This article includes a list of general
references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding
inline citations. (January 2022) |
Rugoconites Temporal range:
Cryogenian -
Ediacaran
| |
---|---|
Reconstruction of Rugoconites, an extinct organism | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | † Trilobozoa |
Genus: | †
Rugoconites Glaessner & Wade 1966 |
Species | |
Synonyms | |
|
Rugoconites is a genus of Ediacaran biota found as fossils in the form of a circular or oval-like impression preserved in high relief, six or more centimeters in diameter. The fossils are surrounded by frills that have been interpreted ( Wade 1972) as sets of tentacles. The bifurcating radial ribs, spreading from a central dome, serve to distinguish this genus from the sponge Palaeophragmodictya, and may represent the channels of the gastrovascular system. [1] Fossils of Rugoconites have been interpreted as early sponges, [2] although this is countered by Sepkoski et al. (2002), who interpreted the organism as a free-swimming jellyfish-like cnidarian; similar to Ovatoscutum. [3] However, the fossil is consistently preserved as a neat circular form and its general morphology does not vary, therefore a benthic and perhaps slow-moving or sessile lifestyle is more likely. Ivantstov & Fedonkin (2002), suggest that Rugoconites may possess tri-radial symmetry and be a member of the Trilobozoa. [4]
Rugoconites have been reported in clusters; this may represent a social/colonial way of life, or simply accumulation by the action of currents, sea-floor processes, or possibly preservational conditions. [5]
The Rugoconites genus may contain two species: Rugoconites enigmaticus and Rugoconites tenuirugosus, the latter being less dome-shaped and having smaller and more numerous radial ridges than the former. [6] However, due to the dubious nature of R. tenuirugosus, its taxonomy is still unclear, and it has been suggested that a new genus named Wadea should be erected for ''R." tenuirugosus. [7]
In 1966, Martin Glaessner along with Mary Wade unearthed the external mould of a form which possessed a small central disc that had eleven radiating lobes from its centre that they named Lorenzinites rarus. [8] This form was also compared to the top of some Rugoconites specimens. [8] The fossil of Lorenzinites rarus was, however, reconsidered to be a Rugoconites enigmaticus specimen despite his original observations and placed it along with the genus in the synonymy of Rugoconites. [9] The genus was then forgotten about and needs further examination.
This article includes a list of general
references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding
inline citations. (January 2022) |
Rugoconites Temporal range:
Cryogenian -
Ediacaran
| |
---|---|
Reconstruction of Rugoconites, an extinct organism | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | † Trilobozoa |
Genus: | †
Rugoconites Glaessner & Wade 1966 |
Species | |
Synonyms | |
|
Rugoconites is a genus of Ediacaran biota found as fossils in the form of a circular or oval-like impression preserved in high relief, six or more centimeters in diameter. The fossils are surrounded by frills that have been interpreted ( Wade 1972) as sets of tentacles. The bifurcating radial ribs, spreading from a central dome, serve to distinguish this genus from the sponge Palaeophragmodictya, and may represent the channels of the gastrovascular system. [1] Fossils of Rugoconites have been interpreted as early sponges, [2] although this is countered by Sepkoski et al. (2002), who interpreted the organism as a free-swimming jellyfish-like cnidarian; similar to Ovatoscutum. [3] However, the fossil is consistently preserved as a neat circular form and its general morphology does not vary, therefore a benthic and perhaps slow-moving or sessile lifestyle is more likely. Ivantstov & Fedonkin (2002), suggest that Rugoconites may possess tri-radial symmetry and be a member of the Trilobozoa. [4]
Rugoconites have been reported in clusters; this may represent a social/colonial way of life, or simply accumulation by the action of currents, sea-floor processes, or possibly preservational conditions. [5]
The Rugoconites genus may contain two species: Rugoconites enigmaticus and Rugoconites tenuirugosus, the latter being less dome-shaped and having smaller and more numerous radial ridges than the former. [6] However, due to the dubious nature of R. tenuirugosus, its taxonomy is still unclear, and it has been suggested that a new genus named Wadea should be erected for ''R." tenuirugosus. [7]
In 1966, Martin Glaessner along with Mary Wade unearthed the external mould of a form which possessed a small central disc that had eleven radiating lobes from its centre that they named Lorenzinites rarus. [8] This form was also compared to the top of some Rugoconites specimens. [8] The fossil of Lorenzinites rarus was, however, reconsidered to be a Rugoconites enigmaticus specimen despite his original observations and placed it along with the genus in the synonymy of Rugoconites. [9] The genus was then forgotten about and needs further examination.