Biology:Noffkarkys

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Short description: Extinct genus of plants

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

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

File:Noffkarkys storaasli section.tif

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,[2] 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 sections.[3]

Biological affinities

Noffkarkys is a problematic fossil like many Ediacaran genera, and is one of the few vendobionts that persisted into the Cambrian[3] Affinities may be with sea pens or lichens.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 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. 
  2. McIlroy,D.; Hawco,J.; McKean,C.; Nicholls, R.; Pasinetti, G.; Taylor, R. (2022). "Palaeobiology of the reclining rangeomorph Beothukis from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation of southeastern Newfoundland". Geological Magazine 159: 1160-1174. doi:10.1017/S0016756820000941. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 Retallack, G.J. (2022). "Internal structure of Cambrian vendobionts Arumberia, Hallidaya, and Noffkarkys preserved by clay in Montana, USA.". Journal of Palaeosciences 71: 1-18. doi:10.54991/jop.2022.539. 

Wikidata ☰ Q102346148 entry