Morphometrics and orientation of Fractofusus dominated assemblages from the Ediacaran of Newfoundland ...

• Main Author: Neville, Jenna
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2024
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.48336/55a9-5t17; https://research.library.mun.ca/16324/

The rangeomorph genus Fractofusus inhabited marine benthic environments during the Ediacaran period. These frondlike organisms with fractal-like branching are believed to be among the earliest multicellular animals. Studying their paleobiology, paleoecology and interactions with their paleoenvironment is crucial for understanding early animal evolution. This study compared morphometric and orientation data of Fractofusus misrai (from Mistaken Point, NL) and Fractofusus andersoni (from Little Catalina, NL) in order to better understand population structure and paleoecology. Statistical analyses were conducted to infer size and shape classes, and to determine any significant orientation differences between the shape groups. This work indicates that the F. misrai assemblage on the E surface likely resulted from aseasonal continuous reproduction following a single spatfall event while the F. andersoni assemblage on the H14 surface is comprised of two spatfall events. Previous studies have suggested that ...