New occurrence of the Cambrian (stage 4, series 2) Guanshan Biota in Huize, Yunnan, South China

Abstract

Typical elements of the Guanshan Biota are reported from the Cambrian Stage 4 Wulongqing Formation of Huize, Qujing, South China, approximately 100 km north of the Guanshan fossil sites previously reported. Lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the current Zhujiaqing section are also discussed herein. Representatives of various phyla recovered therein include not only previously described sponges, palaeoscolecids, arthropods, brachiopods, echinoderms, and vetulicolians, but also some potential new taxa, e.g. a new species of Vetulicola. This new occurrence not only expands the palaeogeographic distribution of the Guanshan Biota, but also strengthens the ties between the younger Chengjiang Biota and the older Kaili Biota (and also the coeval Burgess Shale community).