A new post-early Cambrian archaeocyath from Antarctica

• Published in: Geological Magazine
• Main Authors: Wood, Rachel A., Evans, Kevin R., Zhuravlev, Andrey Yu.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1992
• Subjects: Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0016756800019579; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0016756800019579

Abstract A new species of archaeocyath sponge, Dictyocyathus neptunensis , is described from the lower third of the Nelson Limestone of the Neptune Range, Antarctica. Based on the presence of the trilobites Nelsonia schesis and Amphoton oatesi , these strata are interpreted to be mid- to late middle Cambrian in age. D. neptunensis shows a branching, low integration modular form and a very simple skeletal type. Such an organization is predicted from known morphological trends within the early Cambrian Archaeocyatha. Specimens are not in life position, and probably form part of a storm deposit. The absence of Dictyocyathus from latest early Cambrian (Toyonian) strata worldwide suggests a convergent nature for this highly simplified skeletal type in archaeocyaths.