Tuanshanzia is a genus of Proterozoic eukaryote, known from several locations across China and India, including the Gaoyuzhuang and Chuanlinggou formations,[1] as well as the Vindhya Basin.[2] It is probably an alga, although its exact classification is currently unclear. Tuanshanzia seems to be part of a wider group of elongate Proterozoic algae, alongside Changchengia and Eopalmaria.[3]
Tuanshanzia specimens range from long, and are often preserved as carbonaceous films with a wide range of shapes, varying by species. The type, T. lanceolata has a lanceolate shape, whereas other species have shapes ranging from oval to elongated. As a form taxon, Tuanshanzia is likely paraphyletic, although as no practical alternative exists it remains a valid genus. The genus is named after the Tuanshanzi Formation, where it was first discovered, while the various species are named after their morphology.[1] [3] [2]