Noffkarkys Explained

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.

Description

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

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

Notes and References

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