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The enigmatic metazoan Yuyuanozoon magnificissimi from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota, Yunnan Province, South China

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posted on 2018-03-28, 15:39 authored by Yujing Li, Mark Williams, Sarah E. Gabbott, Ailin Chen, Peiyun Cong, Xianguang Hou
Vetulicolians are a group of exclusively Cambrian animals characterized by an anterior section with lateral pouches and a posterior section that appears segmented. The precise phylogenetic affinity of vetulicolians is debated because there is a lack of consensus regarding the interpretation of their anatomical features. Their disparate morphology might even question whether this is a monophyletic taxon. In total, there are 15 species grouped into three families included in vetulicolians. Here we focus on new specimens of Yuyuanozoon magnificissimi, a species that was first described in 2003 based on a single specimen from the Chengjiang Biota (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3, Eoredlichia-Wutingaspis trilobite Biozone), Yunnan Province, China. Although placed in the family Vetulicolidae, this species is notable in being exceptionally large (up to 20 cm long). Morphological observations on the new specimens clarify the nature of the wide circular opening at the presumed anterior end of the animal, and the ovoid shape of lateral openings within this anterior section. Taphonomic observations identify wrinkles in the anterior section, and twists in the posterior segmented section. In particular, the shape of the anterior opening of Yuyuanozoon magnificissimi suggests significant differences from other vetulicolians. Taxonomic re-appraisal of Y. magnificissimi indicates that it likely belongs within the family Didazoonidae, as that is presently defined.

History

Citation

Journal of Paleontology, 2018

Author affiliation

/Organisation/COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING/School of Geography, Geology and the Environment

Version

  • AM (Accepted Manuscript)

Published in

Journal of Paleontology

Publisher

Paleontological Society

issn

0022-3360

eissn

1937-2337

Acceptance date

2018-02-14

Copyright date

2018

Available date

2019-07-04

Publisher version

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-paleontology/article/enigmatic-metazoan-yuyuanozoon-magnificissimi-from-the-early-cambrian-chengjiang-biota-yunnan-province-south-china/8B73B36A9558F3D1D1B5E8C818C54564

Notes

The file associated with this record is under embargo until 12 months after publication, in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. The full text may be available through the publisher links provided above.

Language

en

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