|
|||||
|
|
A NEW ARTHROPOD IN CHAIN-LIKE ASSOCIATIONS FROM THE CHENGJIANG LAGERSTÄTTE (LOWER CAMBRIAN), YUNNAN, CHINA |
|
| Authors: | by HOU XIAN-GUANG DEREK J SIVETER† RICHARD J ALDRIDGE‡ DAVID J SIVETER‡ |
| Institution: | Yunnan Key Laboratory for Palaeobiology, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, Yunnan Province, China;e-mail:; Geological Collections, University Museum of Natural History, Oxford OX1 3PW, and Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PR, UK;e-mail:; Department of Geology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;e-mails:; |
| Abstract: | Abstract: A new arthropod, Synophalos xynos gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Lower Cambrian of the Chengjiang Lagerstätte, Yunnan, China. It is provisionally assigned to Crustacea, Waptiida and Waptiidae. Just one example of an isolated individual of S . xynos is known. Typically, individuals of the new species occur together in similar, robustly integrated chain-like associations. Such a strongly linked configuration is apparently unique for any arthropod, fossil or living. The chain-like association is suggested to represent an example of collective behaviour, possibly associated with reproduction, or more likely migration. |
| Keywords: | Arthropoda Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte collective behaviour |