Bathynotus --A key trilobite taxon? for global stratigraphic boundary correlation between Cambrian Series 2 and Series 3

The Cambrian trilobite Bathynotus is a special morphology of Redlichiid, which is characterized by a wider thorax axis and an 11th macropleural segment bearing a long, backwardly directed spine. Additionally, its 12th and 13th pleural segments are narrow and they terminate at a fulcrum where they fuse together and to the posterior edge of the long macropleural spine. The genus is widely distributed, occurring in North America, Siberia, the Altay-Sayan fold belt of Russia, South China, the Tarim Basin of China, and Australia. It occurs primarily in deposits of the upper part of the continental slope, at the transition between stable platform settings and subsiding margins of the late Early Cambrian. Here, we recognize three species of Bathynotus from China, including B. holopygus which is widespread around the world. Although six species of Bathynotus have been reported from Siberia and the Altay-Sayan fold belt area of Russia, data presented here suggest that only three of these species are valid. Bathynotus exhibits a short geological range, with its first occurrence late in the unnamed Cambrian Series 2 and the last appearance datum of Bathynotus at the boundary of Cambrian Series 2 and Cambrian Series 3. The late appearance datum (LAD) of Bathynotus provides an important global stratigraphic marker of the boundary between Cambrian Series 2 and Cambrian Series 3.     

Proposal and prospects for the global Lower-Middle Cambrian boundary

In recent years paleontologists have been working on the global stratotype section and standard point (GSSP) for the Lower-Middle Cambrian boundary in North America, China, Morocco, Spain and Russia. Continually, they suggest the potential first appearance datum (FAD) of the Middle Cambrian, such as Oryctocephalus indicus, Ovatoryctocara granulata, Acadoparadoxides mureroensis, Hupeolenus and Arthricocephalus chauveaui as being relevant to the potential stratotype section for the Lower-Middle Cambrian boundary. There are only a few trilobites distributed widely enough in the Early to Middle Cambrian connection, so virtually no trilobite(s) can act as the FAD for the global Middle Cambrian. The easily identified Oryctocephalus indicus is widely distributed in three realms of the global Cambrian. Its first appearance position is linked to the extinction of old species coevolution of new ones. It appears to be a comparatively good FAD of Middle Cambrian. The continuous and unbroken Wuliu section (Balang, Taijiang County, Guizhou Province, China) includes O. indicus and co-occurs with many benthic and nektonic trilobites. The evolution of acritarchs in the section, the changed characteristics of trace elements (REE and C isotopes) are generally consistent with the evolution of trilobites both above and below the boundary. Strata above the boundary yield the famous Kaili Biota. The Wuliu section is easily accessible from a main highway.     

A new section of Kaili Formation （Cambrian） and a biostratigraphic study of the boundary interval across the undefined Cambrian Series 2 and Series 3 at Jianshan,Jianhe County,China with a discussion of global correlation based on the first appearance datum of Oryctocephalus indicus （Reed, 1910）

A trilobite biostratigraphic study of a new section of the Kaili Formation at Jianshan, Chuandong Village, Jianhe County, Guizhou is reported. Additional occurrences of key species associated with the Ovatoryctocara granulata-Bathynotus holopygus Zone and the overlying Oryctocephalus indicus Zone that were originally defined from the trilobite assemblages at the WuliuZengjiayan section of the Kaili are reported from this new section. The first appearance datum （FAD） of Oryctocephalus indicus occurs at the 44.52 m above the base of the unit. Based on study of abundant specimens （n = 800） from the Kaili Formation, we argue that Oryctocephalus indicus is a widespread taxon with a global distribution. O. reticulatus （Lermontova, 1940） from the middle part of the Kounamkites Zone of the Amganian Stage in the Molodo River region of Siberia and O. americanus （Sundberg and McCollum, 2003） from Nevada, North America are similar to representatives of O. indicus which occur in the O. indicus Zone of the Kaili Formation. O. reticulatus and O. americanus are here synonymized with O. indicus （Reed, 1910）. This study strengthens the Wuliu-Zengjiayan section of the Kaili Formation as a candidate section for a Global Stratotype for the base of the unnamed Cambrian Series 3.     

贵州台江下寒武统Bathynotus(宽背虫)一新种

本文扼要介绍了Bathynotus的分类位置、研究动态及研究意义,并详细描述了该属的一个新种。     

下寒武统宽背虫(Bathynotus)的灭绝过程——以贵州剑河八郎凯里组的Bathynotus kueichouensis为例

宽背虫(Bathynotus)这一传统早寒武世或寒武纪第2世晚期最重要的三叶虫属,广泛分布于全球寒武纪3个生物大区,为区域地层对比的标准化石.Bathynotus在贵州剑河八郎乌溜-曾家崖剖面凯里组下部极为丰富.该剖面已成为全球寒武系第2统和第3统界线层型候选剖面,表明凯里组是一个穿时的地层单元,其3个三叶虫带最下部一个带为Bathynotus holopygus-Ovatoryctocara granulata.经过逐层大量的化石标本采集统计证实,乌溜-曾家崖剖面宽背虫(Bathynotus)在距凯里组底部51.60 m处骤然绝灭,距寒武系第2统的顶界(距凯里组底52.80 m)只有1.20 m.本文就乌溜-曾家崖剖面凯里组下部宽背虫(Bathynotus)的数量分布变化认为其灭绝过程是逐步的.     

A new section of Kaili Formation (Cambrian) and a biostratigraphic study of the boundary interval across the undefined Cambrian Series 2 and Series 3 at Jianshan, Jianhe County,China with a discussion of global correlation based on the first appearance datum of Oryctocephalus indicus(Reed,1910)

A trilobite biostratigraphic study of a new section of the Kaili Formation at Jianshan,Chuandong Village,Jianhe County,Guizhou is reported.Additional occurrences of key species associated with the Ovatoryctocara granulata-Bathynotus holopygus Zone and the overlying Oryctocephalus indicus Zone that were originally defined from the trilobite assemblages at the Wuliu-Zengjiayan section of the Kaili are reported from this new section.The first appearance datum (FAD) of Oryctocephalus indicus occurs at the 44.52 m above the base of the unit.Based on study of abundant specimens (n = 800) from the Kaili Formation,we argue that Oryctocephalus indicus is a widespread taxon with a global distribution.O.Reticulatus (Lermontova,1940) from the middle part of the Kounamkites Zone of the Amganian Stage in the Molodo River region of Siberia and O.Americanus (Sundberg and McCollum,2003) from Nevada,North America are similar to representatives of O.Indicus which occur in the O.Indicus Zone of the Kaili Formation.O.Reticulatus and O.Americanus are here synonymized with O.Indicus (Reed,1910).This study strengthens the Wuliu-Zengjiayan section of the Kaili Formation as a candidate section for a Global Stratotype for the base of the unnamed Cambrian Series 3.     

New data regarding acritarch biostratigraphy from the Early-Middle Cambrian Kaili Formation in Chuandong, Guizhou Province, China

Previous studies have evaluated acritarchs from the Balang and Pingzhai sections of the Early-Middle Cambrian Kaili Formation in east Guizhou, China. The results of these studies suggest that the acritarchs in these sections have potential biostratigraphic significance. More recently, 34 samples collected from 83m lower part of the Lower-Middle cambrian Kaili Formation in the Jianshan section of Chuandong, Guizhou Province were prepared for palynological analysis. Analysis of these samples revealed a distinct change in the acritarch assemblages at the bed, which was approximately 46m above the bottom of the Kaili Formation. These findings suggest a boundary represented by an important alteration of the ecological environment. In addition, the position of the acritarch biostratigraphic change is somewhat higher than the boundary between Cambrian Series 2 and Series 3 based on trilobites found in the same section. This indicates that the distinct change in acritarch assemblages is similar to the change in trilobite assemblages that occurs around the boundary between Cambrian Series 2 and Series 3. Therefore, acritarch biostratigraphy can provide data that can be used to define the base of Cambrian Series 3 in this region, and possibly worldwide.     

寒武系盐盆地的分布特征及其对中国成盐找钾的意义

 寒武系膏盐岩在世界范围内广泛分布,以亚洲寒武系分布最为广泛,含盐岩系主要分布在俄罗斯东西伯利亚、伊朗—印度—巴基斯坦—阿曼和中国.东西伯利亚、伊朗—印度—巴基斯坦均有钾盐发现.构造基底性质对钾盐盆地的形成具有关键性控制作用：稳定构造区在准稳定区有利聚钾;准稳定区在局部稳定构造区利于聚盐成钾,如形成于早寒武世的涅帕钾盐矿床——世界上大型钾盐矿之一,即位于前寒武纪地层为基底的古拗陷区.中国主要的古代盐盆地多发育于以前寒武纪为基底的准克拉通(陆块)中.近年来,随着油气勘查和盐业开发工作,中国上扬子陆块、华北陆块和塔里木陆块相继发现了4个大型的膏盐岩盆地.上扬子陆块与塔里木陆块发现单层厚度较大的岩盐沉积及较好的成钾水化学显示,为在中国寒武系蒸发岩盆地开展成盐找钾工作提供了重要依据.     

A venomous arthropod in the Early Cambrian Sea

A number of recently evolved animals possess poison glands for feeding and/or defense.However,examples of such animals are rare in the fossil record.We report a fossil arthropod Isoxys curvirostratus from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang biota of China.This species is regarded as the oldest known venomous arthropod based on the presence of venomous glands in its head region.The adult animal is 2-5 cm long and the body is covered entirely with a carapace.The presence of large stalk eyes and a pair of stout grasping appendages with a terminal spine suggest it was raptorial.Interestingly,the two pear-shaped,three-dimensionally preserved objects that are present in the head region and at the base of the grasping appendages closely resemble the venom glands of some living arthropods in size,shape,and position.These features indicate that the presence of venomous predators could date back 520 million years.Furthermore,our observations suggest that the feeding strategies and organs adapted for this purpose had already reached a high level of diversity and anatomical sophistication in the Early Cambrian ecosystems.     

The newly-developed Cambrian biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme for South China

Biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy are common means of subdividing rock strata. The biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme are regarded as the basis for the subdivision and correlation of regional and global stratigraphic units. This paper reviews research on the biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy carried out in the Jiangnan Slope Belt, South China since 1978, and, in particular, the biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme developed in the last decade. The updated biostratigraphic succession of South China includes 36 biozones, the base of each of which is defined by the first appearance of a single taxon （index fossil）, and a poorly fossiliferous interzone. The updated chronostratigraphic scheme of South China comprises 4 series and 10 stages, embracing 3 global chronostratigraphic units, the Guzhangian Stage, Furongian Series, and Paibian Stage, and 2 GSSPs, all of which are erected in northwestern Hunan and 2 International Tie Points recognized in sections also in northwestern Hunan and each was accepted by the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy for defining the base of the global stage. The biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic systems are recognized as Chinese standards both domestically and worldwide. Future research is suggested for improving the two sets of stratigraphic standards.     

A restudy of Oryctocephalus indicus (Reed,1910)

Since both Chinese[1]and American Palaeontolo-gists[2]proposed separately to mark the beginning ofthe Middle Cambrian based on the first appearancedatum (FAD) ofOryctocephalus indicus[3]in thesame year ,the suggestion has been considered seri-ously and adoptedfrequently[4—18].The InternationalSubcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy (ISCS) hasorganized the Working Group,chaired by L.B. Mc-Collum,to select candidate sections that bear poten-tial to become a GSSPfor the traditional Lowe…     

A restudy of Oryctocephalus indicus (Reed, 1910)

Restudy on morphology of Oryctocephalus indicus (Reed, 1910), based on specimens from Guizhou, China and Nevada USA, suggests that the subspecies regarded previously as Oryctocephalus indicus indicus (Reed, 1910), O. indicus latus Zhao et Yuan 2002, and O. indicus kobayashi Saito, 1934, are synonymous, and Oryctocephalus americanus Sundberg et McCollum, 2003 is a similar form of O. indicus. Oryctocephalus indicus is rediagnosed as having a glabella that is subconical in outline and tapering forward slightly; a thorax that comprises 12 segments, and a small pygidium that bears 2?3 axial rings with a terminal piece and a postaxial ridge. Oryctocephalus indicus is widely distributed in eastern Guizhou and ranges through a great interval of Kaili Formation. Its first appearance is almost identical with these events of trilobite extinction-recovery occurring at the end of the Early Cambrian, the alternation of acritach assemblages, the change of trace elements (REE) and stable isotopes (carbon) at the Wuliu-Zengjiaya section. As one of the key forms for defining the traditional Lower - Middle Cambrian boundary (the base of Cambrian Series 3 and Stage 5 in the new Cambrian chronstratigraphic standard), O. indicus has received detailed study and has more advantages than other species such as Ovatoryctocara granulata Tchernysheva, 1962 or Arthricocephalus chauveaui Bergeron, 1899.     

Provincialism of the late Middle through middle Late Cambrian paraconodonts and protoconodonts

Quantitative paleoprovincialism is studied, using a coefficient of similarity (CS) formula. The results indicate that the provincialism of the late Middle through middle Late Cambrian paraconodonts and protoconodonts did exist. The provincialism of Ordovician conodonts can be traced back to late Middle Cambrian. The North China Province and South China Province can be recognized in late Middle Cambrian, whereas the North China Province, South China Province and Balitca Province can be recognized respectively in early Late Cambrian and middle Late Cambrian. The possibility that the larger units of provincialism, i.e. Faunal Regions existed in the areas mentioned above is discussed. It is inferred that the Midcontinent Faunal Region and the Atlantic Faunal Region had existed in early Late Cambrian and middle Late Cambrian. The North China Province was the secondary unit of provincialism in the Midcontinent Faunal Region, while the Baltica Province was that in the Atlantic Faunal Region. The South China Province is the secondary unit of provincialism between the two largest units of provincialism. Moreover, the comparison with the trilobite provincialism which has been accumulated on a solid basis of research is made, and the paleogeographic positions of North China Massif, South China Massif and Tarim Massif are revised.     

A restudy of Oryctocephalus indicus (Reed, 1910)

Restudy on morphology of Oryctocephalus indicus (Reed, 1910), based on specimens from Guizhou, China and Nevada USA, suggests that the subspecies regarded previously as Oryctocephalus indicus indicus (Reed, 1910), O. indicus latus Zhao et Yuan 2002, and O. indicus kobayashi Saito, 1934, are synonymous, and Oryctocephalus americanus Sundberg et McCollum, 2003 is a similar form of O. indicus. Oryctocephalus indicus is rediagnosed as having a glabella that is subconical in outline and tapering forward slightly; a thorax that comprises 12 segments, and a small pygidium that bears 2?3 axial rings with a terminal piece and a postaxial ridge. Oryctocephalus indicus is widely distributed in eastern Guizhou and ranges through a great interval of Kaili Formation. Its first appearance is almost identical with these events of trilobite extinction-recovery occurring at the end of the Early Cambrian, the alternation of acritach assemblages, the change of trace elements (REE) and stable isotopes (carbon) at the Wuliu-Zengjiaya section. As one of the key forms for defining the traditional Lower - Middle Cambrian boundary (the base of Cambrian Series 3 and Stage 5 in the new Cambrian chronstratigraphic standard), O. indicus has received detailed study and has more advantages than other species such as Ovatoryctocara granulata Tchernysheva, 1962 or Arthricocephalus chauveaui Bergeron, 1899.     

An epipodite-bearing crown-group crustacean from the Lower Cambrian

Crown-group crustaceans (Eucrustacea) are common in the fossil record of the past 500 million years back to the early Ordovician period, and very rare representatives are also known from the late Middle and Late Cambrian periods. Finds in Lower Cambrian rocks of the Phosphatocopina, the fossil sister group to eucrustaceans, imply that members of the eucrustacean stem lineage co-occurred, but it remained unclear whether crown-group members were also present at that time. 'Orsten'-type fossils are typically tiny embryos and cuticle-bearing animals, of which the cuticle is phosphatized and the material is three-dimensional and complete with soft parts. Such fossils are found predominantly in the Cambrian and Ordovician and provide detailed morphological and phylogenetic information on the early evolution of metazoans. Here we report an Orsten-type Konservat-Lagerst?tte from the Lower Cambrian of China that contains at least three new arthropod species, of which we describe the most abundant form on the basis of exceptionally well preserved material of several growth stages. The limb morphology and other details of this new species are markedly similar to those of living cephalocarids, branchiopods and copepods and it is assigned to the Eucrustacea, thus representing the first undoubted crown-group crustacean from the early Cambrian. Its stratigraphical position provides substantial support to the proposition that the main cladogenic event that gave rise to the Arthropoda was before the Cambrian. Small leaf-shaped structures on the outer limb base of the new species provide evidence on the long-debated issue of the origin of epipodites: they occur in a set of three, derive from setae and are a ground-pattern feature of Eucrustacea.     

京津晋冀寒武系第三统鲕粒灰岩特征及其环境意义

京津晋冀地区是华北板块的主体,该区寒武系第三统以鲕粒灰岩的广泛发育为特点。通过野外露头剖面和室内薄片观察,对研究区鲕粒灰岩空间展布和鲕粒类型进行了详细研究。鲕粒灰岩从东到西出现的层位逐渐抬高,具有明显的穿时性。大型鲕滩呈向西凸出的弧形带状分布,鲕滩带主体由同心鲕鲕粒灰岩组成,鲕滩带西侧鲕粒灰岩厚度迅速减小,鲕粒以放射鲕...     

Discovery of Corallina fossil from the Middle Cambrian of Taijiang County, Guizhou Province, China

Abundant and well-preserved macroalgae fossils have been discovered in silty mudstones and shales from the Middle Cambrian of Taijiang County, Guizhou Province, China. CorallinaParaamphiroa siniansis gen. et sp. nov. in the Kaili Fm., is the earliest Corallina fossil, which usually coexists with other carbonaceous macroalgae fossils on the bedding planes of mudstone and shale and is different from the calcareous and phosphatized Precambrian-Cambrian thallus discovered in the Lower Cambrian of Siberia and the Doushantou phosphate rocks of Weng’an County, Guizhou Province, China. The discovery of calcified thallus in the Kaili Fm. bears great importance on the study of phylogeny and evolution of early calcareous macroalgae.     

贵州遵义下寒武统牛蹄塘组生物群中的海绵化石

遵义松林中南村下寒武统牛蹄塘组中下部,特别是下部黑色泥岩中产有大量的海绵骨针,形态多样,初步研究有多达10属以上的海绵动物,与澄江生物群的海绵相比,牛蹄塘组的海绵动物化石其组合特征以六射海绵动物为主,它的发现增添了寒武纪生物组成的信息,为海绵动物从晚新元古代的发生以至穿越寒武纪的演化过程及寒武纪生物大爆发的定性,量度提供了重要信息及资料,描述了4属2个种。1个相似种和1个未定种。Hyalosinica sp.;Saetaspongia densa Mehl et Reitner,1993;Leptomitus teretiusculus CHen,Hou et Lu.1989;Crumillospongia cf.biporosa Righy,1986,它们分属于海绵动物的六射海绵纲和普通海绵纲。     

Speciation of the genus Arthricocephalus Bergeron, 1899 (Trilobita) from the late Early Cambrian and its stratigraphic significance

The genus Arthricocephalus Bergeron, 1899 is revised, and Halipanktos Balker & Peel, 1997 is suggested here as a senior synonym. The subgenus Arthricocephalus (Arthricocephalites) Chien & Lin in Lu et al. , 1974 is considered as a separate genus. Of the 20 previously assigned species of Arthricocephaius (Arthricocephalus) Bergeron, 1899, Arthricocephalus (Arthricocephalites) Chien & Lin in Lu et al. , 1974, Arthricocephalus (Euarthricocephalus) Ju, 1983 are lumped into eight species. The speciation trend of Arthricocephalus and Arthricocephalites is demonstrated based on their stratigraphic occurrences. It not only enhances the resolution of the biostatigraphic zonation in the uppermost Lower Cambrian, but also represents a potential candidate to define the Duyunian stage. The base of the stage is suggested at the first appearance datum (FAD) of Arthricocephalus chauveaui Bergeron, 1899 within the evolutionary lineage from Ar. jiangkouensis Yin in Yin & Li, 1978 to Ar. chauveaui in a global scale.     

贵州黔东地区中-下寒武统凯里组发育特征

贵州黔东地区中－下寒武统凯里组主要由粉砂质泥岩，页岩及灰岩组成，富产三叶虫，其中台江八郎乌溜－曾家岩的凯时组含著名的中寒武世凯里生物群、早寒武世台江生物群，2001年成为国际中－下寒武统层型界线候选部，对其深入研究具有重大科学和实用意义。就我省黔东地区凯里组的岩石地层，生物地层，年代地层，沉积环境等进行研究及总结，亦确认黔东凯里组是一个十分重要的地层单位。