# Dengying Formation > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Dengying_Formation > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Dengying_Formation.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengying_Formation > Source revision: 1356899139 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|Geologic formation in China}} {{Infobox rockunit | name = Dengying Formation | image = DuoshantuoDengyingTransition.jpg | caption = Transition between uppermost Doushantuo Formation and lowermost Dengying Formation | type = [Formation](/source/Formation_(geology)) | period = Ediacaran | age = [Ediacaran](/source/Ediacaran)
~{{fossil range|551|539}} | prilithology = [Dolomite](/source/Dolomite_(rock)) | otherlithology = [Chert](/source/Chert), [Limestone](/source/Limestone), [Siltstone](/source/Siltstone), [Sandstone](/source/Sandstone), [Conglomerate](/source/Conglomerate_(geology)), [Mudstone](/source/Mudstone), [Shale](/source/Shale) | namedfor = Dengying Gorge, [Hubei](/source/Hubei) | namedby = | region = [Yangtze Gorges](/source/Yangtze_Gorges) | country = [China](/source/China) | unitof = | subunits = See: Members | underlies = * [Hubei Province](/source/Hubei_Province) ** (Disconformably) [Yanjiahe Formation](/source/Yanjiahe_Formation){{cite journal |last1=Chang |first1=Shan |last2=Feng |first2=Qinglai |last3=Clausen |first3=Sébastien |last4=Zhang |first4=Lei |title=Sponge spicules from the lower Cambrian in the Yanjiahe Formation, South China: The earliest biomineralizing sponge record |journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |date=May 2017 |volume=474 |pages=36–44 |doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2016.06.032 |bibcode=2017PPP...474...36C }} * [Yunnan Province](/source/Yunnan_Province) ** [Zhujiaqing Formation](/source/Zhujiaqing_Formation) * [Shaanxi Province](/source/Shaanxi_Province) ** [Kuanchuanpu Formation](/source/Kuanchuanpu_Formation) ** [Huoshiwan Formation](/source/Huoshiwan_Formation){{cite journal |last1=Yang |first1=Sujiao |last2=Zhang |first2=Shixi |last3=Luo |first3=Yingjie |last4=Cheng |first4=Jiulong |last5=Luo |first5=Kunli |title=Constraints of paleoenvironment on selenium enrichment of the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition period Lujiaping Group in the North Daba Mountains, China |journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |date=April 2026 |volume=688 |article-number=113637 |doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2026.113637}} * [Sichuan Province](/source/Sichuan_Province) ** [Maidiping Formation](/source/Maidiping_Formation) ** [Qiongzhusi Formation](/source/Qiongzhusi_Formation) * [Jiangxi Province](/source/Jiangxi_Province) ** [Hetang Formation](/source/Hetang_Formation){{cite journal |last1=Zhou |first1=Chuanming |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |date=2006 |title=Ediacaran .δ13C chemostratigraphy of South China |journal=Chemical Geology |volume=237 |issue=1–2 |pages=89–108 |doi=10.1016/j.chemgeo.2006.06.021 }} | overlies = * [Hubei Province](/source/Hubei_Province) ** [Doushantuo Formation](/source/Doushantuo_Formation){{cite journal|last1=Condon|first1=Daniel|last2=Zhu|first2=Maoyan|last3=Bowring|first3=Samuel|last4=Wang|first4=Wei|last5=Yang|first5=Aihua|last6=Jin|first6=Yugan|date=2005|title=U–Pb ages from the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation, China|journal=Science|volume=308|issue=5718|pages=5–98|doi=10.1126/science.1107765|pmid=15731406|jstor=3841402|s2cid=11673032|doi-access=free|bibcode=2005Sci...308...95C }} * [Yunnan Province](/source/Yunnan_Province) ** [Lunasi Formation](/source/Lunasi_Formation) * [Shaanxi Province](/source/Shaanxi_Province) ** Doushantuo Formation * [Sichuan Province](/source/Sichuan_Province) ** [Labagang Formation](/source/Labagang_Formation) ** Doushantuo Formation * [Jiangxi Province](/source/Jiangxi_Province) ** Doushantuo Formation | thickness = {{cvt|1000|m|ft}}{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=R. |last2=Chen |first2=J. |last3=Zhang |first3=S. |last4=Lei |first4=J. |last5=Shen |first5=Y. |last6=Chen |first6=X. |title=Spatial and temporal variations in carbon and sulfur isotopic compositions of Sinian sedimentary rocks in the Yangtze platform, South China |journal=Precambrian Research |date=August 1999 |volume=97 |issue=1-2 |pages=59–75 |doi=10.1016/S0301-9268(99)00022-4}} | extent = | area = | coordinates = {{coord|30|59.12|N|111|13.27|E|display=inline,title}} | map = {{Location map+ | China#China Hubei | relief = 1 | width = 200 | float = center | places = {{Location map~ | China#China Hubei | lat_deg = 30 | lon_deg = 111 | mark = Dark Green 004040 pog.svg | marksize = 10 }} }} }} The '''Dengying Formaiton''' is a large [geologic formation](/source/Formation_(geology)) found in [South China](/source/South_China), and was deposited during the late [Ediacaran](/source/Ediacaran) between 551 – {{val|539|ul=Ma}} on a shallow marine [carbonate](/source/carbonate) platform. Due to the great area the formation covers, it not only contains a wide range of members for each province it outcrops in, but also contains differing modes of taphonomic preservation, from the common [Ediacaran-type preservation](/source/Ediacaran-type_preservation), to the rarer [Burgess Shale-type preservation](/source/Burgess_Shale-type_preservation). Recent studies from some of the middle members of the formation have also yielded rare transitional fossiliferous rocks, namely between the [Ediacaran biota](/source/Ediacaran_biota) and the [Cambrian](/source/Cambrian) biota, providing insight as to where some Cambrian lineages may have started and diversified from, and filling in many empty gaps between the Ediacaran and Cambrian. == Geology == Due to the large area that the Dengying Formation covers, the geology and members within the formation differ from province to province. These members are listed below in ascending [stratigraphic](/source/stratigraphy) order (lowest to highest), under the respective provinces they are found in: === Members === ==== Hubei Province Members ==== The formation within the [Hubei Province](/source/Hubei_Province) primarily lies within the [Yangtze Gorges](/source/Three_Gorges) area, overlaying the [Doushantuo Formation](/source/Doushantuo_Formation), whilst it disconformably underlies the Cambrian aged [Yanjiahe Formation](/source/Yanjiahe_Formation).{{cite journal |last1=Chang |first1=Shan |last2=Feng |first2=Qinglai |last3=Clausen |first3=Sébastien |last4=Zhang |first4=Lei |title=Sponge spicules from the lower Cambrian in the Yanjiahe Formation, South China: The earliest biomineralizing sponge record |journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |date=May 2017 |volume=474 |pages=36–44 |doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2016.06.032 |bibcode=2017PPP...474...36C }} * '''Hamajing Member''': This member is characterized by light grey, medium- to thick-bedded [dolomite](/source/Dolomite_(rock)), intercalated with thin layers of [chert](/source/chert). * '''Shibantan Member''': This member is interpreted to represent a subtidal environment and is composed of dark grey, thin-bedded [bituminous](/source/bituminous) [limestone](/source/limestone). It is the most fossiliferous member of the Dengying Formation in Hubei and has yielded several [trace fossils](/source/trace_fossils), such as ''[Lamonte](/source/Lamonte_trevallis)'',{{cite journal |last1=Meyer |first1=Mike |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |last3=Gill |first3= Benjamin C. |last4=Schiffbauer |first4=James D. |last5=Chen |first5=Zhe|last6=Zhou|first6=Chuanming|last7=Yuan|first7=Xunlai|date=2014 |title=Interactions between Ediacaran animals and microbial mats: Insights from ''Lamonte trevallis'', a new trace fossil from the Dengying Formation of South China |journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |volume=396 |pages=62–74 |doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.12.026 |bibcode=2014PPP...396...62M }} as well as possible lobopodian trackways.{{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Zhe |last2=Chen |first2=Xiang |last3=Zhou |first3=Chuanming |last4=Yuan |first4=Xunlai |last5=Xiao |first5=Shuhai |title=Late Ediacaran trackways produced by bilaterian animals with paired appendages |journal=Science Advances |date=June 2018 |volume=4 |issue=6 |article-number=eaao6691 |doi=10.1126/sciadv.aao6691|pmid=29881773 |pmc=5990303 |bibcode=2018SciA....4.6691C |hdl=10919/84444 |hdl-access=free }} * '''Baimatuo Member''': This member is primarily composed of light grey, thick-bedded dolomite. Traditionally, the '''Tianzhushan Member''' was considered to be the uppermost unit of the Dengying Formation in Hubei. However, its [small shelly fossils](/source/small_shelly_fossils) and ''[Micrhystridium](/source/Micrhystridium)''-like [acritarchs](/source/acritarchs) are a shared characteristic with the [Cambrian](/source/Cambrian) aged Yanjiahe Formation. ==== Yunnan Province Members ==== The formation can be found outcropping near the [Fuxian Lake](/source/Fuxian_Lake), and overlies the [Lunasi Formation](/source/Lunasi_Formation), whilst it underlies the Cambrian aged [Zhujiaqing Formation](/source/Zhujiaqing_Formation). * '''Donlongtan Member''': This member is primarily composed of argilaceous dolomite rocks.{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Gaorong |last2=Wei |first2=Fan |last3=Wen |first3=Wenwen |last4=Wang |first4=Xiaodong |last5=Lei |first5=Xiangtong |last6=Anderson |first6=Ross P. |last7=Zhao |first7=Yang |last8=Dunn |first8=Frances S. |last9=Parry |first9=Luke A. |last10=Cong |first10=Peiyun |title=The dawn of the Phanerozoic: A transitional fauna from the late Ediacaran of Southwest China |journal=Science |date=2 April 2026 |volume=392 |issue=6793 |pages=63–68 |doi=10.1126/science.adu2291}} * '''Jiucheng Member''': This member is dominated by various [siltstone](/source/siltstone) layers, with layers of [sandstone](/source/sandstone) throughout. This member is also fossiliferous in nature, containing the Jiangchuan Biota, with known forms such as ''[Alienum](/source/Alienum)'' and ''[Lobodiscus](/source/Lobodiscus)'' being present with in member, as well as a number of yet to be described fossils which bear striking resemblances to many [Cambrian](/source/Cambrian) animals. * '''Baiyanshao Member''': This member is predominately composed of dolomitic siltstone, which is argilaceous in nature. ==== Shaanxi Province Members ==== The formation in the [Shaanxi Province](/source/Shaanxi_Province) is composed of three members, and is underlain by the Doushantuo Formation, whilst it is overlain by the Cambrain aged [Kuanchuanpu](/source/Kuanchuanpu_Formation) and [Huoshiwan Formation](/source/Huoshiwan_Formation)s.{{cite journal |last1=Cui |first1=Huan |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |last3=Cai |first3=Yaoping |last4=Peek |first4=Sara |last5=Plummer |first5=Rebecca E. |last6=Kaufman |first6=Alan J. |title=Sedimentology and chemostratigraphy of the terminal Ediacaran Dengying Formation at the Gaojiashan section, South China |journal=Geological Magazine |date=November 2019 |volume=156 |issue=11 |pages=1924–1948 |doi=10.1017/s0016756819000293|pmc=6800678 }} * '''Algal Dolomite''': This member is predominately composed of light-gray peritidal dolostones, with paleo-karst structures being common throughout the member.{{cite journal |last1=Fan |first1=Yonghan |last2=Cheng |first2=Meng |last3=Chen |first3=Xinyang |last4=Rose |first4=Catherine |last5=Wang |first5=Haiyang |last6=Zhang |first6=Zihu |last7=Algeo |first7=Thomas J. |last8=Li |first8=Chao |title=Carbonate-associated phosphate evidence for a small inorganic phosphorus reservoir in the terminal Ediacaran ocean |journal=Global and Planetary Change |date=March 2026 |volume=258 |article-number=105284 |doi=10.1016/j.gloplacha.2026.105284|hdl=10023/33457 |hdl-access=free }} * '''Gaojiashan Member''': This member is further sub-divided into three units. Unit 1 of the member is primarily composed of silstone, which it then inter-bedded with thin dolomite. This then transitions in Unit 2, which is predominately composed of dolomitic siltstones, with layers of calcareous [mudstone](/source/mudstone) and limestone found throughout. Then, at the top, Unit 3 differs greatly in being composed of [conglomerate](/source/Conglomerate_(geology)) and sandstone, with layers of carbonate cement. This is also the fossiliferous member of the province, containing organisms such as ''[Cloudina](/source/Cloudina)''. * '''Beiwan Member''': This member is composed of grayish-white intra-clastic dolostone with occasional layers of chert near the base of the member, as well as locally occurring [bitumen](/source/bitumen). It also contains an extensive microfossil assemblage.{{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Wei |last2=Cai |first2=Yaoping |last3=Wang |first3=Xiaoyang |last4=Xiao |first4=Shuhai |last5=Hua |first5=Hong |title=Systematic description of new phosphatized skeletal fossils from the upper Dengying Formation in southern Shaanxi Province of South China and their implications for the evolution of terminal Ediacaran biomineralizers |journal=Precambrian Research |date=August 2026 |volume=441 |article-number=108132 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2026.108132}} Much like the Yanjiahe Formation in Hubei, the [Kuanchuanpu Formation](/source/Kuanchuanpu_Formation) is also occasionally placed as a member of the Dengying Formation in Shaanxi,{{cite journal |last1=Yao |first1=Xiaoyong |last2=Han |first2=Jian |last3=Jiao |first3=Guoxiang |title=Early Cambrian epibolic gastrulation: A perspective from the Kuanchuanpu Member, Dengying Formation, Ningqiang, Shaanxi, South China |journal=Gondwana Research |date=November 2011 |volume=20 |issue=4 |pages=844–851 |doi=10.1016/j.gr.2011.04.003}} however it is likely separate for the same reasons. ==== Sichuan Province Members ==== The formation within the [Sichuan Province](/source/Sichuan_Province) is found outcropping in the [Sichuan Basin](/source/Sichuan_Basin) in [Southwestern China](/source/Southwestern_China), as is primarily most well known for its gas reservoirs that can be found throughout the local area, such as the Weiyuan Gas Field.{{cite journal |last1=Pu |first1=Fan |last2=Qianxiang |first2=Meng |last3=Xinke |first3=Yu |title=Biomarkers of Upper Sinian cyanobacterial dolostones in southwest China |journal=Journal of Southeast Asian Earth Sciences |date=January 1991 |volume=5 |issue=1-4 |pages=129–154 |doi=10.1016/0743-9547(91)90020-X}} It is underlain once more by the Doushantou Formation, whilst it is overlain by the Cambrian aged [Qiongzhusi Formation](/source/Qiongzhusi_Formation). * '''First Member''': This member is predominately composed of gray dolomite, which is micritic in nature. There are also occasional algal dolomites throughout, with [gypsum](/source/gypsum) and [mudstone](/source/mudstone) inter-bedded within.{{cite journal |last1=Luo |first1=Liyuan |last2=Li |first2=Yong |last3=Wu |first3=Yuyu |last4=Lai |first4=Qiang |last5=Xie |first5=Bing |last6=Zhang |first6=Aobo |last7=Chen |first7=Shijia |last8=Xiang |first8=Zhongqiang |title=Influence of ultra-deep solid bitumen on carbonate reservoir properties and gas saturation correction |journal=Fuel |date=September 2026 |volume=420 |article-number=138900 |issn=0016-2361 |doi=10.1016/j.fuel.2026.138900|doi-access=free }} * '''Second Member''': The algal dolomite notably increases in this member, which is grayish-white in colour. There are also layers of clotted dolomite and algal mat-[stromatolite](/source/stromatolite) dolostone. * '''Third Member''': The algal dolomite decreases in this member, which is primarily composed of argillaceous dolomite, inter-bedded with mudstones and [shale](/source/shale)s. * '''Fourth Member''': The algal dolomite becomes a light gray to grayish-white algal dolostone, which is laminated in nature, alongside clotted dolomite and micritic dolostone, with siliceous nodules found throughout the member. === Jiangxi Province Outcrop === The Dengying Formation can also be found outcropping in the northern areas of the [Jiangxi Province](/source/Jiangxi_Province) as a light-gray, thick-bedded stromatolite dolostone, and is underlain by the upper phosphorite and dolomicrosparite dominant layers of the Doushantuo Formation, whilst it is overlain by the black shales of the Cambrian aged [Hetang Formation](/source/Hetang_Formation). Due to the limited exposed outcrops in Jiangxi, proper sequencing of the local stratigraphy has not been fully studied. == Dating == The Dengying Formation goes right up to the boundary of the Ediacaran and Cambrian periods, currently dated to {{val|538.8|0.6|ul=Ma}},{{ref icc|2024/12}} whilst the age of the base of the formation varies depending on the province. The middle Gaojiashan Member from the Shaanxi Province has had [U-Pb dating](/source/U-Pb_dating) done on several detrital [zircon](/source/zircon) crystals, which recovered a maximum deposition date of {{val|548|8|ul=ma}}.{{cite journal |last1=Cui |first1=H. |last2=Kaufman |first2=A. J. |last3=Xiao |first3=S. |last4=Peek |first4=S. |last5=Cao |first5=H. |last6=Min |first6=X. |last7=Cai |first7=Y. |last8=Siegel |first8=Z. |last9=Liu |first9=X.‐M. |last10=Peng |first10=Y. |last11=Schiffbauer |first11=J. D. |last12=Martin |first12=A. J. |title=Environmental context for the terminal Ediacaran biomineralization of animals |journal=Geobiology |date=July 2016 |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=344–363 |doi=10.1111/gbi.12178}} Meanwhile, the middle of the Third Member has been dated to {{val|547.3|4.8|ul=ma}}.{{cite journal |last1=Gu |first1=Zhidong |last2=Jian |first2=Xing |last3=Liu |first3=Guixia |title=A new age, provenance and tectono-sedimentary setting of the middle Dengying Formation of the terminal Ediacaran in the western Yangtze Block, South China |journal=Marine and Petroleum Geology |date=November 2023 |volume=157 |article-number=106509 |doi=10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106509}} The base of the Dengying Formation in the Yangtze Gorges Hubei Province has been firmly dated to {{val|551.1|0.7|ul=ma}}. == Taphonomy == The Dengying Formation is home to at least three different styles of preservation, which includes the classic [Ediacaran-type preservation](/source/Ediacaran-type_preservation) seen in the Shibantan Biota where only a negative or positive print "death mask" of the organism is made, [Pyritization](/source/Permineralization) as seen in the Gaojiashan Biota where any organic parts of the organisms are replaced with [pyrite](/source/pyrite), and the rare Burgess Shale-type preservation seen in the Tongshan and Jiangchuan Biotas, where the bodies are preserved as [carbonaceous films](/source/carbonaceous_films), including some examples of [Phosphatization](/source/Phosphatization) throughout the Jiangchuan Biota and Beiwan microfossil assemblage.{{cite journal |last1=Hou |first1=Jin-bo |last2=Wang |first2=Xiang-dong |last3=Hou |first3=Zhang-shuai |last4=Ramezani |first4=Jahandar |last5=Tang |first5=Qing |last6=Shen |first6=Shu-zhong |title=The terminal Ediacaran Tongshan Lagerstätte from South China |journal=Nature Communications |date=19 November 2025 |volume=16 |issue=1 |doi=10.1038/s41467-025-65176-2|doi-access=free |pmc=12630636 }} It has been noted that the Burgess Shale-type preservation may be rare due to a taphonomic bias of requiring exceptional conditions such as low oxygen, clay sediemnts and authigenic mineralisation of soft tissue to long-living minerals,{{cite journal |last1=Anderson |first1=Ross P. |last2=Woltz |first2=Christina R. |last3=Tosca |first3=Nicholas J. |last4=Porter |first4=Susannah M. |last5=Briggs |first5=Derek E.G. |title=Fossilisation processes and our reading of animal antiquity |journal=Trends in Ecology & Evolution |date=November 2023 |volume=38 |issue=11 |pages=1060–1071 |doi=10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.014|doi-access=free }} as such making it difficult to find and Cambrian-like biotas in the Ediacaran. == Paleobiota == The Dengying Formation is unique from most other Ediacaran formations, in that the top of the formation goes right up to the Ediacaran - Cambrian boundary, resulting in not only a wide array of Ediacaran organisms such as ''[Paracharnia](/source/Paracharnia)'' and ''[Dickinsonia](/source/Dickinsonia)'',{{cite journal |last1=Weiguo |first1=S |title=Late precambrian pennatulids (sea pens) from the eastern Yangtze Gorge, China: Paracharnia gen. nov. |journal=Precambrian Research |date=June 1986 |volume=31 |issue=4 |pages=361–375 |doi=10.1016/0301-9268(86)90040-9}}{{cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Xiao-Peng |last2=Chen |first2=Zhe |last3=Pang |first3=Ke |last4=Zhou |first4=Chuan-Ming |last5=Xiao |first5=Shuhai |last6=Wan |first6=Bin |last7=Yuan |first7=Xun-Lai |title=Dickinsonia from the Ediacaran Dengying Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area, South China |journal=Palaeoworld |date=December 2021 |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=602–609 |doi=10.1016/j.palwor.2021.01.002|doi-access=free }} but also rare examples of Cambrian-like organisms, such as ''Alienum''. Alongside this there is also a notable number of ichnogenera in the form of burrows, which also become more common closer to the boundary.{{cite journal |last1=Meyer |first1=Mike |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |last3=Gill |first3=Benjamin C. |last4=Schiffbauer |first4=James D. |last5=Chen |first5=Zhe |last6=Zhou |first6=Chuanming |last7=Yuan |first7=Xunlai |title=Interactions between Ediacaran animals and microbial mats: Insights from Lamonte trevallis, a new trace fossil from the Dengying Formation of South China |journal=Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology |date=February 2014 |volume=396 |pages=62–74 |doi=10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.12.026|bibcode=2014PPP...396...62M }} The formation is also well known for its abundant algal organisms, from ''[Longfengshania](/source/Longfengshania)'' to the enigmatic ''[Vendotaenia](/source/Vendotaenia)''. Recent studies have also found rare examples of Burgess Shale-type Preservation, in what is known as the Tongshan Lagerstätte and the Jiangchuan Biota from the Jiucheng Member. These preserves a wide range of fossil forms, from the first rangeomorph fronds with Burgess Shale-type preservation in the Tongshan, to the first reports of more recognizable Cambrian-like organisms, bolstering evidence that bilaterian animals where diversifying around this time, back up by the increase in the well known various burrows, movement traces, etc. The discovery of [White Sea assemblage](/source/White_Sea_assemblage) fossils such as ''Dickinsonia'', and more recently ''[Kimberella](/source/Kimberella)'', in the lower Shibantan Member provide evidence that the fauna of the White Sea assemblage survivied into the [Nama assemblage](/source/Nama_assemblage), and permit researchers to see how the [White Sea-Nama extinction](/source/End-Ediacaran_extinction) affected White Sea organisms. This also brings into question the validity and definitions of the three assemblages, with calls to provide further clarity on said assemblages.{{cite journal |last1=Wu |first1=Chengxi |last2=Pang |first2=Ke |last3=Wang |first3=Xiaopeng |last4=Liu |first4=Yarong |last5=Boan |first5=Phillip C. |last6=Zhou |first6=Chuanming |last7=Chen |first7=Zhe |last8=Xiao |first8=Shuhai |last9=Yuan |first9=Xunlai |title=Kimberella from the terminal Ediacaran Shibantan limestone, South China: The persistence of bilaterians during the White Sea-Nama transition |journal=Precambrian Research |date=September 2026 |volume=443 |article-number=108164 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2026.108164}}' {{Paleobiota-key-compact}} === Proarticulata === {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Proarticulata |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''[Dickinsonia](/source/Dickinsonia)'' | *''Dickinsonia'' sp. |Shibantan Member |Oval to elongated motile organism. Only one incomplete specimen is known. |center|150px |- |} === Petalonamae === {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Petalonamae |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''[Charnia](/source/Charnia)'' | * ''Charnia'' sp. |Shibantan Member |Frondose Organism. |center|100px |- |''[Charniodiscus](/source/Charniodiscus){{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Zhe |last2=Zhou |first2=Chuanming |last3=Xiao |first3=Shuhai |last4=Wang |first4=Wei |last5=Guan |first5=Chengguo |last6=Hua |first6=Hong |last7=Yuan |first7=Xunlai |title=New Ediacara fossils preserved in marine limestone and their ecological implications |journal=Scientific Reports |date=25 February 2014 |volume=4 |issue=1 |page=4180 |doi=10.1038/srep04180|bibcode=2014NatSR...4.4180C |hdl=10919/74309 |hdl-access=free |pmc=3933909 }}'' | *''Charniodiscus'' sp. |Shibantan Member |Frondose organism. |center|100px |- |''[Paracharnia](/source/Paracharnia)'' | *''P. denyingensis'' |Shibantan Member |Frondose organism. | |- |''[Pteridinium](/source/Pteridinium)'' | *''Pteridinium'' sp. |Shibantan Member |Frondose organism. |center|100px |- |''[Rangea](/source/Rangea)'' | *''Rangea'' sp. |Shibantan Member |Frondose organism. |center|100px |- |} === Trilobozoa === {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Trilobozoa |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''[Lobodiscus](/source/Lobodiscus){{cite journal |last1=Zhao |first1=Mingsheng |last2=Mussini |first2=Giovanni |last3=Li |first3=Yulan |last4=Tang |first4=Feng |last5=Vickers-Rich |first5=Patricia |last6=Li |first6=Ming |last7=Chen |first7=Ailin |title=A putative triradial macrofossil from the Ediacaran Jiangchuan Biota |journal=iScience |date=February 2024 |volume=27 |issue=2 |article-number=108823 |doi=10.1016/j.isci.2024.108823|pmid=38303714 |bibcode=2024iSci...27j8823Z |pmc=10831930 }}'' | *''L. tribrachialis'' |Middle Jiucheng Member (Qingshuigou section) |Tri-radial organism. | |- |} === Porifera === {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Porifera |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''[Helicolocellus](/source/Helicolocellus){{cite journal |last1=Wang |first1=Xiaopeng |last2=Liu |first2=Alexander G. |last3=Chen |first3=Zhe |last4=Wu |first4=Chengxi |last5=Liu |first5=Yarong |last6=Wan |first6=Bin |last7=Pang |first7=Ke |last8=Zhou |first8=Chuanming |last9=Yuan |first9=Xunlai |last10=Xiao |first10=Shuhai |title=A late-Ediacaran crown-group sponge animal |journal=Nature |date=27 June 2024 |volume=630 |issue=8018 |pages=905–911 |doi=10.1038/s41586-024-07520-y}}'' | *''H. cantori'' |Shibantan Member |Conical sponge, possible relations to hexactinelliid sponges. |center|100px |- |} === ''incertae sedis'' === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |incertae sedis |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''[Anabarites](/source/Anabarites)'' | * ''A. yuanbaoshanensis'' |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan and Lijiagou sections) |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Alienum](/source/Alienum){{cite journal |last1=Liu |first1=Junping |last2=Chen |first2=Ailin |last3=Li |first3=Binglin |last4=Tang |first4=Feng |last5=Zhao |first5=Jiangtai |last6=Chen |first6=Ke |title=Problematic Ediacaran sail-shaped fossils from eastern Yunnan, China |journal=Historical Biology |date=6 October 2024 |pages=1–7 |doi=10.1080/08912963.2024.2403588}}'' | *''A. velamenus'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |Vetulicolian-like organism. |center|100px |- |''[Cloudina](/source/Cloudina){{cite journal |last1=Dai |first1=Qiaokun |last2=Hua |first2=Hong |last3=Luo |first3=Jinzhou |last4=Min |first4=Xiao |last5=Liu |first5=Ziwei |last6=Zhang |first6=Song |last7=Gong |first7=Meng |last8=Bai |first8=Lin |title=A new silicified microfossil assemblage from the Ediacaran Dengying Formation in South Shaanxi, China |journal=Precambrian Research |date=April 2024 |volume=403 |article-number=107308 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2024.107308|bibcode=2024PreR..40307308D }}'' | *''Cloudina'' sp. *''C. hartmannae'' *''C. ningqiangensis'' *''C. xuanjiangpingensis'' *''C. sinensis'' *''C. (?) petala'' |Gaojiashan, Shibantan and Beiwan Members (Yuanbaoshan and Lijiagou sections) |Tubular organism. |center|300px |- |''[Curviacus](/source/Curviacus){{cite journal |last1=Shen |first1=Bing |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |last3=Zhou |first3=Chuanming |last4=Dong |first4=Lin |last5=Chang |first5=Jieqiong |last6=Chen |first6=Zhe |title=A new modular palaeopascichnid fossil Curviacus ediacaranus new genus and species from the Ediacaran Dengying Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China |journal=Geological Magazine |date=November 2017 |volume=154 |issue=6 |pages=1257–1268 |doi=10.1017/S001675681700036X|bibcode=2017GeoM..154.1257S }}'' | *''C. ediacaranus'' |Shibantan Member |Palaeopascichnid organism. | |- |''[Conotubus](/source/Cloudina){{cite journal |last1=Cai |first1=Yaoping |last2=Schiffbauer |first2=James D. |last3=Hua |first3=Hong |last4=Xiao |first4=Shuhai |title=Morphology and paleoecology of the late Ediacaran tubular fossil Conotubus hemiannulatus from the Gaojiashan Lagerstätte of southern Shaanxi Province, South China |journal=Precambrian Research |date=November 2011 |volume=191 |issue=1–2 |pages=46–57 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2011.09.002|bibcode=2011PreR..191...46C }}'' | *''C. hemiannulatus'' *''C. bibendi'' |Gaojiashan Member and Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan section) |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Cycliomedusa](/source/Cycliomedusa){{cite journal |last1=Zhao |first1=Mingsheng |last2=Zhang |first2=Yupeng |last3=Tang |first3=Feng |last4=Li |first4=Yulan |last5=Li |first5=Ming |last6=Zhong |first6=Ling |last7=Ren |first7=Liudong |title=Enigmatic discoidal macrofossils with central ring from the Ediacaran Jiangchuan biota, Southwest China |journal=Papers in Palaeontology |date=March 2025 |volume=11 |issue=2 |doi=10.1002/spp2.70005|bibcode=2025PPal...11E0005Z }}'' | *''C. jiangchuanensis'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |Discoid organism. |center|100px |- |''[Dictyotubulus](/source/Dictyotubulus)'' | * ''D. circularis'' |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan section) |Non-biomineralised tubular organism. | |- |''[Eoandromeda](/source/Eoandromeda)'' | *''E. octobrachiata'' |Tongshan Lagerstätte |Discoid organism. |center|100px |- |''[Gaojiashania](/source/Gaojiashania){{cite journal |last1=Cai |first1=Yaoping |last2=Hua |first2=Hong |last3=Zhang |first3=Xingliang |title=Tube construction and life mode of the late Ediacaran tubular fossil Gaojiashania cyclus from the Gaojiashan Lagerstätte |journal=Precambrian Research |date=January 2013 |volume=224 |pages=255–267 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2012.09.022|bibcode=2013PreR..224..255C }}'' | *''G. cyclus'' |Gaojiashan Member |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Hiemalora](/source/Hiemalora)'' | *''Hiemalora'' sp. |Shibantan Member |Discoid organism, possibly holdfasts of petalonamids. |center|100px |- |''[Multiconotubus](/source/Multiconotubus)'' | * ''M. chinensis'' |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan and Lijiagou sections) |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Kimberella](/source/Kimberella)'' | *''Kimberella'' sp. |Egg-shaped organism, possible mollusc. The youngest record of ''Kimberella'', and the first record of ''Kimberella'' in carbonate rocks. |center|100px |- |''[Palaeorhopalon](/source/Palaeorhopalon)'' | *''P. spiniferum'' |Beiwan Member (Tudimiao, Yuanbaoshan, and Lijiagou sections) |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Palaeopascichnus](/source/Palaeopascichnus)'' | *''P. linearis'' |Tongshan Lagerstätte |Palaeopascichnid organism. |center|100px |- |''[Protoconites](/source/Protoconites)'' | *''P. minor'' |Tongshan Lagerstätte |Curved conical organism, possible relations to Cnidaria. |center|100px |- |''[Shufangtubulus](/source/Shufangtubulus)'' | *''S. inornatus'' |Beiwan Member (Tudimiao section) |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Shaanxilithes](/source/Shaanxilithes)'' | *''Shaanxilithes'' sp. |Jiucheng and Shibantan Members |Tubular organism. Previously reported as a junior synonym of ''[Nenoxites](/source/Nenoxites)'' and ''Gaojiashania'', although recent studies regard it as a body fossil of a distinct genus. |center|100px |- |''[Sinotubulites](/source/Sinotubulites){{cite journal |last1=Cai |first1=Yaoping |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |last3=Hua |first3=Hong |last4=Yuan |first4=Xunlai |title=New material of the biomineralizing tubular fossil Sinotubulites from the late Ediacaran Dengying Formation, South China |journal=Precambrian Research |date=May 2015 |volume=261 |pages=12–24 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2015.02.002|bibcode=2015PreR..261...12C }}'' | *''Sinotubulites'' sp. *''S. baimatuoensis'' *''S. hexagonus'' *''S. pentacarinalis'' *''S. triangularis'' |Beiwan Member (Tudimiao, Yuanbaoshan, and Lijiagou sections), Shibantan and Gaojiashan Members |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Wutubus](/source/Wutubus)'' | *''W. annularis'' |Shibantan Member |Tubular organism. | |- |''[Yangtziramulus](/source/Yangtziramulus){{cite journal |last1=Shen |first1=Bing |last2=Xiao |first2=Shuhai |last3=Zhou |first3=Chuanming |last4=Yuan |first4=Xunlai |title=Yangtziramulus zhangi new genus and species, a carbonate-hosted macrofossil from the Ediacaran Dengying Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area, South China |journal=Journal of Paleontology |date=July 2009 |volume=83 |issue=4 |pages=575–587 |doi=10.1666/08-042R1.1|bibcode=2009JPal...83..575S }}'' | *''Y. zhangi'' |Shibantan Member |Enigmatic organism, affinities with other forms is unknown, although possibly related to the Petalonamae, like ''[Charnia](/source/Charnia)''. | |- |''[Yilingia](/source/Yilingia){{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Zhe |last2=Zhou |first2=Chuanming |last3=Yuan |first3=Xunlai |last4=Xiao |first4=Shuhai |title=Death march of a segmented and trilobate bilaterian elucidates early animal evolution |journal=Nature |date=19 September 2019 |volume=573 |issue=7774 |pages=412–415 |doi=10.1038/s41586-019-1522-7|pmid=31485079 |bibcode=2019Natur.573..412C }}'' | *''Y. spiciformis'' |Shibantan Member |Bilterian animal of unknown affinities, with possible relations to Panarthopoda or Annelida. | |- |} === Flora === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Flora |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Longfengshania](/source/Longfengshania)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''L. spheria'' *''L. elongata'' *''L. fusiformis'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Middle Jiucheng Member |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Thallus-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Protocodium](/source/Protocodium){{cite journal |last1=Chai |first1=Shu |last2=Aria |first2=Cédric |last3=Hua |first3=Hong |title=A stem group Codium alga from the latest Ediacaran of South China provides taxonomic insight into the early diversification of the plant kingdom |journal=BMC Biology |date=21 September 2022 |volume=20 |issue=1 |page=199 |doi=10.1186/s12915-022-01394-0|doi-access=free |pmid=36127662 |pmc=9491005 }}'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''P. sinense'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Gaojiashan Member |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Codiacean alga. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Baculiphyca](/source/Baculiphyca)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''B. taeniata'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Thallus-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Zhongbaodaophyton](/source/Zhongbaodaophyton)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Z. robustus'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Branching macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Doushantuophyton](/source/Doushantuophyton)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''D. lineare'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Branching macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Chuaria](/source/Chuaria)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''C. circularis'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Gaojiashan and Middle Jiucheng Members, and Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Enigmatic fossil, possibly synonymous with Tawuia. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Longifuniculum](/source/Longifuniculum)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''L. dissolutum'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Whip-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Tawuia](/source/Tawuia)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''T. danlensis'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Middle Jiucheng Member |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sausage-shaped macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Houjiashania](/source/Houjiashania)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''H. yuxiensi'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Middle Jiucheng Member |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sausage-shaped macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Vendotaenia](/source/Vendotaenia)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''V. antiqua'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Gaojiashan, Shibantan, and Middle Jiucheng Members |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Ribbon-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Laminarites](/source/Laminarites)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Laminarites'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Ribbon-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Flabellophyton](/source/Flabellophyton)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Flabellophyton'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Shibantan Member |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Filamentous macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|100px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Phacelofimbria](/source/Phacelofimbria){{cite journal |last1=Song |first1=Jinmin |last2=Liu |first2=Shugen |last3=Qing |first3=Hairuo |last4=Jansa |first4=Luba |last5=Li |first5=Zhiwu |last6=Luo |first6=Ping |last7=Yang |first7=Di |last8=Sun |first8=Wei |last9=Peng |first9=Hanlin |last10=Lin |first10=Tong |title=The depositional evolution, reservoir characteristics, and controlling factors of microbial carbonates of Dengying Formation in upper Neoprotozoic, Sichuan Basin, Southwest China |journal=Energy Exploration & Exploitation |date=July 2018 |volume=36 |issue=4 |pages=591–619 |doi=10.1177/0144598717743995|doi-access=free }}'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''P. emeishanensis'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tube-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Manicosiphonia](/source/Manicosiphonia)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''M. quadricellus'' *''M. fissilis'' *''M. conserta'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cone-shaped macroalgae. Possibly mistakenly referred to as ''Siphonia'' in Song et al., 2018, which is the genus name of the [Cretaceous](/source/Cretaceous) sponge ''[Siphonia](/source/Siphonia)''. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Actinophycus](/source/Actinophycus)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''A. nanjiangensis'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Branching macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Acus](/source/Acus_(alga))'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''A. muricatus'' *''A. concentricus'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Dense, thorn-like macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Balios](/source/Balios_(alga))''' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''B. pinguensis'' *''B. comfertus'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Unbranching macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Praesolenopora](/source/Praesolenopora)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Praesolenopora'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tube-like macroalgae, was considered a pseudofossil by [Martin Glaessner](/source/Martin_Glaessner), 1980,{{cite journal |last1=Glaessner |first1=M. F. |title=Pseudofossils from the Precambrian, including 'Buschmannia' and 'Praesolenopora' |journal=Geological Magazine |date=March 1980 |volume=117 |issue=2 |pages=199–200 |doi=10.1017/S001675680003329X}} although this has not since been pursude. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Paleomicrocystis](/source/Paleomicrocystis)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Paleomicrocystis'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Globular macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Parasolenopora](/source/Parasolenopora)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''P. subradiata'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Gleorrh](/source/Gleorrh)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Gleorrh'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Epiphiton](/source/Epiphiton)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Epiphiton (?)'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Clotted macroalgae, is noted to resemble ''Epiphiton''. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Renaclis](/source/Renaclis)-like organism'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Renaclis (?)'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Macroalgae, is noted to resemble ''Renaclis''. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Girvanella](/source/Girvanella)''' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Girvanella'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Gaojiashan Member |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Beltanelliformis](/source/Beltanelliformis)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''B. brunsae'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|250px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Gesinella](/source/Gesinella)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Gesinella'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Osagia](/source/Osagia_(cyanobacteria))'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''O. oncolite'' *''O. stratifera'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Baicalia](/source/Baicalia)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''B. stromatolite'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Cambricodium](/source/Cambricodium)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | * ''C. capilloides'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan and Lijiagou sections) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Subtifloria](/source/Subtifloria)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | * ''S. delicata'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Beiwan Member (Lijiagou section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Obruchevella](/source/Obruchevella)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | * ''O. parva'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Beiwan Member (Lijiagou section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Cyanobacterial colony. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Tasmanites](/source/Tasmanites)'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''Tasmanites'' sp. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Sichuan Province |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Unicellular algae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|150px |- |} === Microorganisms === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Microorganisms |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''[Protolagena](/source/Protolagena){{cite journal |last1=Chai |first1=Shu |last2=Hua |first2=Hong |last3=Ren |first3=Jinjie |last4=Dai |first4=Qiaokun |last5=Cui |first5=Zaihang |title=Vase-shaped microfossils from the late Ediacaran Dengying Formation of Ningqiang, South China: taxonomy, preservation and biological affinity |journal=Precambrian Research |date=January 2021 |volume=352 |article-number=105968 |doi=10.1016/j.precamres.2020.105968|bibcode=2021PreR..35205968C }}'' | *''P. limbata'' *''P. gaojiashanensis'' *''P. papillatus'' |Lower Shibantan (Gaojiashan and Lijiagou sections) and Beiwan Members (Lijiagou section) |Vase-like microorganism. | |- |''[Sicylagena](/source/Sicylagena)'' | *''S. formosa'' *''S. latistoma'' |Lower Shibantan Member (Gaojiashan and Lijiagou sections) |Vase-like microorganism. | |- |''[Dictyosphaera](/source/Dictyosphaera)'' | *''Dictyosphaera'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Unicelluar microorganism. | |- |''[Protoleiosphaeridium](/source/Protoleiosphaeridium)'' | *''Protoleiosphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Leiosphaeridia](/source/Leiosphaeridia)'' | *''Leiosphaeridia'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. Misspelled as "Leiosphaeridea" in Pu et al., 1991. | |- |''[Microconcentrica](/source/Microconcentrica)'' | *''Microconcentrica'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Polyedrosphaeridium](/source/Polyedrosphaeridium)'' | *''Polyedrosphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Leiominunscula](/source/Leiominunscula)'' | *''Leiominunscula'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Trematosphaeridium](/source/Trematosphaeridium)'' | *''Trematosphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Orygmatosphaeridium](/source/Orygmatosphaeridium)'' | *''Orygmatosphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Granomarginata](/source/Granomarginata)'' | *''Granomarginata'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Lophosphaeridium](/source/Lophosphaeridium)'' | *''Lophosphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Trachysphaeridium](/source/Trachysphaeridium)'' | *''Trachysphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Tortofimria](/source/Tortofimria)'' | *''Tortofimria'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Archaeohystrichosphaeridium](/source/Archaeohystrichosphaeridium)'' | *''Archaeohystrichosphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Micrhystridium](/source/Micrhystridium)'' | *''Micrhystridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Reticulatasporites](/source/Reticulatasporites)'' | *''Reticulatasporites'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Favososphaeridium](/source/Favososphaeridium)'' | *''Favososphaeridium'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Archaeodiscina](/source/Archaeodiscina)'' | *''Archaeodiscina'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Triangumorpha](/source/Triangumorpha)'' | *''Triangumorpha'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Gloeocapsamorpha](/source/Gloeocapsamorpha)'' | *''Gloeocapsamorpha'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Brocholaminaria](/source/Brocholaminaria)'' | *''Brocholaminaria'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Retinarites](/source/Retinarites)'' | *''Retinarites'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Prototracheites](/source/Prototracheites)'' | *''Prototracheites'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |''[Lignum](/source/Lignum_(acritarch))'' | *''Lignum'' sp. |Sichuan Province |Acritarch. | |- |} === Ichnogenera === {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Ichnogenera |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|''[Lamonte](/source/Lamonte_trevallis)'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| *''L. trevallis'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|Middle Shibantan Member (South Quarry) |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|Burrows. |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| |- |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|''[Helminthoidichnites](/source/Helminthoidichnites)'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| *''Helminthoidichnites isp.'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|Burrows. |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| |- |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|''[Nenoxites](/source/Nenoxites)'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| *''Nenoxites isp.'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|Movement traces. |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|center|100px |- |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|''[Torrowangea](/source/Torrowangea)'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| *''Torrowangea isp.'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| |style="background:#FEF6E4;"|Burrows. |style="background:#FEF6E4;"| |- |} === Undescribed === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:100%;" ! colspan="6" align="center" |Undescribed |- !Genus !Species !Locality !Notes !Images |- |''ESEN 0013'' | *''???'' |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |Tubular organism, possible affinities to Metazoa. |center|200px |- |''Undescribed rangeomorph "ESEN 0016"'' | *''???'' |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |Frondose organism, 3 distinct lobe-like regions, consisting of a thick stalk and two petaloids, which are made up of tightly packed branches. |center|200px |- |''Fan-shaped rangeomorphs'' | *''???'' |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |Two frondose organisms with a similar appearance to ''[Bradgatia](/source/Bradgatia)'', with one of the specimens, ESEN 0018, preserving with a possible holdfast. |center|200px |- |''Undescribed rangeomorph "ESEN 0019"'' | *''???'' |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |Frondose organism, with a similar appearance to ''[Charniodiscus](/source/Charniodiscus)'', consisting of a thick stalk and two petaloids, which are made up of tightly packed branches, also preserves a notable holdfast. |center|200px |- |''Undescribed rangeomorph "ESEN 0020"'' | *''???'' |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |Elongated frondose organism, with a similar appearance to ''[Paracharnia](/source/Paracharnia)'', consisting of a thin stalk and two petaloids, which are made up of tightly packed branches, alongside a possible holdfast at its base. |center|200px |- |''Undescribed frond "ESEN 0021"'' | *''???'' |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |Typical frondose organism, possibly with three petaloids in total, and a holdfast structure and probable stem are also present. |center|200px |- |''Undescribed tetraradial organism "YNGIP 90305"'' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member (Shanglijiao section) |Tetra-radial organism, noted to bear similarities to ''[Tribrachidium](/source/Tribrachidium)'' and ''Lobodiscus'' in the shape of its lobes, whilst its tetra-radial body plan is similar to ''[Conomedusites](/source/Conomedusites)''. | |- |''Undescribed Haootia-like organisms'' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |Haootia-like organisms, which are cup-like in appearance with terminal arms, and is fibrous in nature. The largest specimen is {{cvt|15|mm|1}} in length and {{cvt|20|mm|1}} in width, making them smaller than ''[Haootia](/source/Haootia)'', and may represent a new genus alongside ''Haootia'' and ''[Mamsetia](/source/Mamsetia)''. | |- |''Undescribed ctenophore-like organism "YNGIP 90303" '' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |A singular fossil that bears similarities to known ctenophore fossils, getting up to {{cvt|18|mm|1}} in length and {{cvt|10|mm|1}} in width, and has been compared to ''[Ctenorhabdotus](/source/Ctenorhabdotus)''. | |- |''Undescribed Mackenzia-like organism "YNGIP 90304" '' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |A singular fossil that bears similarities to ''[Mackenzia](/source/Mackenzia)'', with the fossil being compared to known mackenziid fossil from the [Chengjiang Biota](/source/Chengjiang_Biota), although it is noted they are much smaller, only attaining a length of {{cvt|18|mm|1}} in length and {{cvt|3|mm|1}} in width. | |- |''Undescribed worm-like organisms'' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |The most numerous bilaterian organism in the, consisting of a large holdfast disc and an elongated vermiform body with a terminal mouth, with the largest example getting up to {{cvt|61|mm|1}} in length and {{cvt|2.7|mm|1}} at the widest, whilst the holdfast is up to {{cvt|15|mm|1}} in diameter. It has been noted that the previously described ''Cycliomedusa'', also from this member, bears a striking resemblance to the holdfasts of these fossils, and may likely be said holdfasts preserved in another layer, with the body in another. | |- |''Undescribed sausage-shaped organism "YNGIP 90311"'' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |A single sausage shaped organism with a circular terminal opening inferred to be a mouth, and a long darker lined down the centre, interpreted as a gut. | |- |''Undescribed Herpetogaster-like organisms '' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |A number of fossils that bear similarities to ''[Herpetogaster](/source/Herpetogaster)'', with a coiled body set on top of a stem, with tentacle-like structures on wider head-region, although are notably simpler than that seen on ''Herpetogaster''. | |- |''Undescribed Margaretia-like organisms'' | *''???'' |Middle Jiucheng Member |Elongated fossils with ovoid holes running along the full length of the body in rows, bearing similarities to ''[Margaretia](/source/Margaretia)'', a tube-like organism used as a dwelling for hemichordate worms. The largest complete fossil reaches up to {{cvt|30|mm|1}} in length and {{cvt|4|mm|1}} in width. | |- |''Cloudinids'' | * ''???'' |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan section) |Undescribed tubular organisms. | |- |''Problematic spherical fossil'' | * ''???'' |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan section) |Undescribed spherical fossil of unknown placement. | |- |''Conical tube with round apex'' | * ''???'' |Beiwan Member (Lijiagou section) |Tubular organisms of unknown placement. | |- |''Conical tube with transverse annulations'' | * ''???'' |Beiwan Member (Lijiagou section) |Tubular organisms of unknown placement. | |- |''Conical tube with transverse ridges'' | * ''???'' |Beiwan Member (Lijiagou section) |Tubular organisms of unknown placement. | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''Zhenba columns{{cite journal |last1=Zhang |first1=Yuan |last2=Zhang |first2=Xingliang |title=A possible erect coralline alga from the Ediacaran Dengying Formation in the Zhenba area of South China |journal=Journal of Paleontology |date=September 2022 |volume=96 |issue=5 |pages=1209–1222 |doi=10.1017/jpa.2022.33|bibcode=2022JPal...96.1209Z |doi-access=free }}'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Possible affinities with coralline algae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''Doushantuophyton-like form'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Doushantuophyton-like form, possibly macroalgae. Bears similarties to ''Doushantuophyton''. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|200px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''Baseball bat-shaped form'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Baseball bat-shaped form, possibly macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|200px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''Irregular circular form'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Curved, oblong-shaped form, possibly macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|200px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''Net-like form'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Netted form, possibly macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|200px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''Ribbon-like form'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | *''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Ribbon like form, possibly macroalgae. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |center|200px |- |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |''[Archaeooides](/source/Archaeooides)-like fossil'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | * ''???'' |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Beiwan Member (Yuanbaoshan section) |style="background:#D1FFCF;" |Undescribed fossil that bears simiarities to the microalgae ''Archaeooides''. |style="background:#D1FFCF;" | |- |style="background:#FEF6E4;" |[Bilateria](/source/Bilateria) indet. |style="background:#FEF6E4;" | *Unapplicable |style="background:#FEF6E4;" |Tongan Lagerstätte (Wanjia section) |style="background:#FEF6E4;" |Known to have several pairs of appendages, but its exact affinity is unknown{{cite journal |last1=Chen |first1=Zhe |last2=Chen |first2=Xiang |last3=Zhou |first3=Chuanming |last4=Yuan |first4=Xunlai |last5=Xiao |first5=Shuhai |title=Late Ediacaran trackways produced by bilaterian animals with paired appendages |journal=Science Advances |date=June 2018 |volume=4 |issue=6 |doi=10.1126/sciadv.aao6691|hdl=10919/84444 |hdl-access=free |pmc=5990303 }} |style="background:#FEF6E4;" | |- |style="background:#FEF6E4;" |''Palaeophycus-like trace'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;" | *''???'' |style="background:#FEF6E4;" |Middle Jiucheng Member |style="background:#FEF6E4;" |Sinous burrows, which bear similarities to ''[Palaeophycus](/source/Palaeophycus)''. |style="background:#FEF6E4;" | |- |} ==See also== * [Ediacaran biota](/source/Ediacaran_biota) ==References== {{reflist}} Category:Geologic formations of China Category:Phosphorite formations Category:Cambrian northern paleotemperate deposits Category:Paleontology in China --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Dengying Formation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengying_Formation) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengying_Formation?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.