First report of linguloid brachiopods with soft parts from the lower Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 4) of the Three Gorges area, South China

Abstract

Chengjiang-type fossil brachiopods with preservation of non-mineralized tissues are reported for the first time from the Lower Cambrian Shipai Formation of the Three Gorges area, western Hubei Province, China. Recent excavation in the Wangjiaping and Aijiahe sections resulted in the new discovery of some linguloid brachiopods, showing strong similarity in preservation with those occurring in the well-known Chengjiang fauna (Yu’anshan Formation of eastern Yunnan, China). The brachiopods can be referred to Palaeobolus liantuoensis, Lingulellotreta malongensis and Eoobolus. sp. The new material of Palaeobolus exhibits a flattened impression of proximal pedicle, which also represents the first report of pedicle known from this cosmopolitan linguloid taxon. The occurrence of Lingulellotreta in the Shipai Formation (Redlichia meitanensis and Palaeolenus lantenoisi zones) represents an important geological extension of this genus to upper Tsanglangpuan Stage (Series 2, Stage 4) in the Yangtze Platform, and signifying that the FAD of Lingulellotreta in the regional Lower Cambrian of the Yangtze Platform seems not synchronous.