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Ediacaran matground ecology persisted into the earliest Cambrian

Author

Listed:
  • Luis A. Buatois

    (University of Saskatchewan)

  • Guy M. Narbonne

    (Queen’s University)

  • M. Gabriela Mángano

    (University of Saskatchewan)

  • Noelia B. Carmona

    (University of Saskatchewan
    Present address: CONICET-UNRN, Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Isidro Lobo y Belgrano, (8332) Roca, Río Negro, Argentina)

  • Paul Myrow

    (Colorado College)

Abstract

The beginning of the Cambrian was a time of marked biological and sedimentary changes, including the replacement of Proterozoic-style microbial matgrounds by Phanerozoic-style bioturbated mixgrounds. Here we show that Ediacaran-style matground-based ecology persisted into the earliest Cambrian. Our study in the type section of the basal Cambrian in Fortune Head, Newfoundland, Canada reveals widespread microbially induced sedimentary structures and typical Ediacaran-type matground ichnofossils. Ediacara-type body fossils are present immediately below the top of the Ediacaran but are strikingly absent from the overlying Cambrian succession, despite optimal conditions for their preservation, and instead the microbial surfaces are marked by the appearance of the first abundant arthropod scratch marks in Earth evolution. These features imply that the disappearance of the Ediacara biota represents an abrupt evolutionary event that corresponded with the appearance of novel bilaterian clades, rather than a fading away owing to the gradual elimination of conditions appropriate for Ediacaran preservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis A. Buatois & Guy M. Narbonne & M. Gabriela Mángano & Noelia B. Carmona & Paul Myrow, 2014. "Ediacaran matground ecology persisted into the earliest Cambrian," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-5, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4544
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4544
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