Ediakar was the last period of the Neoproterozoic, spanning from 635 million to 541 million years ago. In turn, the mentioned species was one of the green algae, also known under the name green algae. Given how well preserved the three-dimensional fossil structures of this species are, paleontologists have achieved unprecedented accuracy in reconstructing this specimen.
One of the important conclusions of the analyzes is that Protocodium sinensis It was developed abruptly, indicating a high degree of algal differentiation during this period. The achievements of the study authors will, in turn, influence findings for the entire plant kingdom. Detailed information on this topic is already available in the pages BMC Biology.
The fossils that have been found come from the so-called Ediakaru
The cited publication describes how remains were found in the Dinging Formation in China’s Shaanxi Province. The specimens found are small balls about half a millimeter in diameter, resembling large pollen grains. It is covered with many small dome-like structures.
Through the 3D research, the scientists were able to determine that the domed surface is part of a complex single cell that contains a type of thin thread. This is very common with modern unicellular seaweeds, which consist of multiple nuclei. P. sinense It is in many respects almost identical to the current genus known as codium They occur at different latitudes.
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From the perspective of evolution including green algae in this group P. sinense Terrestrial plants share a common ancestor presumed to be between one and one and a half billion years old. But thanks to the new findings, scientists came to the conclusion that he is much older. However, the most surprising fact is that the described species turned out to be essentially unchanged with respect to the algae we are currently encountering.
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