Open AccessElucidating Ernietta : new insights from exceptional specimens in the Ediacaran of Namibia
Author(s) -
Ivantsov Andrey Yu.,
Narbonne Guy M.,
Trusler Peter W.,
Greentree Carolyn,
VickersRich Patricia
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
lethaia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.926
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1502-3931
pISSN - 0024-1164
DOI - 10.1111/let.12164
Subject(s) - paleontology , geology , morphology (biology)
Exceptionally preserved specimens of Ernietta in a shallow‐marine gutter cast from southern Namibia reveal that all previously figured specimens of this iconic Ediacaran megafossil are incomplete, representing only the base of a larger and more complex organism. The complete organism is interpreted as comprising a buried, sand‐filled anchor exhibiting the classical Ernietta morphology that passes distally into a trunk that is crowned by two facing fans that extended into the overlying water column. All parts of Ernietta, from the base of its buried anchor to the tip of its fans, appear to have been composed of a palisade of tubular elements that have been variably preserved. Similarity of tubule morphology despite the inherent difference in function between these constructions supports the view that these tubes were integral to all anatomical parts and functions of Ernietta . This style of architecture, construction and function is unique to the Erniettomorpha, supporting the view that it represents an extinct Ediacaran clade in the early evolution of multi‐cellular life.