Volume 63,Issue 3,2024 Table of Contents

1 Preliminary report of small shelly fossils from the uppermost Houjiashan Formation (Cambrian Series 2) in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province

FU Rao , HU Ya-zhou , LIU Fan , SONG Bao-peng , ZHANG Zhi-fei

2024, 63(3):283-309. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023048 CSTR:

[Abstract](92) [HTML](0) [PDF 71.42 M](131)

Abstract:
The abundant small shelly fossils (SSFs) from the Cambrian Series 2 recovered from the North China Paltform (NCP) represent an important resource for SSF taxonomy, transcontinental stratigraphic correlations, and palaeogeographic reconstructions (specifically, reconstructing the relative palaeogeographic positions of the NCP). In recent years, many new species of SSFs from the Cambrian Series 2 have been reported from the NCP; however, one stratigraphic unit that has received little attention in this region is the uppermost Houjiashan Formation, one of the oldest Cambrian formations on the NCP. This study provides an extensive investigation of the SSF assemblage from the uppermost Houjiashan Formation. A total of 12 species belonging to 12 genera are identified; all are obtained through acid etching of materials from the Zhanglou section in northern Jiangsu Province. This assemblage includes four species of hyoliths (Cupitheca decollatea, Paratriplicatella sp., Neogloborilus spinatus, and Triplicatella xinjia), three species of brachiopods (Eoobolus sp., Schizopholis sp., and Hadrotreta sp.), two species of chancelloriids (Chancelloria cf. eros and Archiasterella teraspina), two species of bradoriids (Alutella cf. datongensis and Mongolitubulus aspermachaera), a hyolithelminth species (Hyolithellus cf. micans) along with unidentifiable sponge spicules, echinoderm sclerites, etc. The SSF assemblage from the uppermost Houjiashan Formation at the Zhanglou section in northern Jiangsu Province belongs to the trilobite Redlichia chinensis Zone. Consisting of hyoliths, brachiopods, and chancelloriids, this assemblage basically resembles the SSF assemblage of the Xinji Formation, but they differ in their mollusc compositions. Further analysis suggests that the difference is highly likely influenced by the Sinsk event. These new data indicate that the uppermost Houjiashan Formation belongs to the middle of the Cambrian Stage 4 (Longwangmiao Formation; Toyonian). This new discovery adds great material to and extends the biostratigraphical range of the SSFs from the Cambrian Stage 4 on the southern margin of the NCP. Palaeogeographical distribution of SSFs in similar strata of the neighbouring regions will be further studied to better understand the impact of the Sinsk event on the NCP.

2 Calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs from the Tianheban Formation (Stage 4, Cambrian) at the Xiachazhuang section of Yichang, Hubei and their palaeoecological significance

ZHENG Jia-wei , ZHU Yang-ge , LIU Li-jing , SHEN Jin-wen , WANG Rui , ZHUANG Wei-ling

2024, 63(3):310-329. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024001 CSTR:

[Abstract](58) [HTML](0) [PDF 36.04 M](407)

Abstract:
Archaeocyaths are the first metazoans to play a reef-building role on Earth. They first appeared in the early Fortunian on the Siberian Platform and survived until their extinction during the Cambrian Age 4. The calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs from the Tianheban Formation (Stage 4) in Yichang, Hubei Province, are the youngest known calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs in South China. However, there are rare reports of Age 4 calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs worldwide. In this paper, we report calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs from the Tianheban Formation at the Xiachazhuang section, Yichang. This discovery provides new materials for the study of palaeoecological characteristics of calcimicrobe-archaeocyath communities of the Cambrian Stage 4. The reefs include Archaeocyathus yichangensis and various calcimicrobes, including Girvanella, Kordephyton, Botomaella, thick tubular cyanobacteria, Epiphyton, and Renalcis. Other associated organisms include trilobites, brachiopods, chancelloriids, and echinoderms. The reef-building organisms show the characteristics of a single archaeocyath species and high diversity of calcimicrobes. The relationship between calcified microproblematica Epiphyton and Renalcis, and Archaeocyathus may be similar to that between modern marine sponges and their associated microorganisms. Archaeocyathus and calcimicrobes are the main components of the reefs from the Tianheban Formation. Analysis of the reef-building modes shows that Archaeocyathus grow in situ and form the first-order framework, acting as bafflers. Then Girvanella cover the surfaces of Archaeocyathus to stabilize the underlying sediments. The smaller Epiphyton and Renalcis form small rigid frameworks. They can also co-grow with sheet or cluster Girvanella, and in the space among Archaeocyathus to form a secondary framework to strengthen the reefs. After forming a staggered reticular framework, the interstitial space is filled by smaller Renalcis and Epiphyton. Lastly, the cavities re filled with fine cements. The correlation of calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs of the Tianheban Formation from South China suggests that the community appearances of calcimicrobe-archaeocyath are slightly different, which may be related to the differences in hydrodynamic background. In addition, comparison of calcimicrobe-archaeocyath evolution from the early Cambrian shows that the diversity of archaeocyaths decreased significantly in the calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reef communities from Age 4, and the diversity of calcareous organisms increased compared with that from Age 3. These evolutionary trends are significant in revealing the decline of calcimicrobe-archaeocyath reefs.

3 New materials of plant fossils from the Lower Devonian of Hezhang County, Guizhou Province

WANG Yao , LIU Bing-cai , BAI Jiao , XU Hong-he

2024, 63(3):330-345. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024015 CSTR:

[Abstract](47) [HTML](0) [PDF 6.44 M](111)

Abstract:
The Early Devonian witnessed the early diversity of vascular land plants. Floras of this epoch are widely distributed in Australia, Canada, Britain, South China, etc. In this study, based on new fossil materials collected from the Lower Devonian Danlin Formation in Hezhang, Guizhou Province, Southwestern China, we recognize Zosterophyllum sp., a plant with unidentified axis, and a spiny plant. Our new materials augment the Early Devonian flora of Hezhang and further verify the dominance of Zosterophyllopsida in the Early Devonian floras of South China. We also compare the Hezhang Flora with plant assemblages from other localities in the South China Plate and other typical relevant floras around the world. The Early Devonian Hezhang Flora shares Demersatheca contigua (Li et Cai) Li et Edwards with other localities in southern China and consists of the cosmopolitan genus Zosterophyllum Penhallow. In addition, a spiny plant recognized from this flora is rarely seen from other coeval floras in southern China, which may be related to the uniqueness of this flora. However, more research is needed to reveal the paleontological characters and paleoecological significance of these new plants.

4 First maguviopseid cicada from the Middle–Upper Triassic Tanzhuang Formation in Jiyuan Basin, western Henan, and its stratigraphic significance

ZHANG Qian-qi , DU Xu-heng , ZHAO Xian-ye , ZHANG Hai-chun

2024, 63(3):346-353. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024028 CSTR:

[Abstract](51) [HTML](0) [PDF 2.63 M](103)

Abstract:
A new fossil insect taxon, Triasomaguviopsis jiyuanensis Zhang Q. et Zhang H. gen. et sp. nov., is established based on a specimen from the Upper Member of the Tanzhuang Formation, Jiyuan Basin, western Henan Province, central China, and is assigned to the family Maguviopseidae of the superfamily Prosboloidea (Hemiptera, Cica- domorpha). This new taxon ischaracterized by smaller granular tegmen, ScP+RA first forked near its mid-length, MP forked more toward apex of ScP+R with three terminals, and singular and sinuous CuA₂. This new discovery extends the palaeogeographic distribution of Maguviopseidae to the Jiyuan Basin, increases diversity of this family and has the potential in biostratigraphic correlations. Insects from the Tanzhuang Formation may belong to the Tongchuan Entomofauna from the Ordos Basin, which has a close relationship with the Madygen Entomofauna from Kyrgyzstan.

5 Frond reconstruction of Pecopteris lativenosa Halle emend. Li et al.

WU Yi-fei , LI Dan-dan , SUN Wen-jun , ZHANG Yi , WANG Jun

2024, 63(3):354-371. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024008 CSTR:

[Abstract](56) [HTML](0) [PDF 30.24 M](114)

Abstract:
Pecopteris lativenosa Halle emend. Li et al. has been widely reported from the upper Paleozoic of North China. However, all previously reported specimens are incomplete with great morphological variation, leading to frustration in their identifications. In recent years, an autochthonous early Permian swamp forest, the Wuda Tuff flora, has been discovered from the volcanic tuff layer between coal No. 6 and coal No. 7 in Wuda Coalfield, Inner Mongolia. This flora has yielded large, relatively complete specimens with fine anatomical details, enabling an in-depth evaluation of intraspecific morphological variation of Pecopteris lativenosa. In this report, the ultimate pinnae of Pecopteris lativenosa are divided into four types: UP₃, UP₇, UP₂, and UP₁; penultimate pinnae are divided into six types: PP₁, PP₂, PP₃, PP₄, PP₅, and PP₆. On a penultimate rachis, ultimate pinnae vary from apex to base in a sequence of undivided, pinnatifid, pinnatipartite and pinnatisect types, with UP₃, UP₇, and UP₂ all located on the apical part of the penultimate pinna. Penultimate pinnae on an antepenultimate rachis also vary from apex to base in a sequence of undivided, pinnatifid, pinnatipartite and pinnatisect types, with PP₆, PP₅, PP₄, PP₃, and PP₂ all located on the apical part of the antepenultimate pinna. On an antepenultimate pinna, the basal penultimate pinnae are about 20 cm long, shorter than those penultimate pinnae in the middle, which are about 47 cm long. A pair of aphlebiae are attached at the base of the antepenultimate rachis. Based upon these observations, an entire tripinnate frond of Pecopteris lativenosa is reconstructed. In addition, the leaf scars are arranged in two longitudinal rows, showing the Caulopteris obovatus type. The type specimens described by Halle in 1927 likely represent penultimate pinna types PP₂ and PP₃ from the distal parts of antepenultimate pinnae.

6 Discovery of Cladophlebis kwangyuanensis in the Upper Triassic of Yunyang, Chongqing and its paleoclimatic significance

JIA Zi-ce , LIN Zhi-cheng , QU Xue-jiao , LIU Wen-you , YANG Jiang-chao , XU Song , WANG Shi-wen , JIA Si-yi

2024, 63(3):372-385. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023059 CSTR:

[Abstract](49) [HTML](0) [PDF 20.10 M](118)

Abstract:
Pteridophytes are abundant in the Upper Triassic of Chongqing, southwestern China. Here we report specimens collected from the third member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation near Longjiao Town, Yunyang County of Chongqing. After detailed morphological study and comparison, these specimens are identified as Cladophlebis kwangyuanensis Li, 1964. These specimens represent the first occurrence of Cladophlebis kwangyuanensis Li, 1964 in the Upper Triassic in Yunyang, Chongqing. This report significantly expands the fossil record of Cladophlebis and indicates that the genus extended further east in the Sichuan Basin. Analysis of the distribution of published Cladophlebis records indicates that the Triassic Cladophlebis is concentrated in the eastern edge of the Sichuan Basin. Morphological characters of Cladophlebis kwangyuanensis, such as incised margin of pinnule, thin lamina, sparce and delicate pinnate veins, and the types and quantities of other associated plants, suggest that, during the Late Triassic in Yunyang area, this species lived in a warm, humid subtropical-tropical monsoon climate. These results, in combination with data of fossil wood growth rings and paleosoils, suggest that the east Sichuan Basin might have been influenced by the water vapors of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and the eastern Pacific Rim during the Late Triassic. The strong monsoon brought water vapors into the basin increasing the rainfall and the climate conditions in the eastern area of the basin are suitable for the ferns to grow at that time.

7 A new hyainailourid (Hyaenodonta, Mammalia) from the middle Eocene of Mianchi of Henan, China

SHENG Jia-quan , BI Shun-dong , LI Qian

2024, 63(3):386-403. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024004 CSTR:

[Abstract](84) [HTML](0) [PDF 16.81 M](125)

Abstract:
A new hyainailourid (Hyaenodonta, Mammalia), Orienspterodon mianchiensis sp. nov., is reported from the Rencun Member of the Heti Formation in Mianchi County, Henan. The new taxon differs from the type species Orienspterodon dahkoensis by the following characters: three main cusps on p4 arranged in a straight line, a distinct hypoconid on p4 talonid; presence of a distinct metaconid on all molars, lingually compressed paraconid and protoconid on m2–3, increasing length of trigonid from m1–3; more developed talonid on m1–2, and more reduced talonid on m3. Our standard Bayesian “allcompat” phylogenetic analysis suggests that O. mianchiensis and O. dahkoensis are sister groups, occupying a basal position within Hyainailourinae. We also conduct a regression analysis based on the mean length of three molars, estimating the body mass of Orienspterodon in the range of 155–174 kg. Several dental indices and tooth enamel microstructures indicate that the diet of Orienspterodon mianchiensis is primarily meat-based, and this hyainailourid lacks the capability of a bone-cracking predator. The reconstruction of body mass and the analysis of diet contribute to our understanding of the ecological dynamics and evolutionary adaptations of Orienspterodon. These data provide a foundation for future research on the paleoecology of the hyainailourids.

8 Improved graptolite isolation technique and micro/nanostructure analysis

WANG Hua-qing , ZHANG Hong-yong , ZHANG Yuan-dong

2024, 63(3):404-414. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024005 CSTR:

[Abstract](42) [HTML](0) [PDF 11.00 M](110)

Abstract:
Due to their preservation modes, the proximal development and micromorphology of graptolites are not fully known. Three-dimensional or partially three-dimensional specimens of graptolites, preserving most of the microstructures in their original states, are the perfect materials for graptolite study. However, these modes of preservation are rare and it is difficult to isolate specimens from the matrices. These three-dimensionally preserved specimens can be isolated using specific dissolving techniques, but many of these isolated specimens cannot be used for further studies due to frequent breakages and fragmentations. Here we introduce an improved technique using fuming nitric acid to improve the acquisition rate and integrity of isolated graptolites. This technique applies to treating black mudstone samples and can be widely used to acquire isolated specimens from other samples with similar lithology. Through the procedure of sample selection and placement, acidic treatment, and residue removal, this technique uses fuming nitric acid to modify the flexibility of isolated graptolite specimens after they are chemically separated from the matrices in the solution. The introduction of fuming nitric acid to the procedure significantly enhances the flexibility and successfully reduces the fragmentations of those fragile specimens during their removal from the solutions and transfer to other containers, and mounting for stereo-microscopic or scanning electronic microscopic observations. Therefore, the improved technique significantly increases the acquisition rate and integrity of the isolated graptolite specimens. We have acquired exquisite, isolated specimens by using this improved technique. Based on these specimens, we observed their micro/nanostructures using FIB-SEM. The results reveal some new morphological features of the thecae, and some micro/nanostructures of the periderm, and the distribution of retained internal cavities of Campograptus. Semicircular, lip-shaped, thecal apertural lobes of Campograptus, typified by development of paired, stubby thecal apertural spines projecting disto-laterally from the thecal apertures, are observed for the first time. Cortical bandages are also discovered for the first time in the internal periderm of sicula. Our observation using FIB-SEM confirms that the poorly-known “virga” structure exists in the sicula of Campograptus. This observation provides an important clue for the taxonomy and phylogeny of graptolites, as well as the evaluation of the potential of the formation and entrapment of oil and gas in shale.

Volume 63,Issue 3,2024 Table of Contents

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