Erytholus

Erytholus is a form genus for problematic fossils of Cambrian age in South Australia. It has been of special interest because of its morphological similarity with the Ediacaran fossil Ventogyrus, and may have been a late surviving vendobiont. It could be a slime mold.[1]

Erytholus
Temporal range: Middle Cambrian
Crack-out specimen of Erytholus globosus from the Middle Cambrian, Moodlatana Formation, of the Flinders ranges, South Australia.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
incertae sedis
Genus:
†Erytholus

Retallack 2011
Species
  • Erytholus globosus
Specimen of Eryhtolus globosus in sandstone slab cut vertical to bedding
Sketches of specimens of Erytholus globosus from the Middle Cambrian, Moodlatana Formation of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Description

Erytholus is a globose, chambered fossil, with associated vertical tubular structures. Its preservation in sandstone is similar to the Ediacaran type preservation of the vendobiont Ventogyrus. It is found at depths of 20–30 centimetres (7.9–11.8 in) within paleosols. Its affinities are uncertain, although it bears a general resemblance to truffles.[1]

References
  1. Retallack, G.J. (2011). "Problematic megafossils in cambrian paleosols of South Australia". Palaeontology. 54 (6): 1223–1242. doi:10.1111/j.1475-4983.2011.01099.x.


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