A New Platy-armored Worm from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstatte, South China

The Lower Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstatte provides a good window to explore the origin and radiation of early bilaterians. Here we describe a netted sclerite-bearing worm Tabelliscolex hexagonus gen. et sp. nov., and tentatively assign it to palaeoscolecidans of priapulids. The cuticle of the animal is covered with two kinds of platy sclerites which are constructed by hexagonally arranged tubercles. Similar structures of the sclerites can be seen on some Cambrian palaeoscolecidans and lobopods, so, this new species is critical for understanding the relationships between lobopods and palaeoscolecidans.     

Reproductive strategy of the bradoriid arthropod Kunmingella douvillei from the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte,South China

The bivalved bradoriid arthropod Kunmingella douvillei (Mansuy, 1912) is the most common species in the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte. Its soft anatomy has been reported based on well-preserved specimens. However, as with other Cambrian arthropods, its reproductive behavior is poorly documented. Rare specimens of K. douvillei preserved with eggs have been reported. Our new collections confirm that the eggs were directly attached to the last three pairs of biramous appendages and verify the head–trunk boundary suggested by previous work. The brooding behavior of K. douvillei was most probably related to its small body size, as in living crustaceans. The K. douvillei female could carry 50–80 eggs ranging from 150–180 μm in diameter, possibly indicating a K-reproductive strategy; its ontogenetic and reproductive mode might have been an adaptation in response to increasing predatory pressure across the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary. All of the three main directions of development in the life history of living marine invertebrates, namely planktotrophic larvae, lecithotrophic larvae, and brood care, most likely evolved by Stage 3 of the Cambrian.     

Pediculate Brachiopod Diandongia pista from the Lower Cambrian of South China

The Chengjiang Lagerstatte has been celebrated for prolific soft-bodied fossils. Based on specimens recently excavated in the Chengjiang Lagerstatte by the Early Life Institute, Northwest University, Diandongia pista Rong, 1974, is directly revealed to be a pediculate brachiopod, assigned to the Family Botsfordiidae, as is further confirmed by the exceptionally preserved vascular system including dorsal and ventral mantle canals. These specimens described herein exhibit some peculiarities, notably the extremely thin and long pedicles, which suggest that Diandongia is epifaunal rather than burrowing brachiopod. A study of this group of animals indicates that they may be vital to understand the relationship between the lingulids and the remaining brachiopods, and the character evolution of the early Cambrian brachiopods.     

Neogene Paleoseismic Events and the Shanwang Biota’s Burial in the Linqu Area, Shandong Province, China

Several paleoseismic events are recorded in the Neogene Linqu Group, exposed in the Linqu area, Shandong Province, China. The events were interpreted on the basis of fieldwork and laboratory analysis, which showed the presence of seismites with plastically deformed soft-sediment deformation structures in the Shanwang Formation, and of seismic volcanic rocks in the Yaoshan Formation which show brittle deformation. The earthquake-triggered soft-sediment deformations in the seismites include load structures, ball-and-pillow structures, flame structures, pillow-like beds, boudinage structures, slump folds, syn-depositional faults, veins of liquefied sand, and dikes of liquefied sandy lime-mud. The seismic activity is also reflected in what might be called ‘brittle seismites'; these originated when, under the influence of seismic vibrations, semi-consolidated conglomerate was shattered. Moreover, volcanic activity is related to intense earthquakes that affected basalts intercalated with sand layers; these successions are known as ‘seismic volcanic rocks', which are characterized by veins of liquefied sand intruding the basalts. All above traces of paleoseismic activity were left from one single time span of 4 Ma with active seismicity that took place 14–10 Ma. This time span is known as ‘the Linqu Neogene Paleoseismic Active Period', which is divided into four paleoseismic episodes, which were responses to tectonic extension and basin rifting in this area. It even includes the activity of the Yishu Fault Zone during the Miocene and the Neogene. The ratios of trace elements in the seismites, w(La)/w(Sc) and w(La)/w(Th) are higher than the average value of the upper crust, but w(Th)/w(Sc) is lower; this is geochemical evidence for the basin rifting that resulted in a high sedimentation rate. The intense and frequent paleo-earthquakes are held responsible for the rapid burial of the Shanwang Biota. Secondary earthquake-induced processes(e.g. slumping of a lake shore and the strongly increased lacustrine sedimentation rate) contributed to the rapid burial of the biota.     

Furongian (upper Cambrian) Guole Konservat-Lagerst?tte from South China

The Guole biota contains common shelly fossils and some exceptionally well-preserved soft-bodied fossils. Stratigraphically, it is located in the mudstones and siltstones of the Sandu Formation near Guole Town, Jingxi County, Guangxi, South China. It is the first Furongian (late Cambrian) Burgess Shale-type biota found in the world, thereby filling the gap between middle Cambrian and Lower Ordovician Burgess Shale-type Lagerst?tten. Preliminary studies suggest that the Guole biota includes approximately seven metazoan groups as well as algae. These will provide important new evolutionary and ecological information.     

REE geochemistry of Early Cambrian phosphorites from Gezhongwu Formation at Zhijin, Guizhou Province, China

The Cambrian Gezhongwu Formation in Southwest China is the lowest Cambrian phosphorite unit. The Formation belongs to the Meishucun stage with small shelly fossils. Rare-earth element (REE)data from the Gezhongwu phosphorites of Zhijin documented the depositional conditions. The total REE concentrations are high in the Gezhongwu phosphorites, which are especially rich in yttrium. The PAASnormalized REE patterns of the Gezhongwu phosphorites are characterized by negative Ce anomalies and slight enrichment of MREE, as being hat-shaped. The hat-shaped patterns suggest that the REE originated from depositional environments rather than from subsequent diagenesis. The negative Ce anomalies indicate that the depositional environments are oxic. The positive Eu anomaly, the high total REE and the hatshaped REE pattern revealed contributions from the normal marine environment mixed with hydrothermal water to the REE budget of the Gezhongwu phosphorites.     

Early Cambrian palaeobiogeography of the Zhenba–Fangxian Block (South China): Independent terrane or part of the Yangtze Platform?

Early Cambrian small skeletal fossils (SSFs) are studied and revised from the Zhenba–Fangxian Block of the transitional zone between the Yangtze Block and the South Qinling Terrane. The study reveals a diverse fauna with 47 species of various biological affinities, including the new species Gapparodus gapparites sp. nov. The SSFs are assigned to the newly defined Cambroclavus fangxianensis–Rhombocorniculum cancellatum Assemblage Zone. Based on the investigated SSF fauna from Zhenba County, Southeast Shaanxi of China and published data, a palaeobiogeographic study is carried out for the Cambrian Stage 3 (equivalent to the Atdabanian–Botoman of Siberia). A hierarchical Pearson similarity cluster analysis of 295 species from 32 regions of the world indicates a distinct palaeobiogeographic pattern with seven faunal provinces. The result is mostly consistent with existing palaeogeographic reconstructions for the early Cambrian. However, it is also shown that the SSF assemblages of the Zhenba–Fangxian Block have low similarity with those of the Yangtze Block. Instead, they share high similarity with those from Armorica, Tarim and the Karatau–Naryn terranes (South Kazakhstan/North Kyrgyzstan). The Yangtze Block has a unique SSF assemblage dissimilar to most of other regions. The Terreneuvian–Cambrian Stage 3 sedimentary sequence of the Zhenba–Fangxian Block is more consistent with that of the South Qinling Terrane. Besides, sedimentary Ediacaran manganese ore deposits and Cambrian barite/witherite deposits have unique distribution pattern on the Zhenba–Fangxian Block. Derived from the profound dissimilarities in faunal composition, sedimentary sequence and distribution of sedimentary ore deposits, we hypothesize that during the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition, the Zhenba–Fangxian Block might have been an independent terrane and more distant from the Yangtze Block. The palaeobiogeographic analysis of SSFs also indicates a closer alliance between Avalonia and Siberia. It corroborates the palaeogeographic reconstruction of North China at the margin of Gondwana, in the vicinity of Australia, Antarctica, and Armorica.     

New Occurrence of the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Fauna in Haikou, Kunming, Yunnan Province,and Study on Trilobitoidea

This paper gives a brief report on the new occurrence of the Early CambrianQiongzhusi' an Chengjiang fauna in the Haikou area, Kunming and its assemblage feature andthe stratigraphic section of the horizon yielding these fossils. Eight genera and 8 species ofTrilobitoidea are described here, embracing Leanchoilia asiatica Luo et Hu (sp. nov.), Yohoiasinensis Luo et Hu (sp. nov.), Zhongxinia speciosa Luo et Hu (gen. et sp. nov.), Xandarellaspectuculum Hou et al., Dianchia mirabilis Luo et Hu (gen. et sp. nov.), Kuamaia lata Hou,Retifacies longispinus Luo et Hu (sp. nov.) and Sinoburius lunaris Hou et al.     

Two New“Notostracans”,Chenops gen.nov.and Jeholops gen.nov. (Crustacea:Branchiopoda:?Notostraca) from the Yixian Formation,Northeastern China

<正>The Early Cretaceous Jehol biota of northeastern China contains a diverse group of notostracans, including two genera,Chenops and Jeholops,described here.Chenops is characterized by a combination of an ovate carapace,narrow anal plate,equant distal endites and endopod on the anterior thoracic limbs.In addition to the new species,Chenops yixianensis,the genus also provisionally includes Prolepidurus oblongus Oleynikov, 1968.Jeholops,however,is monotypic,represented by the new species Jeholops hongi.It is characterized by a combination of kazacharthran and notostracan features unique to this taxon.Both new genera are provisionally placed in the taxon Notostraca.More detailed work exploring the morphology of exceptionally-preserved branchiopod crustaceans is needed.The difficulties in placing fossil notostracans into a phylogenetic framework are discussed.     

Silicalites of Hydrothermal Origin in the Lower Cambrian Black Rock Series of South China

A silicalite bed was found in the hanging wall and foot wall of the sulfide-rich bed of the Lower Cambrian black rock series in South China.Its origin was not described before,On the oxide(SiO2-Al2O3,SiO2-MgO,SiO2-k2o Na2O)diagrams for discriminating silicalites of chemical,biological and volcanic origins(Liu Xiufeng,1991),most of the data points of silicalites fall within the areas representing silicalites of chemical and volcanic origins.On the Al-Fe-Mn diagram for discriminating silicalites of hydrothermal and biological origins(Yamamoto,1987),the data points fall within the areas representing silicalites of hydrotermal and hydrothermal-biological origins.On the SiO2-Al2O3 diagram for discriminating silicalites of hydrothermal and hydrogenous origins(Bonatti,1975),the data points mostly fall within the hydrothermal area.The ratios of SiO2/Al2O3,SiO2/(K2O Na2O),SiO2/MgO,and K2O/Na2O in the silicalites stand between those of volcanic sediments and of seafloor hydrothermal sediments.The total amount of rare-earth elements in the silicalites is low;the North american Shale-normalized REE patterns decline leftward with obvious negative Ce anomaly.The trace elements Mo,Zn,As,Sb,Se,U,and Ba are higher than those in non-hydrothermal sediments and U/Th≥1.The present authors think that the silicalites are derived from seafloor hot brines which had attracted elements from igneous rocks.     

A New Ornithocheirid from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning Province, China

Based on a nearly complete skeleton with skull from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning Province, a new ornithocheirid pterosaur: Boreopterus cuiae gen. et sp. nov. is erected. Boreopterus cuiae is different from other pterosaurs preserved with skulls known from the western Liaoning Province and its neighboring areas. Tiffs new oterosaur has more and larger teeth than those in other ornithocheirids. Its anterior nine pairs of teeth are larger than other teeth. The fourth pair of upper and lower teeth are slightly larger than the third pair. Overall, Boreopterus cuiae shows much small range of tooth size variation than Anhanguerapiscator and Coloborhynchus robustus. The new taxon shares with other ornithocherids in having a relatively large size of the third and fourth pairs of teeth.     

Conodonts from the Cambrian–Ordovician boundary interval in the southeast margin of the Sichuan Basin,China

Conodonts from the Cambrian–Ordovician transition at the Liangcun section in Xishui County, Guizhou and at the Huangcao section in Wulong County, Chongqing are examined for the first time. Both sections are located at the southeast margin of the Sichuan Basin. A total of 1367 specimens were recovered, representing 30 species and 15 genera. Based on the ranges of conodonts generalized from these two sections and another six sections previously studied in the same region, three conodont zones, Cordylodus proavus, Monocostodus sevierensis and Cordylodus angulatus zones are recognized. The index species of the Cambrian–Ordovician boundary at the global stratotype section and point (GSSP), Iapetognathus fluctivagus and its substitute in China Iapetognathus jilinensis are not observed in the study sections, therefore it is impossible to determine the Cambrian–Ordovician boundary exactly. However, it probably lies within the lower part of M. sevierensis zone (the upper part of the Loushanguan Group), correlating with the GSSP in Canada and the Dayangcha section in China. Chronological sequences of the FAD (First Appearance Datum) of C. angulatus, Chosonodina herfurthi and Rossodus manitouensis are not obvious in the study, so the C. angulatus zone here is correlated with zones defined by C. angulatus, Ch. herfurthi and R. manitouensis in the lower Yangtze Platform.     

An Early Cambrian granodiorite age from the pre-Andean basement of Tierra del Fuego (Chile): the missing link between South America and Antarctica?

Basement rocks of the Magellan basin at the Atlantic margin, in extra-Andean Tierra del Fuego (Chile), are predominantly formed of orthogneisses. They have been recovered only by drilling and their ages are mostly unknown. In this study, using the U-Pb method on zircons, age data have been obtained for a granodiorite gneiss from the basement of the Magellan basin near San Sebastian Bay close to the Chile–Argentina border. Data confirm that zircons of the granodiorite gneiss from the Gaviota 6 drill hole grew primarily during magmatic processes. The Concordia intercept age of unabraded zircons, 529±7.5 Ma, denotes the most probable time of intrusion. Abraded zircons revealed initial zircon growth at 549±6 Ma, probably under primary melt conditions and subsequent closed U-Pb system behaviour. The discordance of data points related to zircon re- and/or neo-crystallization attributed to metamict(?) cloudy domains is contemporaneous with Sr and Pb isotope homogenization in apatite and K-feldspar at 161.6±4.5 Ma. The contemporaneousness of total (Sr) or partial (Pb) equilibration of radiogenic isotopes in minerals of the granodiorite gneiss and formation of the nearly 2000 m thick Jurassic volcanic series leads to discussion of a fundamental heating of the lower crust at that time, controlled by the spatially distributed influx of a fluid phase. The Early Cambrian intrusion age of the precursor rock of the dated granodiorite gneiss suggests that basement rocks of Tierra del Fuego were generated contemporaneously with the Pampean orogenic cycle. The age of 529±7.5 Ma supports the idea of considering Tierra del Fuego as the ‘missing link’ between the Early Palaeozoic orogenic cycles of central and northwestern Argentina and the Late Cambrian/Early Ordovician Ross orogeny in central Antarctica.     

The Earlier Spreading of South China Sea Basin due to the Late Mesozoic to Early Cenozoic Extension of South China Block： Structural Styles and Chronological Evidence from the Dulong-Song Chay Metamorphic Dome, Southwest China

INTRODUCTION Whatmechanismresultedinthespreadingof SouthChinaSeabasin(SCSB)?Wasitreallypro ducedbytheinteractionofperipheralplatesofthe SCSBorAilaoshan RedRiversinistralfault(Fig.1)? Figure1.AnoutlinetectonicmapofSouthChinablockandIndochinablock(modified…     

Isotopic dating of the Chengjiang Fauna-bearing horizon in Central Yunnan Province, China

Twenty black shale samples, which are free from the influence of weathering, were collected from the Chengjiang Fauna-bearing horizon, central Yunnan Province, yielding a Pb-Pb isochron age of 534±60 Ma. Although this age is younger than both the Rb-Sr isochron age and 40Ar-39Ar age, it should represent the lower isotopic age limit of the Chengjiang Fauna.     

New Fossil Procercopidae (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha) from the Early Cretaceous of Northeastern China

A new fossil species,Anthoscytina macula sp.nov.,of the family Procercopidae is described from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation in Huangbanjigou,Chaomidian Village,Beipiao City,Liaoning Province,China.A key to the species of the genus Anthoscytina Hong,1983 is provided.The diagnosis of the genus is revised.     

A New Carcharodontosauria (Theropoda) from the Early Cretaceous of Guangxi, Southern China

A new large-bodied theropod dinosaur,Datanglong guangxiensis gen.et sp.nov.,was recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Xinlong Formation of the Datang Basin,Guangxi.It is unique in several features including:posteriormost dorsal vertebra with teardrop-shaped pneumatic foramen confined by enlarged pcdl,acpl and the centrum; posteriormost dorsal with well-developed,horizontal prpl; posteriormost dorsal with a parapophysis projecting more laterally than the diapophysis; brevis fossa shallow with short,ridge-like medial blade; and iliac pubic peduncle with posteroventrally expanded margin.Cladistic analysis supports the idea that this new taxon Datanglong guangxiensis is a primitive member of the Carcharodontosauria in possessing two unambiguous synapomorphies:large external pneumatic foramina and internal spaces present in the lateral surface of ilium,and a peg-and-socket ischiac articulation with the ilium.The presence of the new taxon from Guangxi further confirms that Carcharodontosauria were cosmopolitan large-bodied predators during the Early–mid Cretaceous.     

A New Enantiornithes (Aves) from the Early Cretaceous of China

A new bird from the early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liaoning, China is described. This new species, Grabauornis lingyuanensis, shares several synapomorphies with the Enantiornithes. The specimen is relatively well preserved. The skeletal morphology of Grabauornis bears close resemblance to that of other Chinese members of this clade. The brachial index （the ratio between the lengths of humerus and ulna） is 0.95, which is close to the average for enantiornithine birds. It indicates that Grabauornis was a rather good flyer, and the presence of an alula in the wing further testifies to this.     

Geochemistry of the Shushui Complex,South Shanxi Province,China

The Shushui Complex can be divided into three rock units based on field investigation, petrography and geochemistry:(1) felsic gneisses, (2) supracrustal rocks consisting of amphibolite, marble and quartzite, and (3) late granites. Of the complex, felsic gneisses are dominant and formed in the Late Archaean, which were intruded by a basic dyke with a whole-rock Rb-Sr isochron age of 2264±219 Ma. The data on rare-earth elements as well as on major and trace elements presented for most of the rock types making up the complex suggest that (1) basic gneisses were produced by partial melting of mantle peridotite, followed by fractional crystallization, and (2) felsic gneisses produced by varying degree of melting of a mafic source. The most suitable tectonic setting to account for the generation of both types would be similar to the underplate setting.