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Oolitized fragments of filamentous calcimicrobes and the pseudofossil affinity of Nuia Maslov from the Upper Cambrian rocks of central Texas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2015

Ben R. Spincer*
Affiliation:
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EQ, UK

Abstract

The origin and affinity of the problematic Nuia Maslov is reappraised from exceptionally preserved specimens in Upper Cambrian (Sunwaptan) rocks of the Llano Uplift, central Texas. Nuia is suggested to be a radial calcitic ooid that has nucleated on fragments of reworked filamentous calcimicrobes rather than a separate microorganism as has been assumed previously. Nuia is found predominantly in intrareef grainstone accumulations, as well as in interreef grainstones, invariably accompanied by other bioclastic debris showing similar radial calcite ooid overgrowths.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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