Volume 56,Issue 4,2017 Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION:THE CAMBRIAN RADIATION OF METAZOANS—NEW ADVANCES AND FOSSIL DISCOVERIES FROM CHINA

ZHANG Zhi-fei , CHEN Fei-yang

2017, 56(4):409-414. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.001 CSTR:

[Abstract](259) [HTML](0) [PDF 1.47 M](1831)

Abstract:
Cambrian Explosion represents an astonishing burst of evolutionary innovation with the first 30 million years of the Cambrian witnessing the appearance of most bilaterian animal body plans,many of which still exist today.Alongside crown group phyla there are other bizarre stem group Cambrian forms which made sudden appearance,but soon became extinct.New data from a range of exceptionally preserved Cambrian K?nversat-Lagerst?tte of China provide crucial data to unravel the evolutionary and revolutionary scope of this milestone biological event.The fossils discussed in the Special Issue(SI)of Acta Palaeoontologica Sinica mainly come from the Cambrian Terreneuvian Fortunian Kuanchuanpu Biota of southern Shaanxi Province; the pre-trilobite Yanjiahe Biota(Terreneuvian,Stage 2)and the Cambrian first-trilobite age Shuijingtuo Formation(upper Stage 3-lower Stage 4)and the Shipai Biota(Stage 4)in the Three-Gorges area of Yichang,western Hubei Province;the Chengjiang(Stage 3)and Guanshan(Stage 4)biotas in the eastern Yunnan Province;and the Jialao Formation(Series 3,Stage 5)of Guizhou Province.

2 A SPHERICAL HAT-SHAPED ORGANISM FROM THE LOWER CAMBRIAN KUANCHUANPU FORMATION

ZHANG Jin , HAO Xin , HU Ying , YANG Xiao-guang , WANG Xing , YAO Xiao-yong , SHEN Yang , HAN Jian

2017, 56(4):415-424. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.002 CSTR:

[Abstract](169) [HTML](0) [PDF 6.67 M](1696)

Abstract:
The phosphatized spheroidal fossils preserved in three dimensions from the early Cambrian Kuanchuanpu Formation in south Shaanxi,China,are rather abundant.Generally,they are interpreted as metazoan embryos and microscopic algae,but some of them remain controversial in affinities.Here we report a kind of or sub-spherical shelly fossils characterized by one,two or more deep concaved,hat-shaped structures within a subsphere frame.Most incomplete specimens appear to be hat-shaped structure with a brim on account of taphonomic transportation and abrasion. We subdivided these fossils into single-hat,double-hat and complex hat types. There is no septum between adjacent primary or secondary hat-shaped structures within an individual.The shell wall consists of a smooth inner and a coarse outer layers.The fossil differs from co-occurring algae,metazoan embryos and other shelly metazoans,but is interpreted tentatively here as a tested protozoan.

3 NEW MATERIALS OF EARLY CAMBRIAN MICROFOSSILS OLIVOOIDES MULTISULCATUS FROM ZHANGJIAGOU SECTION IN SOUTHERN SHAANXI

ZHANG Ya-nan , LIU Yun-huan , QIN Jia-chen , ZHANG Hu , SHAO Tie-quan , ZHANG Ting , WANG Feng , WEI Rong-hao , LUO Lei , ZHANG Hong-ze , YIN Chun-tao

2017, 56(4):425-432. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.003 CSTR:

[Abstract](190) [HTML](0) [PDF 2.70 M](1756)

Abstract:
Many fossils of Lagerst?tte is found from the Kuanchuanpu Formation of lower Cambrian in Zhangjiagou section，Xixiang，Shaanxi Province．The precious three-dimensionally phosphatized specimens have important research meaning for the origin and evolution of early life． And it is the basis for biostratigraphic comparison at the pre-trilobites-era of early Cambrian． This paper mainly describes Lagerst?tte and soft-bodied Olivooides multisulcatus Qian，1977．This type of fossil was first reported in Kuanchuanpu Biota in Ningqiang，Shaanxi in 1977， which is the same type as fossils described in this article but from different places，thus it has important research meaning to the stratigraphic correlation．According to new discoveries in Xixiang Biota，this paper compares and adds the characteristics and intraspecific variation of Olivooides multisulcatusQian，1977．

4 NEW MATERIALS OF EARLY CAMBRIAN MICROFOSSILS HEXACONULARIA SICHUANENSISFROM ZHANGJIAGOU SECTION IN SOUTHERN SHAANXI

ZHANG Hu , LIU Yun-huan , QIN Jia-chen , ZHANG Ya-nan , SHAO Tie-quan , ZHANG Ting , WEI Rong-hao , WANG Feng , ZHANG Hong-ze , LUO Lei , YIN Chun-tao

2017, 56(4):433-439. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.004 CSTR:

[Abstract](182) [HTML](0) [PDF 1.56 M](1683)

Abstract:
A large number of protoconulariid fossils were found in the lower Cambrian strata of Zhangjiagou Section in Xixiang,South Shaanxi.According to its overall morphological and the classification of protoconulariid fossils which belong to Hexaconularia.Predecessors made many classifications about Hexaconularia, but we reclassified it.There are two shallow and discontinuous corner grooves at the central face.This not only enriches the intraspecific characteristics,but also provides the basis for the evolution trend of shell.The same type as fossils described in this article have been reported by predecessors but from different places,thus it has important research meaning to the stratigraphic comparison.

5 MICROSCOPIC FOSSILS WITH MULTI-LEVEL TETRAD CELL STRUCTURES FROM THE CAMBRIAN KUANCHUANPU FORMATION IN SOUTHERN SHAANXI

ZHENG Ya-juan , YAO Xiao-yong , HAN Jian , GUO Jun-feng

2017, 56(4):440-448. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.005 CSTR:

[Abstract](181) [HTML](0) [PDF 4.64 M](1662)

Abstract:
A large number of multicellular spherical microfossils occur in the phosphorus-bearing strata from the Ediacaran-Cambrian in South China,in which some of the large multicellular spherical fossils are characterized by cell cleavage. The affinity and classification of these spherical fossils have been controversial for a long time due to the lack of effective anatomical information.Here we report exceptional spherical and non-spherical fossils characterized by specific multi-level,tetrad cell structures from the Kuanchuanpu Formation in southern Shaanxi.These spherical fossils are likely akin to multicellular algae in comparison with cooccurred animal embryos in the cleavage stage and algal fossils with tetrad structures from the Ediacaran Weng’an biota in South China.

6 THE STELLATE CUTICLE OF EMBRYO FOSSILS FROM LOWER CAMBRIAN KUANCHUANPU FORMATION

YAO Xiao-yong , ZHENG Ya-juan , HAN Jian , GUO Jun-feng

2017, 56(4):449-460. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.006 CSTR:

[Abstract](198) [HTML](0) [PDF 8.84 M](1832)

Abstract:
Embryos are preserved in 3D as phosphatized permineralizations with superficial structures,and interior anatomy revealed in partly decayed embryos.Different species share a similar naked egg membrane and stellate cuticle which indicate that:1)It is improper to judge affinity by size or superficial structure of embryos; 2) It is postulated that the stellate cuticle would provide physical protection and dispersal to suitable habitat.Such properties were also observed in extant sea anemone embryos;3) The stellate Olivooidesmay grow into a primitive larva,which could be the evidence of indirect development.

7 RESEARCH PROGRESS AND PROSPECT ON THE EARLY CAMBRIAN YANJIAHE BIOTA

GUO Jun-feng , QIANG Ya-qin , SONG Zu-chen , ZHENG Ya-juan , YAO Xiao-yong , XIAO Liang , LI Xiang-chuan

2017, 56(4):461-475. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.007 CSTR:

[Abstract](208) [HTML](0) [PDF 17.37 M](1787)

Abstract:
The origin and evolution of animals and Cambrian Explosion from the Ediacaran to Cambrian transition interval are of hot research interest to paleontologists worldwide.However,the evolutionary relationship among small shelly fossils of early Cambrian,fossil community of late Precambrian,Chengjiang fossil lagerst?tte of early Cambrian are major challenges in the field of paleontology,which is largely due to the absence of macrofossils coexisting with the small shelly fossils in early Cambrian.The early Cambrian Yanjiahe biota bridges this gap in that this biota consists of macroscopic metazoans,macroalgae,small shelly fossils,spheroidal fossils(putative embryos),acritarchs and cyanobacteria. Some macrofossils exhibit characters of a transitional fauna from Ediacaran to Cambrian.These fossils show different preservation modes as diverse as organic carbonaceous film, phosphatization,pyrite,or siliceous remains.In this context,a systematic investigation into the biodiversity and taphonomy of the Yanjiahe biota can provide insights into the paleobiological community from shelf-sea carbonate platform facies to a local depression in the platform in the Meishucun Age,and can as well shed light on the biodiversification and evolutionary patterns during the onset of the Cambrian Explosion.

8 APPLICATION OF THE MICRO-CT TECHNIQUE IN THE STUDIES OF ARTHROPODS FROM THE CHENGJIANG BIOTA: A CASE OF MISSZHOUIA LONGICAUDATA

ZHAO Ting , HOU Xian-guang , ZHAI Da-you , WU Di , CHEN Hong , ZANG Shao-gang , LIU Yu

2017, 56(4):476-482. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.008 CSTR:

[Abstract](225) [HTML](0) [PDF 3.72 M](1728)

Abstract:
In order to exemplify the application of the micro-CT(Computed Tomography)technique to the study of arthropod fossils,we observed the buried structures of a specimen of Misszhouia longicaudata from the Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerst?tte with such a non-destructive technique.The data resulted from micro-CT scanning were proceeded with the software Drishti to obtain 3D models of the appendages.Compared with the traditional method that involves light microscopic imaging, the micro-CT technique has the advantages of both being able to detect the buried structures and avoiding damaging the specimen,and is thus highly recommended for the study of fossils.

9 STUDIES ON THE SHELL ULTRASTRUCTURE AND ONTOGENY OF THE OLDEST ACROTRETID BRACHIOPODS FROM SOUTH CHINA

ZHANG Zhi-liang , ZHANG Zhi-fei , HOLMER Lars

2017, 56(4):483-503. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.009 CSTR:

[Abstract](226) [HTML](0) [PDF 13.72 M](1790)

Abstract:
Acrotretids attained great diversity and cosmopolitan distributions in rocks of midCambrian to Ordovician age,and went extinct by the end of the Devonian. However, bearing significantly special morphology and column structures,it has so far been difficult to analyze their phylogenetic relationship with other groups within the Class Lingulata.Eohadrotreta,one of the oldest known acrotretoid brachiopods,are described from the lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation of South China. The ontogeny and three-layered shell structure are investigated for the first time.The detailed study of ultrastructure of shell indicates that there are four ontogenetic developmental stages of the acrotretid Eohadrotreta,including protegulum,brephic shell,neanic shell,mature shell.The plank-totrophic larva and the metamorphosis are verified at least in Cambrian acrotretids. More importantly,exquisitely preserved epithelial cell moulds are identified on the whole interior of both ventral and dorsal valves. Investigation of the new material demonstrates that the disposition of epithelial cell moulds in shell interiors most likely is associated with regions of thickened muscle attachments–a character that potentially could be of use in taxonomy.The cosmopolitan distribution of early Cambrian Eohadrotreta in southern Shaanxi,eastern Three Gorges area and central Guizhou of Yangtze Platform,possible North China,Himalaya and Australia demonstrates that can be a potential index fossil for the global stratigraphic correlation of Cambrian Series 2.

10 THE RESTUDY OF EOCRINIODS IN THE GUANSHAN BIOTA

WU Di , LIU Yu , ZHAO Ting , CHEN Hong , HOU Xian-guang

2017, 56(4):504-515. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.010 CSTR:

[Abstract](196) [HTML](0) [PDF 43.58 M](1680)

Abstract:
Guanshan biota is another Cambrian fossil assemblage with exceptional preservation found in Yunnan after the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota.More than 10 animal taxa have been reported from Guanshan,which have significantly improved our knowledge of the Cambrian explosion,of the origin and evolution of metazoan,and of the reconstruction of the early Cambrian ecosystem.The relatively rare eocrinoids that belong to the Echinodermata(Blastozoa)first appeared in the early Cambrian and became extinct in the Silurian.We hereby applied traditional as well as advanced imaging techniques(fluorescence microscope)to reveal morphological details of eocrinoid material recently collected from Guanshan,which in turn improves our understandings about the possible life habits of this animal.This study is important for understanding the biodiversity and early evolution of Echinodermata in the early Cambrian.

11 NOTES ON THE SHIPAI BIOTA (CAMBRIAN SERIES 2,STAGE 4)YIELDED FROM A NEW SECTION (XIACHAZHUANG)IN THE MAOPING TOWN OF ZIGUI COUNTY,WESTERN HUBEI PROVINCE,SOUTH CHINA

LIU Fan , CHEN Fei-yang , CHEN Yan-long , ZHANG Zhi-fei

2017, 56(4):516-528. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.011 CSTR:

[Abstract](172) [HTML](0) [PDF 21.60 M](1665)

Abstract:
Fossil fauna from the Shipai Formation(Cambrian Series 2,Stage 4)were discovered by Zhang and Hua(2005)near the northern bank of the Yangtze River near Wangjiaping village,western Hubei Province. At this locality,the Shipai Formation is poorly exposed and is now covered by vegetation and buildings, making further collection difficult.However,a new road cut close to Xiachazhuang village,has exposed208 mthickness of the Shipai Formation,which is well exposed and hosts abundant fauna.Fossils yielded from this new locality include brachiopods,hyoliths, arthropods, paleoscolecids(Cycloneuralia), sponges, chancelloriids and some problematic organisms.The fauna occurs most abundantly in three stratigraphic horizons:(1)a green-yellowish silty mudstone(Palaeolenus lantenoisi trilobite zone)ca.120 mfrom the base of the Shipai Formation.This level yields a rich fossil assemblage including brachiopods such as Eohadrotreta sp.,abundant hyoliths,a wide variety of arthropods,paleoscolecids,sponge and chancelloriid sclerites;(2) a green-grayish siltstone,ca.30 m above horizon 1,where the brachiopod Eoobolus sp.is particularly abundant;(3)the top black-grayish silty shale(roughly corresponding to Redlichia meitanensis trilobite Zone), ca. 50 m above horizon 2, with brachiopods such as Kutorgina sp.and Nisusia sp.The Shipai fauna has general similarities with the Guanshan Fauna from eastern Yunnan.The preliminary fossil collection of the Shipai Fauna in the Xiachazhuang section demonstrates that this fossil locality has excellent potential to yield additional,well-preserved fossils,which will be critical for understanding the Cambrian Explosion in South China.

12 OELANDIELLAFROM THE CAMBRIAN JIALAO FORMATION OF GUIZHOU,CHINA

DUAN Xiao-lin , YANG Xing-lian , WANG Yuan

2017, 56(4):529-537. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.012 CSTR:

[Abstract](293) [HTML](0) [PDF 13.42 M](1809)

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Oelandiella was first reported in the Jialao Formation at Balang village, Jianhe County,Guizhou Province,including 1 species Oelandiella cf.accordinonata(Runnegar and Jell,1976)emended Yang et al.,2012.Oelandiella was found in the Jialao Formation with symmetrical comarginal ribs crossing the dorsum suggesting it may form in normal shallow-water environment.This study confirms Oelandiellain the Jialao Formation is the highest layer in the Cambrian of the southeast part of Guizhou and provides material for taxonomy and early radiation of Cambrian helcionelloids.

13 THE APPLICATION OF PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF FAGACEAE LEAF FOSSILS

JIA Hui , SUN Bai-nian , FERGUSON David Kay , MENG Xiang-ning

2017, 56(4):538-548. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.013 CSTR:

[Abstract](277) [HTML](0) [PDF 5.06 M](1665)

Abstract:
Abundant fossil records show that the Fagaceae has remained a dominant component in the Northern Hemisphere since the Cenozoic.However,due to the large number of living species,it is not easy to identify leaves to a particular species.Consequently,the identification of fossil leaves belonging to the Fagaceae is problematic. In the face of incomplete characteristics information about fossil specimens,it is necessary to eliminate redundant features and to focus on the features which can determine the identification of fossil specimens.Based on an investigation of various dimensionality reduction algorithms,in which the numerical characteristics of encoding and assign-ment of plants were considered,it is shown that principal component analysis is the best method to choose primary identifying characteristics.In this study,taking Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis(Fagaceae)as an example,we use principal component analysis to eliminate subordinate features from the 22 traits which may be observed in the fossil leaves.The result demonstrates that 10 characteristics play a major role in the classification and identification of Fagaceae fossil leaves.The outcome is applied to the identification of Quercus subgenus Cyclobalanopsis fossil specimens collected from the Late Miocene of Tiantai,Zhejiang,eastern China.The results show that even if only the 10 main characters picked out by principal component analysis compression are utilized,these can achieve an accurate identification of fossil Fagaceae.Adding the redundant features does not improve the taxonomic resolution.The principal component analysis method is verified as the most effective method to eliminate the subordinate Fagaceae leaf traits.

14 QUANTITATIVE PALEOCLIMATE RECONSTRUCTIONS OF THE EARLY MIOCENE MEGAFLORA OF JINGGU,YUNNAN

LI Xiang-chuan , GUO Zheng-hong , HE Wen-long , XIAO Liang , DAI Jing , SUN Nan , WANG Nan , LI Rui-yun , Lü Jian-kuo

2017, 56(4):549-561. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2017.04.014 CSTR:

[Abstract](233) [HTML](0) [PDF 1.23 M](1613)

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The paleoclimate of the Early Miocene Jinggu megaflora in Yunnan was quantitatively reconstructed here by application of three techniques to its taxonomic and morphotype samples,i.e.Leaf Margin Analysis(LMA),Climate-Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program(CLAMP), and the Coexistence Approach(CA).Detailed comparisons of various methods for accuracy in paleoclimatic estimates on this fossil flora were also presented.Thus, comprehensive consideration and cross validation of the results indicate that the most probable paleoclimatic estimates are 16.0±1.3 ℃ for mean annual temperature(MAT),26.3±1.5 ℃ for warmest month mean temperature(WMMT),6.2±2.6 ℃ for the coldest month mean temperature(CMMT),8.6±0.7 months for the growing season(GRS),1 492±218 mm for growing season precipitation(GSP),701±139 mm for the precipitation during the three consecutive wettest months(3-WET)and 170±41 mm for the precipitation during the three consecutive driest months(3-DRY). The results represent a southern-central subtropical climate in Jinggu during the Early Miocene,which is favored by the existence of many tropical elements in this paleoflora. Furthermore, the seasonality in temperature and precipitation during the Early Miocene was not conspicuous enough, which implies that a weak monsoonal signal other than the strong monsoon climate regime possibly occurred at that time.

Volume 56,Issue 4,2017 Table of Contents

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