A New Enigmatic, Tubular Organism from the Ediacara Member, Rawnsley Quartzite, South Australia. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joel, Lucas V.; Droser, Mary L.; Gehling, James G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of paleontology. Volume 88:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 253
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: Fossils -- Classification -- Periodicals; Paleontology -- Periodicals; Paléontologie -- Périodiques; Fossils -- Classification; Paleontology; Paleontologie; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 560.5
• DOI: 10.1666/13-058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3360

Abstract

Abstract : Here we reconstruct a new tubular, serially divided organism with a bilateral morphology from the Ediacaran of South Australia. The organism, Plexus ricei new genus new species, was a broadly curving tube that resided on the Ediacaran seafloor. Plexus ricei individuals range in size from 5 to 80 cm long and 5 to 20 mm wide, and are comprised of two main components: a rigid median tubular structure and a fragile outer tubular wall. Plexus ricei is preserved as an external mold on bed soles, and as a counterpart cast on bed tops in sandstones interpreted to represent deposition between storm and fairweather wave-base. The phylogenetic affinities of P. ricei are uncertain; P. ricei symmetry implies a bilaterian origin, but a lack of defined anterior and posterior ends precludes definitive assignment.