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Noffkarkys

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Noffkarkys
Temporal range: Late Ediacaran, 567–550 Ma
Holotype of Noffkarkys storaaslii, from Ediacaran Grant Bluff Formation, Central Mount Stuart, Australia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: incertae sedis
Genus: Noffkarkys
Retallack and Broz (2020)
Type species
Noffkarkys storaaslii

Noffkarkys ("net of Noffke") is a genus of problematic fossil first found in the Ediacaran (550 million years old) Grant Bluff Formation of Central Mount Stuart, Northern Territory, Australia, and another prostrate frond-like fossil.[1] The genus was named in honor of Nora Noffke.

Thin section across thallus of Noffkarkys storaasli

Description

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Noffkarkys is an Ediacaran fossil frond with a fine pattern of rhombic quilts radiating from the base which does not include a rounded holdfast. Like other Ediacaran frond such as Trepassia which also lacks a holdfast,[2] Noffkarkys may have lived prone on the substrate. The fine quilting extends deep into the matrix from the upper side as seen in petrographic thin sections.[3]

Biological affinities

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Noffkarkys is a problematic fossil like many Ediacaran genera, and is one of the few vendobionts that persisted into the Cambrian[3] Affinities may be with sea pens or lichens.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Retallack, G.J.; Broz, A.P. (2020). "Arumberia and other Ediacaran fossils from central Australia". Historical Biology. 32: 17552811. doi:10.1080/08912963.2020.1755281. S2CID 219432483.
  2. ^ McIlroy,D.; Hawco,J.; McKean,C.; Nicholls, R.; Pasinetti, G.; Taylor, R. (2022). "Palaeobiology of the reclining rangeomorph Beothukis from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation of southeastern Newfoundland". Geological Magazine. 159 (7): 1160–1174. Bibcode:2022GeoM..159.1160M. doi:10.1017/S0016756820000941.
  3. ^ a b Retallack, G.J. (2022). "Internal structure of Cambrian vendobionts Arumberia, Hallidaya, and Noffkarkys preserved by clay in Montana, USA". Journal of Palaeosciences. 71: 1–18. doi:10.54991/jop.2022.539.