目的确定新元古代末期最早骨骼生物Cloudina作为埃迪卡拉纪晚期地层对比标志的可能性。方法以Cloudina的形态学、生态学为依据,确定其可能的生物属性;以Cloudina地质地理分布和碳同位素地层对比分析为依据,综合分析其时空分布特点。结果Cloudina可能是多毛类龙介虫,二者在管体形态特征、无性繁殖方式等方面存在可比性;Cloudina的出现都对应着碳同位素的明显正漂移,具有基本等时的特点。结论Cloudina是目前已知埃迪卡拉纪最有潜力的标准化石之一。
Aim To ascertain the potential of Cloudina as one of the index fossils in the Terminal Neoproterozoie. Methods Through integrative morphological, sedimentologieal, and geochemical data to gain insights into the phylogenetie affinity and ecology of Cloudina ; by the analysis of its biogeography and δ^13 C chemostratigraphy to ascertain the spatial and time distribution of Cloudina. Results The morphology and asexual reproduction of Cloudina are broadly similar to modern serpulid annelids and its flourishing is somewhat coeval and corresponding to a positive excursion of δ^13 C. Conclusion Cloudina is one of the most important index fossils in the Late Ediacaran.