|
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| Tuanshanzia linearis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | Tuanshanzia Yan, 1995 |
| Type species | |
| Tuanshanzia lanceolata Yan, 1995 | |
| Species | |
| |
Tuanshanzia is a genus of Proterozoic eukaryote, known from several locations across China and India, including the Gaoyuzhuang and Chuanlinggou formations, the eponymous Tuanshanzi Formation, as well as the Vindhya Basin. 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.
Description
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. Many of the specimens from the Tuanshanzi Formation are likely microbial mat fragments due to their rough edges and irregularity, however some are likely actual algae due to smooth and regular margins, alongside carbon isotope analysis showing similarities to eukaryotes.
References
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
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