Cambrogeorginidae fam. nov., soft-integumented Problematica from the Middle Cambrian of Australia

Abstract

Phosphorites from the Middle Cambrian Monastery Creek Phosphorite Member, Queensland, Australia, yielded a group of soft-bodied, microscopic fossils of yet unknown affinity. They are three-dimensionally preserved and composed of two structurally different units. In particular one of the described genera has an upper surface pattern that is strikingly similar to the Late Precambrian Dickinsonia; even the quilted pneu structure observed on Vendozoa might be present on the Middle Cambrian material. Alternatively, a possible relationship to sclerites that also consist of two structurally different units is discussed. Three new species of three new genera are described.