Noffkarkys

Noffkarkys ("net of Noffke") is a genus of problematic fossil from the Ediacaran (550 million years old) Grant Bluff Formation of Central Mount Stuart, Northern Territory, Australia, and another protrates frond like fossil.[1] The genus was named in honor of Nora Noffke.

Thin section across thallus of Noffkarkys storaasli

Noffkarkys
Temporal range: Late Ediacaran, 567–550 Ma
Holotype of Noffkarkys storaaslii, from Ediacaran Grant Bluff Formation, Central Mount Stuart, Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: incertae sedis
Genus: †Noffkarkys
Retallack and Broz (2020)
Type species
†Noffkarkys storaaslii
Retallack and Broz (2020)

Description

Noffkarkys is an Ediacaran fossil frond with a fine pattern of rhombic quilts radiating from the base which does not include a rounded holdfast. Like other Ediacaran frond such as Trepassia which also lacks a holdfast, Noffkarkys may have lived prone on the substrate. The fine quilting extends deep into the matrix from the upper side as seen in petrographic thin section.

Biological affinities

Noffkarkys is a problematic fossil like many Ediacaran genera. Affinities may be with sea pens or lichens.[1]

References
  1. Retallack, G.J.; Broz, A.P. (2020). "Arumberia and other Ediacaran fossils from central Australia". Historical Biology. 32: 17552811. doi:10.1080/08912963.2020.1755281.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.