Premium
Digging deeper: why we need more Proterozoic algal fossils and how to get them
Author(s) -
Graham Linda E.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1111/jpy.12790
Subject(s) - proterozoic , algae , biology , digging , ecology , precambrian , geologic record , paleontology , cyanobacteria , archaeology , geography , tectonics , bacteria
Known Proterozoic algal fossils raise compelling questions about the origin and diversification of cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, and their ecological influence in deep time. This Perspectives article describes particular examples of persistent evolutionary and biogeochemical issues whose resolution would be aided by additional algal fossil evidence from Proterozoic deposits, which have been the subjects of recent intensive study. New Proterozoic geosciences literature relevant to the early diversification of algae is surveyed. Previously underappreciated algal traits that might improve taxonomic attributions of fossil remains are highlighted. Processes that phycologists could use to improve detection of algal fossils are recommended. Potential geological sources of new Proterozoic fossils are suggested.