Relating Ediacaran Fronds
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Authors
Dececchi, Thomas Alexander
Narbonne, Guy M
Greentree, Carolyn
Laflamme, Marc
Date
2017
Type
journal article
Language
en
Keyword
Ediacaran , Rangeomorphs , Evolution , Charniodiscus , Paleontology
Alternative Title
Abstract
Ediacaran fronds are key components of terminal-Proterozoic ecosystems. They represent one of the most widespread and common body forms ranging across all major faunal localities and time slices postdating the Gaskiers glaciation, but uncertainty over their phylogenetic affinities has led to uncertainty over issues of homology and functional morphology between, and within, organisms displaying this ecomorphology. Here we present the first large scale, multi-group cladistic analysis of Ediacaran organisms sampling 20 ingroup taxa with previously asserted affinities to the Arboreomorpha, Erniettomorpha and Rangeomorpha. Using a newly derived morphological character matrix that incorporates multiple axes of potential phylogenetically informative data, including architectural, developmental, and structural qualities, we seek to illuminate the evolutionary history of these organisms. We find strong support for existing classification schema and devise apomorphy-based definitions for each of the three frondose clades examined here. Through a rigorous cladistics framework it is possible to discern the pattern of evolution within, and between, these clades, including the identification of homoplasies and functional constraints. This work both validates earlier studies of Ediacaran groups and accentuates instances where previous assumptions of their natural history are uninformative.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
URI for this record
PubMed ID
External DOI
ISSN
0094-8373
1938-5331
1938-5331