Thermal taphonomy experiments challenge ultrastructural preservation in the Chengjiang yunnanozoans

• Published in: Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences Vol. 292; no. 2047; p. 20250567
• Main Authors: He, Kaiyue, Han, Jian, Liu, Jianni, Ou, Qiang, Mussini, Giovanni, Reich, Mike, Shu, Degan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.05.2025
• Subjects: Animals; Cartilage - ultrastructure; China; Fossils - ultrastructure; Gills - ultrastructure; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Temperature; China; Raman spectroscopy; thermal taphonomy experiments; ultrastructure; yunnanozoans; cartilage

Yunnanozoans from the Chengjiang fossil Lagerstätte (Cambrian Stage 3) are a highly controversial group of fossil deuterostomes. Recent studies have claimed the observation of ultrastructures, including cellular cartilage and microfibrils, in yunnanozoan branchial arches. However, the presence of th...