First Ediacaran Fauna Occurrence in Northeastern Brazil (Jaibaras Basin, ?Ediacaran-Cambrian): Preliminary Results and Regional Correlation

This study reports the first known occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna in northeastern Brazil (at Pacujá Municipality, northwestern state of Ceará) and presents preliminary interpretations of its significance. Regional correlation indicates that the fossils originated in the Jaibaras Basin and that th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências
Main Authors: FRANCISCO R.G. BARROSO, MARIA SOMÁLIA S. VIANA, MARIO F. DE LIMA FILHO, SONIA M.O. AGOSTINHO
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Ciências 2014
Subjects:
Brasil
estado do Ceará
fauna de Ediacara
ambiente transicional
Assembleia White Sea
Science
Q
White Sea
Nicholson
Rigby
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1590/0001-3765201420130162
https://doaj.org/article/3e6606f6264b4d6e9eab823d67512a81
Description
Summary:This study reports the first known occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna in northeastern Brazil (at Pacujá Municipality, northwestern state of Ceará) and presents preliminary interpretations of its significance. Regional correlation indicates that the fossils originated in the Jaibaras Basin and that they may represent a new geological system. The depositional environment can be attributed to a fluviomarine system. Nine Ediacaran species can be identified, including members of pandemic groups (e.g., Charniodiscus arboreus Glaessner, 1959; ?Charniodiscus concentricus Ford, 1958; Cyclomedusa davidi Sprigg, 1947; Ediacaria flindersi Sprigg, 1947; and Medusinites asteroides Sprigg, 1949) and endemic groups (e.g., Kimberella quadrata Glaessner & Wade, 1966; Palaeophragmodictya reticulata Gehling & Rigby, 1996; Parvancorina minchami Glaessner, 1958; and Pectinifrons abyssalis Bamforth, Narbonne, Anderson, 2008). Three ichnogenera are also present: Arenicolites Salter, 1857; Palaeophycus Hall, 1987; and Planolites Nicholson, 1873. The relative age of the deposits is between ?Ediacaran and Cambrian, and the fauna resembles the White Sea Assemblage. The bioturbation presents typical unbranched Ediacaran ichnogenera with little depth in the substrate. This previously unknown occurrence of the Ediacaran fauna reinforces the importance of the state of Ceará to Brazilian and global palaeontology.

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