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1 SPIRIFERIDE BRACHIOPODS FROM THE FRASNIAN (DEVONIAN) OF THE DUSHAN AREA, SOUTHERN GUIZHOU, CHINA

马学平

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](4447) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](357)

Abstract:
弗拉期是了解泥盆纪弗拉-法门灭绝事件之前古代生物多样性的一个关键阶段.贵州南部的独山地区因其所具有的完整层序及丰富的底栖牛物化石成为我国主要泥盆系参考剖面之一.独山剖面弗拉期的石燕贝类腕足动物至少包括5种类型,其中4种在本文中为首次描述和图示.Conispirifer之前只发现于欧洲及北美的弗拉期地层中,目前也首次在华南独山剖面的同期地层中发现.大多先前从贵州南部其他地区弗拉期地层中描述的多种Cyrtospirifer可归于Cyrtospirifer subextensoides新种内.鉴于前人对Emanuella的模式种E.takwanensis 的内部构造描述的矛盾状况,本文暂把研究区具有抬离壳面的纤细铰窝、固着于壳面的主突起以及其前方下面为外铰板支撑的标本归于E.takwanensis.在华南弗拉期可初步识别出三个腕足动物群组合带:Yocrarhynchus-Phlogoiderhynchus动物群以小嘴贝类-无洞贝类-双腔贝类腕足动物为特征,其时代大致从弗拉阶底部至Pa.punctata带;之后为Cyrtospirifer动物群,以Cyrtospirifer的存在为特征,又可分为早晚两部分,前者(未命名)以conispiriferid类的Conispirifer和Pyramidaspirifer、弓石燕类、无洞贝类等为特征,其时代大致为Pa."hassi"带至下Pa.rhenana带;后者为Hunanotoechia动物群,以丰富的小嘴贝类-无洞贝类.弓石燕类腕足动物为特征,其时代大致为上Pa.rhenana带至Pa.1inguiformis带.

2 Cambrian Explosion: past, present, and future

ZHANG Xing-liang

2021, 60(1). DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2021015

[Abstract](3957) [HTML](0) [PDF 1004.32 K](16588)

Abstract:
The journey to understand the Cambrian explosion started with Creation, was subsequently succeeded by Darwinism, and became increasingly impacted by the theory of explosive evolution. The Cambrian explosion by nature is an explosion of animal body plans alongside episodic biomineralization, pulsed change of generic diversity, body size variation, and increase of ecosystem complexity. It is a polythetic event in natural history and manifested in many aspects. No simple, single cause can explain the entire phenomenon. Intrinsic and extrinsic causes were extensively discussed but they are merely prerequi-sites for the Cambrian explosion. Without the molecular evolution, there could be no Cambrian explosion. However, the de-velopmental system alone is insufficient to explain Cambrian explosion. Time-equivalent environmental changes were often considered as extrinsic causes, but the time coincidence is also insufficient to establish causality. Like any other evolutionary event, it is the ecology that makes the Cambrian explosion possible though ecological processes failed to cause a burst of new body plans in the subsequent evolutionary radiations. While the Cambrian explosion did take place under circumstances when the world oceans became habitable for various forms of animals, the developmental Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) were sufficiently complex for constructing complex forms, and resource supply was less restricted. It seems that opportunities were in every corner! Early metazoans shared seafloors with vendobionts for the last 20 million years of the Ediacaran, although their ecological relationships are less known. Metazoans followed the path of evolving organs and sys-tems, developing orderly repetition of body parts, and attempting possibilities, which enable the evolution of morphological, physiological, ecological variations and complexity. While vendobionts kept their less differentiated body designs, tis-sue-grade organization, and probably osmotic physiology. Consequently, Ediacarans died off at the end of their era for un-known reasons. Thereafter metazoans rapidly diversified and generated numbers of phylum-rank stem or crown lineages with different fates. The Cambrian explosion ultimately resulted in the critical transition from microbially-dominated ecosys-tems in the Precambrian to metazoan-dominated ecosystems in the Phanerozoic. However, the temporospatial pattern of eco-systems during the Cambrian explosion is poorly understood, largely because our current knowledge is biased in metazoan evolution and redox conditions, and thus insufficient to reconstruct an ecosystem that is an integrative entirety of biotic and abiotic components. Therefore, we proposed a facies-dependent integrative approach as a working hypothesis toward a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem evolution during the Cambrian explosion.

3 THE DISCOVER AND PRELIMINARY SYUDY OF FOSSIL CADDIS CASE IN CHINA

黄迪颖 , 吴灏 , 董发兵

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3800) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](364)

Abstract:
毛翅目昆虫幼虫俗称石蚕,大部分石蚕就地取材,构筑不同形状,不同质地的巢,多数为管状.石蚕巢化石是一类较重要的遗迹化石,在国外中、新生代报道较多,但在我国未见发表.本文根据作者十多年来在华北及东北地区的大量野外工作,报道了石蚕巢化石在我国的发现.介绍了石蚕巢在中侏罗世道虎沟动物群,早白垩世热河动物群及卢尚坟昆虫群中的类型与特征.石蚕巢是我国遗迹化石研究中的薄弱环节,实际上它们在中生代中期以后的陆相地层分布很广.由于这类昆虫对水质变化的敏感性和适应的相对狭隘性,可用于恢复古环境.一些特殊类型的出现,对地层对比也将起到作用.

4 Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology,Part L,MoRusca 4,Remsed,Votume 2;Carboniferous and Permian Ammonoidea(Goniatitida and Prolecanitida)

周祖仁

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3586) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](315)

Abstract:
古生物学论丛菊石卷1957年出版,其后随着研究的发展和深入,分类认识维新较快、分类数量剧增,修订版很快提上日程,并明确按时代分卷进行.

5 NEW MATERIAL OF THE PROETID TRILOBITE LA TIPROETUS LU,1962 FROM AERONIAN(LLANDOVERY,SILURIAN)OF WESTERN HUBEI,CHINA

袁文伟 , 周志强 , 周志毅

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3570) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](395)

Abstract:
本文描述湖北宜昌、兴山志留纪兰多维列世艾隆期蚜头虫类三叶虫Latiproetus latilimbatus(Grabau,1925)和Latiproetus tenuis Chang,1974的新材料.Latiproetus Lu,1962的有效性长期多有争论,通过新材料研究确认,该属和Prantlia P(r)ibyl,1946的区别在于其较短的鞍前区,向前收缩较少的头鞍,较微弱的尾肋沟和间肋沟,并不具鞍前区横脊.该属和Astroproetus Begg,1939的区别在于其较深的S1,清晰的S2,较小的活动颊刺,及宽而清晰的尾边缘.因此,笔者认为Latiproetus应为有效属.

6 Joint Meetings on the 10~(th) National Congress of the Palaeomological Society of China(PSC),the 25~(th) Annual Conference of PSC and the Commemoration of the 80~(th) Anniversary of PSC Successfully Held in Naniing

王永栋

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3568) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](318)

Abstract:
(一) "中国古生物学会第十次全国会员代表大会暨第25届学术年会--纪念中国古生物学会成立80周年活动"于2009年10月14-16日在南京成功召开.本次大会是我国古生物学界近年来举行的规模最大的国内学术交流活动,有来自中国科学院、中国地质科学院等科研院所、高校、国土资源、石油、煤炭、化工、海洋以及出版部门和博物馆系统以及部分海外学者等近六百人出席.大会开幕式于10月14日在南京国际会议大酒店隆重举行.

7 CUTICULAR STRUCTURE OF QUERCUS PRESENESCENS FROM THE PLIOCENE IN BAOSHAN,YUNNAN,AND ITS PALAEOCLIMATIC IMPLICATIONS

李娜 , 孙柏年 , 吴靖宇 , 闰德飞 , 肖良 , 戴静

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3500) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](294)

Abstract:
在云南保山羊邑煤矿上新统羊邑组发现了一栎属高山栎组植物压型化石,根据叶形态和表皮微细构造特征,将其鉴定为前灰背栎(Quercus Presenescens Z.K.Zhou).该标本具有之字形中脉,叶最宽处形成一矩形区域,叶缘略反卷的特征,与已报道的前灰背栎化石形态一致,且区别于其它已发现的高山栎组化石.解剖学研究表明,该化石叶片为气孔下生型,上、下表皮均无毛基;上表皮细胞为四边形,垂周壁波状弯曲;下表皮细胞多为四-五边形,垂周壁波状弯曲,气孔器环列型.通过与现生高山栎组植物叶形态相比,当前化石与灰背栎最为接近,且其表皮细胞形态、气孔器类型与现生灰背栎基本一致,二者的主要区别在于前灰背栎无毛基,而现生灰背栎有表皮毛.研究认为,两者被毛的差异,是植物叶形态结构对气候变化的响应. .该标本具有之字形中脉,叶最宽处形成一矩形区域,叶缘略反卷的特征,与已报道的前灰背栎化石形态一致,且区别于其它已发现的高山栎组化石.解剖学研究表明,该化石叶片为气孔下生型,上、下表皮均无毛基;上表皮细胞为四边形,垂周壁波状弯曲;下表皮细胞多为四一五边形,垂周壁波状弯曲,气孔器环列型.通过与现生高山栎组植物叶形态相比,当前化石与灰背栎最为近,且其表皮细胞形态、气孔器类型与现生灰背栎基本一致,二者的主要区别在于前灰背栎无毛基,而现生灰背栎有表皮毛.研究认为,两者被毛的差异,是植物叶形态结构对气候变化的响应. .该标本具有之字形中脉,叶最宽处形成一矩形区域,叶缘略反卷的征,与已报道的前灰背栎化石形态一致,且区别于其它已发现的高山栎组化石.解剖学研究表明,该化石叶片为气孔下生型,上、下表皮均无毛基;上表皮细胞为四边形,垂周壁波状弯曲;下表皮细胞多为四一五边形,垂周壁波状弯曲,气孔器环列型.通过与现生高山栎组植物叶形态相比,当前化石与灰背栎最为近,且其表皮细胞形态、气孔器类型与现生灰背栎基本一致,二者的主要区别在于前灰背栎无毛基,而现生灰背栎有表皮毛.研究认为,两者被毛的差异,是植物叶形态结构对气候变化的响应. .该标本具有之字形中脉,叶最宽处形成一矩形区域,叶缘略反卷的征,与已报道的前灰背栎化石形态一致,且区别于其它已发现的高山栎组化石.解剖学研究表明,该化石叶片为气孔下生型,上、下表皮均无毛基;上表皮细胞为四边形,垂周壁波状弯曲;下表皮细胞多为四一五边形,垂周壁波状弯曲,气孔器环列型.通过与现生高山栎组植物叶形态相比,当前化石与灰背栎最为近,且其表皮细胞形态、气孔器类型与现生灰背栎基本一致,二者的主要区别在于前灰背栎无毛基,而现生灰背栎有表皮毛.研究认为,两者被毛的差异,是植物叶形态结构对气候变化的响应. .该标本具有之字形中脉,叶最宽处形成一矩形区域,叶缘略反卷的征,与已报道的前灰背栎化石形态一致,且区别于其它已发现的高山栎组化

8 THE EARLIEST KNOWN DEINONYCHOSAUR TRACKS FROM THE JURASSIC-CRETACEOUS BOUNDARY IN HEBEI PROVINCE,CHINA

邢立达 , 杰瑞德D哈里斯 , 孙登海 , 赵慧强

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3274) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](332)

Abstract:
记述中国河北省赤城县倪家沟化石点一组恐龙行迹,并命名一新属新种--中国猛龙足迹(Menglongipus sinensis ichnogen.et ichnosp.nov.).足迹来自土城子组,位于侏罗-白孚纪界线.相邻的义县组曾发现最古老的恐爪龙类骨骼化石,而中国猛龙足迹的发现表明恐爪龙类早在义县组之前便出现在该地区.中国猛龙足迹的造迹者体长约65cm,非常接近于基十的近鸟类.此外,为四川伶盗龙足迹(Velociraptorichnus sichuanensis)的模式标本提供更多细节,并讨论驰龙类足迹型与其他兽脚类足迹之间的联系.

9 FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THE INVALIDITY OF MEGAPALEOILENUS CHANG,1966

林天瑞 , 彭善池

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3210) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](335)

Abstract:
作者2004年根据保存于法国的模式标本和产自我国三峡地区的新材料以及对以往所发现的化石材料的研究,认为Megapalaeolenus Chang,1966一属不能成立,是Palaeolenus Mansuy,1912的晚出异名;其模式种Palaeolenus deprati Mansuy,1912也是Palaeolenus的模式种Palaeolenus douvillei,Mansuy,1912的晚出异名.提出属名Megapalaeolenus Chang和种名Palaeolenusdeprati Mansuy均应废弃的结论.最近,罗惠麟等发表了一系列采自模式标本产地附近的标本,为笔者的上述结论提供了更有力的证据.根据这些新材料,笔者不同意罗惠麟等认为Megapalaeolenus继续有效、Palaeolenusdeprati能够成立的观点.

10 ON THE INVALIDITY OF DIPTEROCARPUS FUJIANENSIS Y.K.YANG ETAL.SP.NOV.

李浩敏

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3057) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](320)

Abstract:
杨永康等建立并发表的化石新种福建双翅龙脑香(Diptercoarpus fujianensis Y.K.Yang,H.M.Li et J.K.wu sp.nov.fossil plant)未附任何照片或素描图,且无正规的模式标本登记号和确切的存放单位,与国际植物命名法规中有关古植物的重要条款和规则不符.因此,这个新种名属于不合格发表.

11 ON THE CAMBRIAN TRILOBITES TINGYUANIA AND DINESUS

朱学剑 , 袁金良 , 边荣春 , 胡有山 , 杜圣贤

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](3036) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](379)

Abstract:
新材料表明定远虫(Tingyuania)和双岛虫(Dinesus)这两个三叶虫属足有效的,前者并不是后者的晚出异名.双岛虫类的地质延限被下延至传统早寒武世晚期的清虚洞组.补允描述首次发现的定远虫的尾部,并描述双岛虫的一新种.

12 A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE MEDUSIFoRM FOSSILS (PARAROTADISCUS)ASSOCIATING WITH BRACHIOPODS FROM THE CAMBRIAN KAILI BIOTA,JIANHE,GUIZHOU

程心 , 傅晓平 , 赵元龙

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](2998) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](335)

Abstract:
贵州剑河革东寒武纪凯里生物群中水母状化石属种单调,仅发现1属1种贵州拟轮盘水母钵Pararotadiscus guizhouensis(Zhao et Zhu,1994),但却有丰富的生态现象.近40%的标本与腕足类、三叶虫、金臂虫、棘皮动物或遗迹化石Gnrdia共存,是目前全球水母状化石中罕见的丰富生态现象.其中65件贵州拟轮盘水母钵盘体上、下或周围出现了背、腹壳分散保存的腕足类,说明腕足类与贵州拟轮盘水母钵共同埋藏;1块标本的丛状触手中还包裹有腕足类,说明丛状触手不是类似于植物根系的固着器.这种现象还证实贵州拟轮盘水母钵不是固着而是浮游生活的,其与腕足类壳瓣共存,主要是浮游的贵州拟轮盘水母钵死亡后沉落海底与腕足类壳瓣重叠的结果.

13 NON-MARINE CRETACEOUS BIVALVE TRIGONIOIDOIDEA,WITH A NOTE ON THE JINGXING FAUNA FROM EASTERN TIBET, CHINA

陈金华

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](2934) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](360)

Abstract:
论述亚洲白垩纪广泛分布的非海相双壳类类三角蚌类的分类、演化和起源,并讨论景星动物群的时代及TPN动物群的组合划分.认为类三角蚌类分5个科,各科有独立的、相互平行的演化系列;该类群最早形成于特提斯东部边缘地区的边缘隔离体环境,根据有关内部构造研究,其起源可能与海相三角蛤类有关.类三角蚌类经历过3个演化阶段:早期阶段,即爆发性成种阶段,以景星动物群为代表;藏东的生物地层研究表明,景星动物群时代是Tithonian-Berriasian期;中期阶段,即辐射阶段,以TPN动物群为代表,时代为Hauterivian-Turonian期,或Valanginian-Turonioan期,此阶段还可再分出5个组合,可用于地层划分和对比;晚期阶段,即衰退阶段,以Pseudohyria 动物群为代表,时代为晚白垩世中一晚期.

14 NEW DATA ON QUADRAPYRGITES FROM THE EARLIEST CAMBRIAN OF SOUTH SHAANXI

刘云焕 , 李勇 , 弓虎军 , 张志刚 , 马秋红 , 吕晓强 , 陈金 , 闫亭廷

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](2717) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](402)

Abstract:
处于"寒武纪生命大爆发"序幕阶段的梅树村期,生物类群大规模辐射,身体构型快速革新,与前寒武纪生物群面貌明显不同.最近在陕南宁强宽川铺地区梅树村期地层中发现了大量五辐射Punctatus及部分四辐射四方塔形壳属Quadrapyrgites,其中包括1个新种Quadrnpyrgites undulatuscostalis sp.nov..在此基础上对Quadrapyrgites进行了属征补充.双胚层腔肠动物的出现标志着地球生命史的真后生动物演化开端,在生物起源演化历程上占据着关键的位置.本文为研究真后生动物起源演化、生物辐射、体型构建提供了重要实证.

15 AGE RE-ASSESSMENT OF THE LONGDONGSHUI MEMBER (MIDDLE DEVONIAN)IN SOUTHERN GUIZHOU ON THE BASIS BENTHIC FOSSILS

廖卫华 , 邓占球

2009(4). DOI: 1

[Abstract](2480) [HTML](0) [PDF 0.00 Byte](377)

Abstract:
贵州独山的猴儿山组龙洞水段是一套浅海相碳酸盐沉积,盛产底栖牛物化石.通过对该段地层中所含四射珊瑚、床板珊瑚和腕足类等化石属种的详尽分析,再次证实龙洞水段的地质时代仍应属中泥盆世早期(Eifelian).而不是像某些根据痕迹化石或层序地层学的研究那样将它置于下泥盆统.

16 Community composition and ecospace analysis of the Cambrian Balang Fauna in Majiang County, Guizhou Province

MA Wen-yu , CHEN Sheng-guang , LUO Xiu-chun , WANG De-zhi , YANG Yu-ning

2024, 63(2):232-244.

[Abstract](2374) [HTML](0) [PDF 28.31 M](9493)

Abstract:
Cambrian Konservat-Lagerst?tten preserve the original states of marine communities and provide valuable materials for community ecological studies. However, few quantitative ecological analyses have been conducted on the Cambrian Balang Fauna (Stage 4, Series 2) from Guizhou Province. In this study, we report a new fossil assemblage from the Pingding section in Majiang County and perform multivariate statistical analyses. This fossil assemblage contains 31 genera and 33 species belonging to six phyla (Brachiopoda, Cnidaria, Arthropoda, Hyolitha, Chancelloriida, and Priapulida) and 12 ecological types. Among these phyla, brachiopods are the most abundant component (61.5%) whilst arthropods exhibit the highest taxonomic diversity at species level (60%). Furthermore, sessile benthos dominate the community followed by active swimming predators. By comparing this fossil assemblage from the Pingding section with communities from other Cambrian faunas, we confirm the heterogeneity among the Cambrian marine communities and suggest that arthropods play a crucial role in shaping the community structure and influencing ecospace occupation. Additionally, expansion of epibenthos in marine ecological communities with increasing water depth also reflects the role of the environmental factors in shaping the community structure.

17 THE FIRST COMPLETE PAREIASAUR SKULL FROM CHINA

WANG Jun-you , YI Jian , LIU Jun

2019, 58(2):216-221. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2019.02.007

[Abstract](1967) [HTML](147) [PDF 2.16 M](2702)

Abstract:
Although seven pareiasaur species have been named from China, none of them is represented by well-preserved cranial material. Here we briefly describe a new material from Ordos Basin, it includes a nearly complete skull with occluding mandibles. This specimen can be referred to Elginiidae by dermal bosses of cranial bones that have a long and pointed horn, cheek ornamentation in the form of prominent conical horns, supratemporal horn projecting posterolaterally from corner of skull table, slender parabasisphenoid with median, ventral groove, and enlarged tabulars(supernumerary bones) that contact each other medially, thereby excluding the postparietals from the caudal margin of the skull roof. It shares the following features with Sanchuansaurus pygmaeus: a small boss on the maxillary anterodorsal process posterior to the naris, maxillary teeth with fan-shaped crown, 9-11 cusps; and differs from the latter by two exits for the infraorbital canal on the lateral surface are closer and more ventrally(close to the alveoli margin), crown nearly not overlapped, only 14 alveoli(tooth sockets). It shares unique features on the mandible with Huanghesaurus liulinensis for the ventral margin of the mandible nearly straight, the angular with a boss towards the posterior end, dentary teeth with ~17 cusps, the midline bulge ascends the medial face of the crown. The previous cladistics analyses do not support a closely relationship of Huanghesaurus with Elgiidae, but the new specimen supports a closely relationship between Sanchuansaurus and Huanghesaurus, and both should be a member of Elginiidae. The new specimen is referred to Shitienfenia as a new species, S. completus. However, it is also possibly belonged to Shitienfenia permica while Sanchuansaurus pygmaeus and Huanghesaurus liulinensis are valid species. Recently, many skeletons have been collected from the same locality, they will help to resolve the interrelationships of Shitienfenia, Huanghesaurus, and Sanchuansaurus.

18 The Cambrian Explosion — fossil evidences from Guizhou

YANG Xing-lian , YIN Zong-jun , ZHAO Fang-chen , WANG De-zhi

2024, 63(2):125-137. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024022

[Abstract](1866) [HTML](0) [PDF 6.31 M](10441)

Abstract:
The Cambrian period represents a pivotal time interval in evolution and ecological innovations, characterized by the rapid diversification of metazoans and known as the Cambrian Explosion. During the past forty years, extensive research based on Cambrian Lagerst?tten has significantly contributed to revealing the detailed processes of the Cambrian Explosion, the origins of major animal phyla, and ecological evolution. Guizhou, known as the mecca of palaeontology, not only has yielded abundant exquisite fossils, but also presents a continuous evolutionary sequence of the fossil assemblages across various regions. This is of great importance for studying animal origins and evolution, global stratigraphic correlation, and community paleoecology. In recent years, the discoveries of several biotas, such as the Small Shelly Fossils faunas and the Niutitang, Balang, Jianhe and Kaili biotas, have provided new insights into early metazoans. These discoveries have provided evidences for the missing links of the evolutionary chain of Konservat-Lagerst?tten in China and even worldwide. They offer unique perspectives for revealing the community structures, the diversification process of early metazoans, and the succession of marine communities. Finally, these discoveries provide crucial evidences for a deeper understanding of the processes and mechanisms of the Cambrian Explosion. This paper briefly summarizes the major contributions to palaeontology of researchers from Guizhou Province. In conjunction with global research progress on palaeontology, the authors also discuss current issues and future research directions in this field.

19 New perspectives on Cambrian Explosion: construction of the first animal consumer-driven marine ecosystem on Earth

ZHANG Zhi-fei , LIANG Yue , LIU Fan , HU Ya-zhou , YAO Jin-long , SONG Bao-peng , LUO Mei , ZHANG Cai-bin , WANG Jia-yue , CHEN Yan-long , GUO Jun-feng , HUA Hong , LI Guo-xiang

2023, 62(4):463-515. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2023051

[Abstract](1814) [HTML](0) [PDF 70.33 M](1275)

Abstract:
The Cambrian Explosion represents one of the most profound phases in the history of life, with nearsimultaneous emergence of most modern animal phyla, including all Bilateria. Since this time, the proliferation of animals across all ecospaces, including terrestrial environments, suggests that the Earth has become increasingly habitable for animal life. Along with the sudden appearance of essentially all the readily fossilized major animal groups, the Cambrian Explosion (540–510 Ma) also resulted in the first appearance of macro-consumers and complex trophic interactions, and established patterns of emergence and diversification that define the modern animal tree of life. Following the Cambrian, despite numerous major geological events and the migration of both plants and animals into the terrestrial realm, there is no apperance of new animal phyla. The Cambrian Explosion can therefore be considered a unique event in the history of life, representing both a key transition in global habitability and the starting point for animal consumer-driven marine ecosystems.
Previous work by multiple research teams, from both China and abroad, has explored the Cambrian Explosion from many different perspectives, and has markedly increased our understanding of this major evolutionary event. Based on this work, combined with research progress on Precambrian biotas, this paper proposes three macroevolutionary phases in the evolution of early life. Each phase is defined by both organismal “hierarchical level” and geological settings, with the Cambrian Explosion representing the culmination of the three phases. These three phases are: molecular-level evolution during the origin of early continents, cellular-level evolution along with the supercontinent evolution of Nuna (Columbia) and Rodinia, and tissue-level evolution coupled with the early assembly and breakup of Pangea. At the earliest stages of Earth’s history, macro-level prokaryotes, derived from protocell-forming molecules, first formed (Molecular Phase). The first appearance of eukaryotic cells, derived from prokaryotes, represents the next milestone in biological evolution (Cellular Phase). The subsequent emergence of multicellular eukaryotes (metazoans) represents the third and final phase (Tissues Phase). Combined with the advent of multicellularity comes a revolution in body-plan organization, facilitated by the innovative capacity to develop specialized tissues. This includes the spontaneous development of mineralized epithelial exoskeletons and connective tissue endoskeletons.
Based on these developments, a ‘Lego Blocks’ hypothesis for the Cambrian Explosion is proposed, driven by the initiation of the modern plate tectonic regime characterized by full-plate deep subductions and the associated changes in Earth’s multi-sphere interactions, and bio-litho-atmospheric cycles during Rodinia breakup and Gondwana assembly. During this period of geological disruptions, the diversity of marine niches expanded, resulting in both accelerated phylogenetic diversity and ecological expansion, as organisms developed both a wide range of specialized biological tissues and tissue arrangements to exploit the newly available vacant niche space. The failure of new animal phyla to emerge following the Cambrian Explosion can thus possibly be explained by both a maximization of potential organismal complexity and the relative stabilization of ecospaces. Following the breakup of the Neoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia, major palaeogeographic changes during the Phanerozoic are limited to the opening and closing of the NeoPaleo-Tethys Ocean, neither of which created novel ecological niches not previously in existence.

20 New ankylosaurid material from the Lower Cretaceous of the Ruyang Basin, Henan Province

ZHANG Ji-ming , JIA Lei , XU Li , YOU Hai-lu , GAO Dian-song , LIU Di , LI Yu , WANG Yan-chao

2025(1):60-73. DOI: 10.19800/j.cnki.aps.2024037

[Abstract](1557) [HTML](0) [PDF 8.93 M](1304)

Abstract:
This study describes new ankylosaurid dinosaur fossil material discovered in the Haoling Formation of the Lower Cretaceous strata in the Ruyang Basin, Henan Province. Based on this material, a new species within the genus Zhongyuansaurus is established: Zhongyuansaurus junchangi sp. nov. This species is characterized by a unique au tapomorphy: at least five caudal armor plates arranged in a shingle-like pattern with a distinctive swallowtail shape. Additionally, it exhibits relatively slender mandibular bones compared to the more robust mandibles of advanced An-kylosaurinae. The anterior tip of the coronoid process extends only to the last two alveoli, differing from Shamosaurus. The distal caudal vertebrae are adorned with small osteoderms, and the humerus has a midshaft circumfer ence-to-total-length ratio of 0.46, distinguishing it from Zhongyuansaurus luoyangensis. The discovery of Zhong yuansaurus junchangi provides new insights into the evolution of ankylosaurs in the Lower Cretaceous strata of Ruyang and enhances the species diversity of the Ruyang dinosaur fauna.

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