Abstract
New anatomical features revealed in some Early Cambrian calcareous microfossils suggest comparison with Rhodophyta (red algae), which makes it possible to define their taxonomic position. A taxonomically rich Early Cambrian paleobiocoenosis has been discovered in northern Tien Shan, which exemplifies the existence on earth at 535-513 Ma (million years) of morphologically complex fungiform microorganisms and red algae in a shallow-water biotope where environmental conditions favorable for life were created as a result of submarine volcanic eruptions.
Highlights
Calcareous microfossils found in Early Paleozoic (541-416 Ma) sedimentary strata are regarded by most researchers as fossil remains of cyanobacteria and algae
Arguments are presented supporting the affinity of microfossils to major taxons of Rhodophyta
It is difficult to structurally and compositionally distinguish even between some recent microscopic Rhodophyta and Cyanophyta to say nothing of microorganisms that existed more than 500 Ma ago
Summary
Calcareous microfossils found in Early Paleozoic (541-416 Ma) sedimentary strata are regarded by most researchers as fossil remains of cyanobacteria and algae. These organisms deserve more attention than has been paid to them so far. Chuvashov [1], calcareous algae are most frequently found in the sections of different-aged sedimentary rocks They are helpful in interpreting depositional environments. It is only the external appearance that is preserved in cyanobacteria, bacteria and algae microfossils Their biological interpretation and definition of their taxonomic position are very difficult because representatives of different series of lower water plants growing in similar environments may have close morphology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
