Lower boundary of the Cambrian

A comprehensive evaluation of the Precambrian — Lower Cambrian stratigraphy of the Siberian Platform. Because of the lack Of trilobites in the basal Lower Cambrian, all available fossil groups were studied (archaeocyathids, stromatolites, problematica, sponges, brachiopods, al, gae, and trilobites). The boundary was placed at the lowest occurrence of skeleton bearing fauna (archaeocyathids, sponges, brachiopods). Below this level the fauna consists principally of stromatolites, problematica, and algae. Comparison of the stratigraphy and fauna of the Siberian Platform is made with the Altay-Sayan folded zone, Western Europe, North Africa, and Australia.—D.W. Trexler