Silicified Polybessurus from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation records microbial activities within marine sediments

Polybessurus, as a common element of the late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic microfossil assemblages, has yet no confirmed record from post-Cryogenian strata. In this study, we report Polybessurus sp. from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation chert nodules in western Hubei Province, South China. Polybessurus specimens from the Doushantuo Formation are identical to their pre-Cryogenian counterparts in morphology (stacked concave lamellae), composition (organic matter), and preservational mode (silicification). The Doushantuo specimens generally have large tubes (average diameter ~157 μm, maximum diameter ~450 μm), and are often preserved separately and parallel to the bedding plane, whereas the pre-Cryogenian specimens have relatively small tubes (mostly thinner than 100 μm in diameter), and are often preserved gregariously and perpendicular to the bedding plane. Polybessurus may be formed by a variety of benthic micro-organisms, mainly cyanobacteria, e.g., stalk forming taxa like Cyanostylon and endolithic taxa like Solentia, that are capable of secreting EPS (extracellular polymeric substance) unidirectionally to push itself forward in the sediment. The producers of Polybessurus may have played a role in the benthic microbial community by making microburrows, affecting textures and microenvironments of inshore sediments. As the first unambiguous record of Polybessurus from Ediacaran strata, our new findings extend its distribution from the late Mesoproterozoic–early Neoproterozoic to the late Neoproterozoic.     

论埃迪卡拉纪微体球状化石Schizofusa与Leiosphaeridia的关系

埃迪卡拉纪是新元古代最后一个纪,是新元古代雪球地球事件与寒武纪生命大爆发之间地质历史最重要的转折时期,在研究地球早期生命演化方面具有举足轻重的地位。我国华南三峡地区埃迪卡拉系陡山沱组中下部的地层中,发现了大量的以具刺疑源类为主的微体化石,其中有两个形态简单、分布广泛的类型——分别是以光面、球状为特征的Leiosphaeridia和光面囊胞状、具开裂特征的Schizofusa。本文通过对这两种化石材料的细致观察与统计,对两者间的亲缘关系进行了详细探讨,认为Schizofusa开裂之前应为光面球体,即Schizofusa是某些光面球的发展演化后期阶段。     

论陡山沱组的年代

三峡地区震旦系的三层式地层结构 (冰积层 ,陡山沱组特色的大型带刺疑源类组合层 ,埃迪卡拉生物化石层 )在世界其它地区是常见的。通过生物和化学地层对比我们认为陡山沱组及其化石组合层是在马雷诺恩 ( Marinoan)冰期之后、埃迪卡拉生物群分异之前沉积的。根据这一地层对比方案以及西伯利亚、纳米比亚和阿瓦龙半岛 ( Avalon Peninsula)新元古代地层的精确放射性同位素测年资料 ,陡山沱组的沉积年龄很可能在五亿五千万年至六亿年之间。这一估计要新于以前发表的铷锶法或钾氩法测定的陡山沱组黑色页岩或海绿石年龄。更精确地估算陡山沱组的沉积年龄还有待于在陡山沱组地层中发现火山灰以及对火山灰的精确年龄测定 ,但我们根据地层对比估算的陡山沱组年龄 ,为评估庙河和瓮安陡山沱组生物群的演化意义提供了必要的地层框架。     

山西永济白草坪组具刺疑源类的发现及其地质意义

该文着重报道了山西永济白草坪组(一般认为系中元古界上部相当于蓟县系的层位),以具刺疑源类为主的微化石群,计有4类6属15种,其中包括1新属,4新种,1新组合,1亲近种,2未定种,新属是具细网状纹饰的复杂具刺疑源类Shuiyousphaeridium Yan gen.nov.,4新种是Shuiyousphaeridium membraniferum Yan sp.nov.,Dictyosphaera incrassate Yan sp.nov.,Foliomorpha stipuliferaYan sp.nov.,Manicosiphoninema shuiyouense Yan sp.nov.。本微化石群以球形疑源类为主体,以具刺疑源类的大量发育为特征,并伴生有推测是绿藻和褐藻的化石,其组合面貌与蓟县上前寒武系各组皆有明显区别,具有更高的进化程度,从生物地层标志推测白草坪组所在的汝阳群应归入震旦系。白草坪组具刺疑源类可能是横裂甲藻的原始分子,它在地层对比和藻类进化方面皆具有重要意义。     

Origin and early diversification of the phylum Cnidaria Verrill: major developments in the analysis of the taxon's Proterozoic–Cambrian history

Diploblastic eumetazoans of the phylum Cnidaria originated during the Neoproterozoic Era, possibly during the Cryogenian Period. The oldest known fossil cnidarians occur in strata of Ediacaran age and consist of polypoid forms that were either nonbiomineralizing or weakly so. The oldest possible anthozoans, including the genus Ramitubus, may be related to tabulate corals and occur in the Doushantuo Lagerstätte (upper Doushantuo Formation, South China), the age of which is poorly constrained (approximately 585 Ma?). Conulariid scyphozoans may first appear as early as 635–577 Ma (Lantian Formation, South China). A definite conulariid, most similar to Palaeozoic species assigned to the genus Paraconularia, occurs in association with the possible scyphozoan, Corumbella werneri, in the latest Ediacaran (c. 543 Ma) Tamengo Formation of Brazil. Basal Cambrian (c. 540 Ma) phosphorites in the upper Kuanchuanpu Formation (South China) yield solitary polyps of the oldest probable anthozoan (Eolympia pediculata), which appears to have been a stem hexacorallian. This same formation contains fossils interpreted by some authors as pentaradial cubozoan polyps; however, both the oldest known cubozoans and the oldest hydrozoans, all medusae, may actually occur in the Cambrian (Series 3, c. 505 Ma) Marjum Formation (Utah, USA). Although these recently published palaeontological data tend to corroborate the hypothesis that Cnidaria has a relatively deep Neoproterozoic history, the timing of major internal branching events remains poorly constrained, with, for example, the results of some molecular clock analyses indicating that the two cnidarian subphyla (Anthozoaria and Medusozoa) may have originated as many as one billion years ago. Further progress towards elucidating the evolution and early fossil record of cnidarians may accrue from: (1) an intensive search for phosphatized soft parts in possible anthozoans from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation; (2) an expanded search for Ediacaran conulariids; and (3) additional detailed analyses of the taphonomy and preservation of Ediacaran and Cambrian cnidarians, including possible pentaradial cubozoan polyps from the Fortunian upper Kuanchuanpu Formation.     

The nature and origin of nucleus‐like intracellular inclusions in Paleoproterozoic eukaryote microfossils

The well‐known debate on the nature and origin of intracellular inclusions (ICIs) in silicified microfossils from the early Neoproterozoic Bitter Springs Formation has recently been revived by reports of possible fossilized nuclei in phosphatized animal embryo‐like fossils from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation of South China. The revisitation of this discussion prompted a critical and comprehensive investigation of ICIs in some of the oldest indisputable eukaryote microfossils—the ornamented acritarchs Dictyosphaera delicata and Shuiyousphaeridium macroreticulatum from the Paleoproterozoic Ruyang Group of North China—using a suite of characterization approaches: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM). Although the Ruyang acritarchs must have had nuclei when alive, our data suggest that their ICIs represent neither fossilized nuclei nor taphonomically condensed cytoplasm. We instead propose that these ICIs likely represent biologically contracted and consolidated eukaryotic protoplasts (the combination of the nucleus, surrounding cytoplasm, and plasma membrane). As opposed to degradational contraction of prokaryotic cells within a mucoidal sheath—a model proposed to explain the Bitter Springs ICIs—our model implies that protoplast condensation in the Ruyang acritarchs was an in vivo biologically programmed response to adverse conditions in preparation for encystment. While the discovery of bona fide nuclei in Paleoproterozoic acritarchs would be a substantial landmark in our understanding of eukaryote evolution, the various processes (such as degradational and biological condensation of protoplasts) capable of producing nuclei‐mimicking structures require that interpretation of ICIs as fossilized nuclei be based on comprehensive investigations.     

Microfossils from the Krol ‘A’ of the Lesser Himalaya,India: Additional supporting data for its early Ediacaran age

An assemblage of microfossils of moderate diversity, with the remarkable occurrence of ECAP acritarchs, is reported from the Ediacaran Krol ‘A’ (= the Mahi Formation) succession of Lesser Himalaya, India. Microfossils occur in the chert nodules exposed in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. Two microfossils, Barogophycus symmetricus n. gen. n. sp. and Botominella lineata are new to the well-established Krol assemblage. The paper concentrates predominantly on fossil eukaryotic filamentous and coccoidal micro-organism of simple morphology. The assemblage is dominated by remains of prokaryotic cyanobacteria and demonstrates the diversity achieved by microorganisms at the beginning of the Ediacaran Period in the aftermath of the Marinoan glaciation. Filamentous and coccoidal microorganisms differ in taxonomic composition from the Mesoproterozoic microbiotas. The Krol microfossils assemblage has biostratigraphic potential and usefulness in broadly demarcating the different levels of the Ediacaran strata. Because of the presence of ECAP acritarchs, along with the appearance of other eukaryotic microorganisms of filamentous and coccoidal morphology, the general level of the Krol ‘A’ assemblage is considered as Ediacaran.     

湖北保康陡山沱组磷酸盐化微体化石组合

中国南方震旦系陡山沱组磷块岩、燧石和页岩中陆续发现的精美保存的化石生物群,为我们提供了一个栩栩如生的新元古代晚期生物演化的图景,表明多细胞真核生物在新元古代冰期之后发生了非常显著的分异。其中磷块岩化石库以生物细胞结构的完好保存而著称。继在贵州瓮安、陕西勉县茶店和江西上饶朝阳之后,湖北保康白竹磷矿陡山沱组磷块岩中也发现了类似的磷酸盐化化石生物群。保康化石组合中包括多细胞藻类Wengania,Paramecia和原地保存的Thallophyca;大型复杂疑源类Meghystrichosphaeridium,Echinosphaeridium和目前仅在保康发现的Bacatisphaera;球状蓝菌化石Archaeophycus,丝状蓝菌化石Siphonophycus和在陡山沱组磷块岩中首次发现的Obruchevella;同时,内部保存不同数量小球体的球状化石在保康也大量产出。古地理分析表明中国南方扬子地台陡山沱组磷块岩中保存的磷酸盐化化石库大都形成于浅水台地边缘地带。     

Ediacaran acanthomorphic acritarchs from the Outer Krol Belt,Lesser Himalaya,India: Their significance for global correlation

Large acanthomorphic acritarchs have been previously reported from the Ediacaran successions of the Pachmunda and Krol Hill synclines in the Outer Krol Belt of Lesser Himalaya, India. Thin sections of chert from Krol ‘A’ Formation in Khanog and Rajgarh synclines, Outer Krol Belt, record an equally well developed and diversified assemblage of Ediacaran large acanthomorphic acritarchs. This assemblage contains specimens belonging to seven genera and ten species, identified as: Appendisphaera fragilis, A. grandis, Asterocapsoides sp. A, Asterocapsoides sp. B, Cavaspina acuminata, C. basiconica, Eotylotopalla dactylos, Knollisphaeridium sp., Papillomembrana sp., and Weissiella cf. grandistella. It also contains five unnamed forms, viz. A, B, C, D, and E. The Krol acritarch assemblage shows a close resemblance with the Upper Doushantuo or Tanarium anozos–Tanarium conoideum assemblage of China. However, the absence of biostratigraphically important markers such as Tanarium anozos and T. conoideum from the Krol assemblage, so far, makes it difficult to establish a definite biostratigraphic correlation between the two assemblages. The current observations from this new locality provide additional data for regional and global biostratigraphic correlation, and significantly increase the purview of Ediacaran sequences for global biostratigraphic zonation.     

New data on multicellular thallophytes and fragments of cellular tissues from Late Proterozoic phosphate rocks, South China

Zhung Yun & Yuan Xun-lai 1992 01 15: New data on multiccllular thallophytes and fragments of cellular tissues from Late Proterozoic phosphate rocks. South China, Lethaia . Vol. 25. pp. 1–18. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164.
A fossil assemblage consisting of multicellular thallophytes. acritarchs. cyanophytes. bacteria and some forms of uncertain affinity were found in black phosphorites of the Late Protcrozoic Doushantuo Formation (upper Sinian) in Wengan Phosphate Mine. central Guizhou Province. South China. This paper reports new forms of multiecllular thallophytes and cellular tissue. Four new genera and seven new species are described. Cytomorphological-histomorphological study of these lossil tissues and comparison with modern rhodophyle Corallina sp. suggest that (I) most fossils described here are thalloid plants with a certain degree of tissue differentiation. Some of them may be hisiomorphologically comparable to modern rhodophytcs. but all are still of uncertain systematic position Some exhibit histomorphological features of mctazoan tissues. (2) The fossil cells appear to have undergone plasmolysis that might be due to osmosis caused by the high phosphate content in the sea water. (3) Most of the thallophytes were sessile benthos with recognizable basal and upper parts to the thallus. Forms with leafshaped or nodular thalli may have moved passively or ncuslonically. New fossil forms discovered from the local rock bed demonstrate the possible existence of a community with relatively high diversity in Wengan shallow sea. This confirms that an evolutionary radiation of mctaphylcs look place during Ediacaran time, shortly after the Nantuo glacial epoch. Multicellular tlhallophytes. mctaphytes. phosphate rocks, phosphorites. Late Proterozoic .     

湖北峡东地区九龙湾剖面震旦系陡山沱组微体化石的新发现

中国南方扬子地台震旦系陡山沱组产出丰富的微体化石,它们主要保存在磷块岩以及燧石结核和条带中。文章详细报道湖北峡东地区九龙湾剖面震旦系陡山沱组微体化石,描述以前未曾在峡东地区碳酸盐相燧石中发现的8属8种微体化石。研究九龙湾剖面陡山沱组大型带刺疑源类、微体多细胞藻类和动物胚胎化石的分布特征,发现Tianzhushania spinosa是最早出现的大型带刺疑源类分子,大冰期后微体生物的辐射是一个阶段性渐进的过程。同时．本项研究进一步证实华南扬子区陡山沱组碳酸盐相燧石和磷块岩地层中保存的微体化石面貌基本一致。     

SYSTEMATIC DESCRIPTION AND PHYLOGENETIC AFFINITY OF TUBULAR MICROFOSSILS FROM THE EDIACARAN DOUSHANTUO FORMATION AT WENG'AN, SOUTH CHINA

Abstract:  This paper provides a systematic treatment of tubular microfossils collected from dolomitic phosphorites of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation at Weng'an, South China. These microfossils were investigated using petrographic, acid extraction and re-embedding techniques. Four morphological genera and five morphospecies are described: Ramitubus increscens gen. et sp. nov., Ramitubus decrescens gen. et sp. nov., Sinocyclocyclicus guizhouensis , Quadratitubus orbigoniatus , and Crassitubus costatus gen. et sp. nov. They are characterized by cylindrical ( R. increscens , R. decrescens , S. guizhouensis and C. costatus ) or tetragonal ( Q. orbigoniatus ) tubes with closely spaced cross-walls. Ramitubus has mostly complete cross-walls, whereas all other taxa have regularly intercalated complete and incomplete cross-walls. Some of them branch dichotomously ( R. increscens and R. decrescens ), others have a longitudinal ridge running along a curved tube ( C. costatus ).
The palaeoecology, ontogeny, and phylogenetic affinity of these microfossils are still uncertain. They probably represent non-biomineralizing organisms in the Ediacaran ocean. Ramitubus (and possibly all other morphotaxa described in this paper) was probably benthic and grew unidirectionally and episodically. The incomplete cross-walls could have been formed through terminal addition or, alternatively, through intercalary insertion. It is possible that some or all morphotaxa described may represent ontogenetic or ecophenotypic variations of one or a few closely related biological species. If so, then the combination of morphological features (complete and incomplete cross-walls, tetraradial symmetry, and longitudinal ridge) can negate a cyanobacterial or algal interpretation, and point to a tentative cnidarian affinity.     

Are the new Ediacaran Doushantuo Megasphaera-like acritarchs early metazoans?

A recent report by Chen et al. (2014) describes the new Ediacaran Doushantuo acritarchs with fascinating features. Nested within Megaclonophycus-like fossils that exhibit palintomic cell division are multicellular spheroid structures termed matryoshkas, which are interpreted to be germ cells. Such distinctive features of cellular differentiation and germ-soma separation suggest affinities of these with early stem group metazoans. In this commentary, I suggest some alternative interpretations to those elaborated by Chen et al. (2014).     

Distinguishing geology from biology in the Ediacaran Doushantuo biota relaxes constraints on the timing of the origin of bilaterians

The Ediacaran Doushantuo biota has yielded fossils that include the oldest widely accepted record of the animal evolutionary lineage, as well as specimens with alleged bilaterian affinity. However, these systematic interpretations are contingent on the presence of key biological structures that have been reinterpreted by some workers as artefacts of diagenetic mineralization. On the basis of chemistry and crystallographic fabric, we characterize and discriminate phases of mineralization that reflect: (i) replication of original biological structure, and (ii) void-filling diagenetic mineralization. The results indicate that all fossils from the Doushantuo assemblage preserve a complex mélange of mineral phases, even where subcellular anatomy appears to be preserved. The findings allow these phases to be distinguished in more controversial fossils, facilitating a critical re-evaluation of the Doushantuo fossil assemblage and its implications as an archive of Ediacaran animal diversity. We find that putative subcellular structures exhibit fabrics consistent with preservation of original morphology. Cells in later developmental stages are not in original configuration and are therefore uninformative concerning gastrulation. Key structures used to identify Doushantuo bilaterians can be dismissed as late diagenetic artefacts. Therefore, when diagenetic mineralization is considered, there is no convincing evidence for bilaterians in the Doushantuo assemblage.     

Ediacaran developmental biology

Rocks of the Ediacaran System (635–541 Ma) preserve fossil evidence of some of the earliest complex macroscopic organisms, many of which have been interpreted as animals. However, the unusual morphologies of some of these organisms have made it difficult to resolve their biological relationships to modern metazoan groups. Alternative competing phylogenetic interpretations have been proposed for Ediacaran taxa, including algae, fungi, lichens, rhizoid protists, and even an extinct higher‐order group (Vendobionta). If a metazoan affinity can be demonstrated for these organisms, as advocated by many researchers, they could prove informative in debates concerning the evolution of the metazoan body axis, the making and breaking of axial symmetries, and the appearance of a metameric body plan. Attempts to decipher members of the enigmatic Ediacaran macrobiota have largely involved study of morphology: comparative analysis of their developmental phases has received little attention. Here we present what is known of ontogeny across the three iconic Ediacaran taxa Charnia masoni, Dickinsonia costata and Pteridinium simplex, together with new ontogenetic data and insights. We use these data and interpretations to re‐evaluate the phylogenetic position of the broader Ediacaran morphogroups to which these taxa are considered to belong (rangeomorphs, dickinsoniomorphs and erniettomorphs). We conclude, based on the available evidence, that the affinities of the rangeomorphs and the dickinsoniomorphs lie within Metazoa.     

河南汝州罗圈村剖面汝阳群白草坪组的微体化石

河南汝州罗圈村白草坪组微体化石丰度大,但分异度低,仅包括具细网状纹饰的Dictyosphaera delica-ta和具刺饰的Shui yousphaeridium pilatumsp.nov.以及少量的带藻Taeniatum sp.。虽然化石组成单调,但总体上与山西永济水幽沟剖面和河南渑池麦尽沟剖面白草坪组的疑源类组合面貌一致。目前,此套化石组合的地质时代有中元古代和新元古代早期两种不同的认识,通过对化石形态特征分析以及与苏格兰西北部早新元古代Torri-don群中发现的一个微体化石组合的对比,文中暂将汝阳群地质时代置于新元古代早期。     

论山西中元古代晚期汝阳群微体化石组合

我国北方18-19亿年前的串岭沟组中获得的大球形疑源类,迄今,被认为是可信的最古老真核化石记录。自上世纪80年代以来,东秦岭北坡的中元古代晚期汝阳群陆续发现了丰富的球形光面疑源类,具刺疑源类,丝状微体化石和一些有疑问的动物遗迹。很显然,在中元古代晚期真核生物曾有重大辐射。     

Three-Dimensional Phosphatic Preservation Of Giant Acritarchs From The Terminal Proterozoic Doushantuo Formation In Guizhou And Hubei Provinces, South China

During the last two decades, a diverse assemblage of multicellular algae, spherical microfossils, bacteria and cyanobacteria (the Weng'an Biota) has been reported from the Terminal Proterozoic Doushantuo phosphorite in south China, which provides an important window for evolutionary studies of multicellular life just before the Ediacaran animal radiation. In this paper we report on three-dimensionally preserved acritarchs from the Doushantuo phosphorites at Weng'an in Guizhou Province and, for the first time, from Baokang in Hubei Province. Our assemblage contains species of the genus Meghystrichosphaeridium Zhang, Yin, Xiao and Knoll, 1998 non Chen and Liu, 1986 including M. chadianensis (Chen and Liu) Zhang, Yin, Xiao and Knoll, emend. 1998, and M. reticulatum Xiao and Knoll, 1999; the genus Echinosphaeridium Knoll, 1992 including the species E. maximum (Yin) Knoll, 1992; the new genus Bacatisphaera including the new species B. baokangensis and the new genus Castaneasphaera including the new species C. speciosa . The latter shows a marked resemblance to similarly preserved phosphatized Palaeozoic acritarchs called 'mazuelloids', consistent with a phytoplanktonic mode of life for the global Doushantuo/Pertatataka microflora (DPM).     

Fossil preservation in the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo phosphorite Lagerstätte, South China

Phosphorites of the late Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation exposed in the vicinity of Weng'an, Guizhou Province, and Chadian, Shaanxi Province, South China, contain exceptionally well-preserved algal thalli, acritarchs, and globular microfossils interpreted as animal embryos. Combined optical microscopic and SEM observations provide insights into the taphonomy of phosphatized fossils. Algal cells and tissues are variably resistant to decay, and within preserved populations permineralization began at varying stages of degradation. In consequence, there is a spectrum of quality in cellular preservation. Algal cell walls, acritarch vesicles, and embryo envelopes are commonly encrusted by an isopachous rim of apatite, with cell interiors filled by collophane and later diagenetic dolomite. In contrast, blastomere surfaces of animal embryos are encrusted primarily by minute phosphatic spherules and filaments, possibly reflecting an immediately postmortem infestation of bacteria that provided nucleation sites for phosphate crystal growth. Thus, the same processes that gave rise to Phanerozoic phosphatized Lagerstätten - phosphatic encrustation, and impregnation, probably mediated by microbial activity - effected soft-tissue preservation in the Doushantuo Lagerstätte. It remains unclear how phosphatic ions and organic macro-molecules interact at the molecular level and to what extent specific microbial metabolisms or microenvironmental conditions control the phosphatization of soft tissues. New observations of phosphatized Doushantuo fossils include: a second locality (Chadian) for Wengania globosa , interpreted as an algal thallus and previously known only from Weng'an; microtunnels in Weng'an phosphorites interpreted as pyrite trails; and new taxa described from Weng'an: Meghystrichosphaeridium reticulatum (acritarch), Sarcinophycus radiatus (algal thallus), and one unnamed problematic form.     

New observations on Cucullus Steiner from the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation of Guizhou,South China

Wang, Y & Wang, X. 2011: New observations on Cucullus Steiner from the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation of Guizhou, South China. Lethaia, Vol. 44, pp. 275–286. The Neoproterozoic genus Cucullus is the most abundant and largest organism in the Miaohe biota in China, but has remained poorly understood both in morphology and classification. New material recently obtained from the upper Doushantuo Formation (Ediacaran) of northeastern Guizhou, South China, indicates that Cucullus bears thin organic walls composed of complex spongin fibres forming vertical filaments, which may have given rise to transverse filaments. Filaments, non‐mineralized spongin fibres, which may have served to support body, regularly interweave with each other in a body, and form openings on body sides that may have served as incurrent canals. The top pores may have served as excurrent canals. The overall features, including the organic wall, the complex spongin fibre networks, and the possible canal system of Cucullus, suggest a primitive element of the Demospongea. This benthic organism lived in a low‐energy, calm environment near or below the storm wave‐base with influence of episodic storms. Cucullus’ base nestled into the muddy substrate and its sacciform body floated in seawater. □ Cucullus, Doushantuo Formation, Neoproterozoic, Porifera, South China.