Longfengshania
Extinct enigmatic eukaryote
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Longfengshania is an extinct genus of enigmatic eukaryote,[1][2] ranging from the Statherian into the Ediacaran. Among the previously identified pre-Cryogenian macroalgae, Longfengshania is unique due to it possessing a stipe, blade, and holdfast-like structure.
Du, 1982
| Longfengshania Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
| |
| Reconstruction of Longfengshania stipitata | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Clade: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | †Longfengshania Du, 1982 |
| Type species | |
| Longfengshania stipitata Du, 1982 | |
Description
Longfengshania is most commonly found as an oval to discoidal blade sitting on top of a usually thin stipe. Specimens from the Shiwangzhuang and Jiuliqiao formations have probable holdfasts at the base of this stipe.[3]
There is a wide range of sizes between species of Longfengshania, with the largest specimens coming from the Longshan Formation, bearing blades up to 13 mm (0.5 in) long and stipes up to 20 mm (0.8 in) long. The smallest specimens come from the Doushantuo Formation, with blades up to 0.7 mm (0.0 in) or under in diameter.[3]
