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As one of the pioneer palaeontologists, Professor Zhuoting Liao has contributed his lifetime to promoting palaeontological and stratigraphical research in China for 60 years, and he passed away in the field excursion in South China on June 20, 2020. In his palaeontological career, Liao has worked on Late Palaeozoic to Mesozoic palaeontology and stratigraphy of almost all regions across China, and his interests have also extended to the Permian–Triassic (P‐Tr) boundary and mass extinction. He has worked on palaeontology, palaeobiogeography, biostratigraphy, tectonostratigraphy, and their implications in mineral and oil‐gas industries. Liao has established 22 new genera and 172 new species of brachiopods, and, together with his colleagues, proposed 11 new genera and 25 new species of echinoderms. He dedicated his lifetime to work on Late Palaeozoic palaeontology and stratigraphy of the previously remote and tectonically complex Xinjiang and adjacent regions, north‐west China, and established integrated stratigraphical frameworks for the Carboniferous to Permian strata, providing fundamental basis for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration in the poorly understood Central Asian terranes. In addition, he has mentored many young palaeontologists and stratigraphers in various ways. This volume assembles 30 papers addressing the Late Palaeozoic to Mesozoic palaeontology and stratigraphy of China and adjacent regions, which pays tribute to the achievement of Professor Zhuoting Liao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Brachiopods have been thought to be in very low diversity in the Early Triassic for a long time. There are only several Olenekian brachiopod fauna reported worldwide, all of which are in very low diversity. This paper reports the most diverse Olenekian brachiopod fauna so far, containing 14 species with nine genera. Among them, three new species are proposed, and six genera are found in the Early Triassic for the first time. This diverse fauna indicates that the diversity of Olenekian brachiopod fauna has been underestimated. Based on precise age constrained by conodont biostratigraphy and quantitative data of brachiopod, it can be inferred that brachiopod recovery in the studied section occurred in the latest Spathian rather than the Smithian when the environment started to ameliorate. Global brachiopod data also indicates that the initial recovery of brachiopods happened in the Spathian. As one of the predominant benthic organisms in the Palaeozoic, brachiopod was largely eliminated in the Permian–Triassic boundary mass extinction, and then highly diversified in the Middle Triassic. Since fossil data from the Early Triassic are rarely reported, the recovery patterns of Early Triassic brachiopods remain unclear. This study documents a well-preserved fauna that is the most diverse Olenekian brachiopod fauna so far (age constrained by conodont biostratigraphy) from the Datuguan section of ramp facies in South China. This fauna is composed of 14 species within nine genera, including six genera (Hirsutella, Sulcatinella, Paradoxothyris, Dioristella, Neoretzia and Isocrania) found in the Early Triassic for the first time and three new species, including Paradoxothyris flatus sp. nov., Hirsutella sulcata sp. nov. and Sulcatinella elongata sp. nov. The Datuguan fauna indicates that the diversity of Olenekian brachiopod fauna has been underestimated, which can be caused by a combination of reduced habitats (in geographic size and sedimentary type) compared with the end-Permian, great bed thickness making it difficult to find fossils and most species in the fauna having low abundance. Based on the faunal change in the Datuguan section and environmental changes in South China, it can be inferred that brachiopod recovery in the studied section occurred in the latest Spathian rather than the Smithian when the environment started to ameliorate. Global brachiopod data also indicates that the initial recovery of brachiopods happened in the Spathian, and many genera that widely occurred in the Middle or Late Triassic had originated in the Olenekian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Erdaopuzi section in the Baishan area of Jilin Province, northeast China, contains abundant late Tremadoc graptolites. However, there are some taxonomic controversies regarding the characters of the hand specimens that are difficult to identify. In this paper, we present our restudy of isolated graptolites from acid residue and discuss the taxonomic problems of the subgenus Clonograptus (Neoclonograptus) Zhao and Zhang. Four genera and six species were identified, including Adelograptus tenellus (Linnarsson), Ancoragraptus gracilis (Zhao and Zhang), Dictyonema sp., Psigraptus jacksoni Rickards and Stait, Psigraptus lenzi Jackson, Psigraptus arcticus Jackson. According to the significant evolution of morphological characters, two graptolite zones (from bottom to top) can be identified in ascending order in the study area, i.e. Adelograptus Zone and the Psigraptus Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graptolite-rich shale is the main layer of shale gas resources in the southern marine sedimentary basin. Recently, shale gas resources were discovered in the Ordovician marine graptolite-rich strata in the Ordos Basin. The graptolite shale in the study area is different from the marine graptolite shale in the Yangtze plate in southern China, and further exploration is needed. This paper presents core samples of the graptolite-rich shale of the Pingliang Formation in the southwest Ordos Basin as research objects. The graptolite genus and graptolite shale characteristics were studied using core observation, electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and geochemical analysis. We determined the role of the sedimentary environment and thermal maturation of graptolite shale in hydrocarbon formation and explored the possibility of hydrocarbon generation. Many graptolite epidermises provide buried organic matter. The quiet sea and low-energy marine environment create favorable conditions for preserving organic matter. The tectonic process resulted in the evolution stage in the oil generation window. Different types of pores formed the spaces of hydrocarbons. Therefore, the shale of the Pingliang Formation has shale oil exploration potential, which complements the shale gas in the northwestern margin of the basin, and provides new venues for shale oil and gas exploration in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The end Permian to Middle Triassic interval (∼252–242 Ma) witnessed the largest marine mass extinction and the most delayed recovery in the Phanerozoic. The nature and mechanism of these biotic and environmental changes remain unclear. This special issue focuses on the Triassic marine sediments in South China, which provide unique documentation of the collapse and recovery of marine ecosystems. Six papers focus on biotic changes and their ecological significance in Early and Middle Triassic times, documenting evidence from bivalves, marine reptiles, stromatolites, hybodontid teeth, vertebrate coprolites, and other putative fossils. Two papers study conodont biostratigraphy across the Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB) and Induan-Olenekian boundary. Two papers reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of the Early Triassic Chaohu Fauna and Middle Triassic Luoping Biota. Two further papers present new marine δ13C records and biomarker data and link them to volcanic eruptions in Early Triassic times. These new findings are important for understanding the co-evolution between biotic and environmental changes in the aftermath of Permian-Triassic boundary mass extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scleractinian corals appeared during the Anisian period of the Triassic after the end-Permian mass extinction, which in Triassic were distinct from the Jurassic-Cretaceous scleractinian corals. The study on Triassic scleractinian coral fauna as a separate field is significant for exploring the development and evolution of modern corals and investigating environmental changes since the Mesozoic. The first Triassic coral in China was reported in 1925, and since then, nearly 25 articles dealing with taxonomy and 17 papers about fossil reports on Triassic scleractinian corals in China have been published, which refer to 60 genera and 312 species, 49 localities and 25 strata. In this paper, the history, taxonomy, localities, stratigraphic distribution, current research, and existing knowledge gaps of the Triassic scleractinian corals in China are reviewed. More specifically, the research findings of the Triassic scleractinain coral in China since 1925 are discussed; the species of the Triassic scleractian coral fossil reported in China, has been examined and its synonyms have been sorted out; the geographical distributions of the Middle and Late Triassic scleractinian corals in China are systematically treated; the Triassic coral biostratigraphy in China has been improved; and the stratigraphic ranges of existing genera and species are provided. The above conclusions are presented in the form of complete figures. At the same time, we analyzed shortcomings in current research and identified productive future research directions of the Triassic scleractinian corals in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Llandovery and Wenlock conodonts are still inadequately documented in China, with data collected chiefly from the Baizitian section in Yanbian County, Sichuan Province, south‐west China. A collection of over 32 000 conodont elements was recovered from 38 samples from the Xiabaizitian and Shangbaizitian formations at this classic locality. The conodont fauna is dominated by cosmopolitan species and can be assigned to 50 species representing 17 genera. Of these, one new species, Apsidognathus yanbianensis sp. nov., is proposed herein. Six conodont zones are recognized in this section, including the Pterospathodus eopennatus Zone, the Pt. amorphognathoides angulatus Taxon‐range Zone of the Pt. a. amorphognathoides Superzone, the Kockelella ranuliformis Zone, the Kockelella walliseri Taxon‐range Zone, and the Kockelella patula Taxon‐range Zone, in ascending order. These zones can be correlated with other conodont zones around the world based on the occurrences of the stratigraphically diagnostic species. Moreover, the stratigraphical ranges of Pterospathodus enable greater understanding of the correlation of the Telychian guide taxa. The conodont biodiversity changes and faunal turnover across the Silurian Ireviken Bioevent are here documented for the first time in the Baizitian section from the South China palaeoplate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The graptolite succession of the YD‐1 drill core provides a new view into the lower Silurian (Llandovery) biostratigraphy of the Yichang region on the Yangtze platform of China. A thick succession of black to greenish, fine to silty shales and siltstones with a variable amount of poorly to well‐preserved graptolite faunas ranges from the upper Ordovician Dicellograptus ornatus Biozone (upper Katian) to the lower Silurian Lituigraptus convolutus Biozone (mid Aeronian). The Metabolograptus extraordinarius/Metabolograptus persculptus and Akidograptus ascensus/Parakidograptus acuminatus Biozone intervals are strongly condensed and bear poorly preserved graptolite faunas. A considerable gap can be detected above the Cystograptus vesiculosus Biozone, as the succeeding graptolite fauna indicates the upper Pribylograptus leptotheca Biozone. The interval of the upper Rhuddanian Coronograptus cyphus Biozone to the Lower Aeronian Coronograptus gregarius Biozone is missing. Lituigraptus convolutus was found from 1322.85 to 950.20 m, indicating a thickness of the Lituigraptus convolutus Biozone of at least 378.47 m. The age of the highest available graptolite faunas from the 729.40–750.70 m is inconclusive, but the level may still belong to the Lituigraptus convolutus Biozone. The correlation of the succession with other successions on the Yangtze platform of China indicates the need for a considerable modification of the graptolite biostratigraphy of the Yangtze platform in the Yichang region and revision of the described faunas. The Llandovery appears to be highly incomplete in the eastern flank of the Huangling anticline and the age of the biostratigraphically younger part of the succession cannot be dated precisely with graptolite faunas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with a tectonic event of Late Ordovician age affecting three blocks of China, i.e. South China, North China and Tarim. In the North China and the Tarim platforms, as well as their marginal belts, there was a regional uplift during the early Katian Stage of the Ordovician. The uplift was indicated by the unconformities between the Ordovician successions and overlying late Paleozoic strata. New biostratigraphic studies of conodonts and graptolites from many sections at Longxian and Yaoxian, North China shows that the youngest Ordovician strata are of the early Katian age corresponding to graptolite Diplacanthograptus spiniferus Biozone. The same level has been recognized to represent the uppermost Ordovician in the platform area of Tarim, whereas in the marginal belt the top boundary of the Ordovician is slightly younger, corresponding to the graptolite Dicellograptus complanatus Biozone. Thus, the regional uplift in North China and Tarim is shown by the disconformity between the early Katian strata and Late Paleozoic strata, the onset coinciding with that of the Kwangsian Orogeny in South China. The designation Kwangsian Orogeny later fell into disuse and was replaced by the term Caledonian Orogeny. However, in terms of geographic location, tectonic nature, and the timing of activity, the Caledonian Orogeny differs significantly from the orogenic event in South China, and the continued use of this term in South China is inappropriate and misleading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast Dongting Lake in the middle Yangtze River basin, China, was occupied by Chinese Neolithic settlements starting 10 000 years ago, and rice cultivation there is probably the earliest in the world. The numerous Neolithic settlements identified by previous archaeological surveys represent the five major Neolithic cultural stages, i.e. the Pengtoushan (9000–7900 cal. yr BP), Zaoshixiaceng (7900–6800 cal. yr BP), Daxi (6800–5500 cal. yr BP), Qujialing (5500–5000 cal. yr BP), and Shijiahe (5000–4000 cal. yr BP). Using sedimentological and geoarchaeological approaches, this paper analyses the drivers of basin-scale settlement relocation in relation to lake-level fluctuations and monsoon climate variations in the Holocene. The relocation of Neolithic sites around the lake shoreline and on the adjacent floodplain, together with radiocarbon-dated stratigraphy, clearly indicates that the shape of the lake basin was an incised and elongated valley occupied by a lake in the early Holocene, which became a broader and shallower depression in the mid to late Holocene. The established lowest habitable base of the settlements positioned on the lake shore assists reconstruction of the change in lake level from 22 m at 9000 cal. yr BP to 26 m at 5500–4000 cal. yr BP, although higher and lower lake levels occurred during the intervening cultural stages. The pollen spectra reveal a warming trend throughout the Holocene with at least four major temperature cycles, driven by monsoon variations between temperate- and warm-humid conditions. In the early Holocene the climate changed from cool-dry to warm-humid, and this played a key role in developing the earliest Pengtoushan culture in the region. Subsequent climate fluctuations fit well with the advance and retreat of the lake shore, also coevally with Neolithic site movements in the lake region. In this study we show how geoarchaeological evidence can be used in environmental reconstruction during the Holocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy are common means of subdividing rock strata. The biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme are regarded as the basis for the subdivision and correlation of regional and global stratigraphic units. This paper reviews research on the biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy carried out in the Jiangnan Slope Belt, South China since 1978, and, in particular, the biostratigraphic succession and chronostratigraphic scheme developed in the last decade. The updated biostratigraphic succession of South China includes 36 biozones, the base of each of which is defined by the first appearance of a single taxon (index fossil), and a poorly fossiliferous interzone. The updated chronostratigraphic scheme of South China comprises 4 series and 10 stages, embracing 3 global chronostratigraphic units, the Guzhangian Stage, Furongian Series, and Paibian Stage, and 2 GSSPs, all of which are erected in northwestern Hunan and 2 International Tie Points recognized in sections also in northwestern Hunan and each was accepted by the International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy for defining the base of the global stage. The biostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic systems are recognized as Chinese standards both domestically and worldwide. Future research is suggested for improving the two sets of stratigraphic standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Permian–Triassic boundary of South China has been well-known and well-studied for decades, but what is relatively less noticed is that there are also many excellent marine Lower Triassic sequences in the region, covering various paleogeographic lithofacies. This paper presents an outline of the various Lower Triassic stratigraphic sequences in South China and provides a reference to the application of the Lower Triassic subdivision and stages.The Early Triassic marine basin of South China is subdivided into five sedimentary provinces: Cathaysia, Lower Yangtze, Upper Yangtze, Youjiang and Lijiang provinces. Each province has an interrelated distribution of lithofacies and stratigraphy. The Lower Triassic biostratigraphic sequences of bivalves, ammonoids and conodonts are summarized in the various sedimentary facies and provinces of South China. The Chinese twofold subdivision of the Lower Triassic is primarily demonstrated as well in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Viséan–Serpukhovian boundary is poorly defined in South China, hampering regional and global stratigraphical correlations. The foraminiferal and conodont distribution of the Baping Formation in the carbonate-slope Danlu section permits the recognition of an interval from the middle Viséan to the uppermost Serpukhovian in a continuous succession. The base of the Serpukhovian in Danlu is recognized by the first occurrences of Janischewskina delicata , Howchinia subplana and questionable ' Millerella ' tortula. At a slightly younger level, the conodont Lochriea ziegleri is first recorded. A calibration on the first occurrence of L. ziegleri in different basins at a global scale has been revised compared to auxiliary markers within the ammonoids and foraminifers. The late occurrence of L. ziegleri in the Danlu section also supports a lack of synchronicity in the global first occurrence of this taxon. This study calls for the recognition of a new base for the Serpukhovian under a far better correlation between different zonal schemes and fossil groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the social, cultural and disciplinary factors that influenced the reception and appropriation of Darwinism by China's first generation paleontologists. Darwinism was mixed with Social Darwinism when first introduced to China, and the co-option of Darwinian phrases for nationalistic awakening obscured the scientific essence of Darwin's evolutionary theory. First generation Chinese paleontologists started their training in 1910s–1920s. They quickly asserted their professional identity by successfully focusing on morphology, taxonomy and biostratigraphy. Surrounded by Western paleontologists with Lamarckian or orthogenetic leanings, early Chinese paleontologists enthusiastically embraced evolution and used fossils as factual evidence; yet not enough attention was given to mechanistic evolutionary studies. The 1940s saw the beginning of a new trend for early Chinese paleontologists to incorporate more biological and biogeographical components in their work, but external events such as the dominance of Lysenkoism in the 1950s made the Modern Synthesis pass by without being publicly noticed in Chinese paleontology. Characterized by the larger goal of using science for nation building and by the utilitarian approach favoring local sciences, the reception and appropriation of Darwinism by first generation Chinese paleontologists raise important questions for studying the indigenizing efforts of early Chinese scientists to appropriate Western scientific theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fully cored CSDP-2 Well, drilled in the central uplift region of the South Yellow Sea, China, provides indispensable and very significant research opportunities to understand the evolution of life, paleoclimate, paleogeography, and tectonics during the Permian in the South Yellow Sea area of the Yangtze paleoblock. We here analyze 118 samples from 893.7 to 1798.8 m depth of the CSDP-2 borehole core and recognize three Permian palynological assemblages, Laevigatosporites minimus – Florinites florini (MF) for the Kungurian mid-lower Qixia Formation, Crucisaccites quadratoides – Limitisporites rhombicorpus (QR) for the Capitanian lower Longtan Formation and Macrotoispora media – Anticapipollis tornatilis (MT) for the Wuchiapingian upper Longtan Formation, in an ascending order. These palynological assemblages indicate a warm and semi-humid rainforest paleoenvironment and a drying tendency of the paleoclimate. The present study area belongs to the Yangtze paleoblock in paleogeography and is a part of the Cathaysia flora based on mega-plant fossil records. However, our palynological assemblages show similarities to those of both South China and North China subzones and, especially, their pollen contents with arid coniferous affinities highly similar to those in the north part of the South China subzone. The presence of conifers might suggest a more arid climate in the North China subzone had started to affect the Yellow Sea area in the Lopingian (Permian). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subdivisions of Ladinian–Carnian boundary beds and the lower Carnian strata in South China are challenging owing to a paucity of west Tethyan ammonoids. We investigated a conodont fauna in a continuous section at Yize in eastern Yunnan Province to provide a biostratigraphic solution. Five genera and 24 conodont species are recognized, and five conodont zones are established. The zones are, in ascending order, the Paragondolella inclinata Zone, the Quadralella polygnathiformis Zone, the Quadralella praelindae Zone, the Quadralella auriformis Zone and the Quadralella robusta Zone. The Ladinian–Carnian boundary is provisionally defined by the first occurrences of Quadralella polygnathiformis and Quadralella intermedia in the cherty limestone member of the Zhuganpo Formation. Regional correlations via conodont biostratigraphy indicate that the Zhuganpo Formation is probably diachronous, with a maximal range spanning the upper Ladinian to the lower Carnian. Amongst all common late Ladinian – early Carnian conodont genera, Paragondolella , Quadralella and Mazzaella are probably cosmopolitan. Budurovignathus was restricted to a few basins and probably preferred offshore or deep-water environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well‐preserved graptolites of the genus Kiaerograptus are first reported from the upper Tremadocian Yinchupu Formation in the Nanba section, Yiyang, Hunan Province, South China, including four species, i.e., Kiaerograptus lauzonensis (Erdtmann, 1966), Kiaerograptus stoermeri (Erdtmann, 1965), Kiaerograptus cf. supremus? Lindholm, 1991, and Kiaerograptus sp., which are robust in form. Based on these new specimens, the Kiaerograptus biozone is established for the first time in South China, increasing the late Tremadoc graptolite biozones in South China from four to five, in ascending order as follows: the Adelograptus tenellus biozone, the Aorograptus victoriae biozone, the Kiaerograptus biozone, the Sagenograptus murrayi biozone, and the Hunnegraptus copiosus biozone. A review of the occurrence records for robust Kiaerograptus species worldwide reveals that the distribution is restricted to the Aorograptus victoriae biozone and Kiaerograptus biozone in the late Tremadocian. This limited stratigraphical distribution makes Kiaerograptus a valuable taxon for precise biostratigraphical correlation at both the regional and global scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sevatian of the late Norian is one of the key intervals in biotic turnover and in changes of paleoclimate and paleoenvironments. Conodont faunas recovered from two sections of upper Norian strata of the Dashuitang and Nanshuba formations near Baoshan City in western Yunnan province provide new insights into the diversity and biostratigraphy of the Sevatian conodonts within China as well as globally. A lower Mockina (M.) bidentata Zone and an upper Parvigondolella (P.) andrusovi Zone are identified in this area according to the first occurrences of M. bidentata and of P. andrusovi. Rich conodont fauna of M. zapfei is detailed and presents various intraspecific forms. A total of 19 forms of P1 elements are presented, which, when combined with the reported conodonts in the M. bidentata Zone, suggest that there was a peak in conodont diversity within the M. bidentata Zone. A biotic crisis in the uppermost M. bidentata Zone is recognized from the contrast between the diverse conodont fauna in the M. bidentata Zone and the rare conodonts in the P. andrusovi Zone. The conodont turnover during the middle Sevatian highlights the fact that the prolonged phases of the end-Triassic mass extinction probably began in the transition interval from M. bidentata Zone to P. andrusovi Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South Qinling Belt is a key area for understanding the collisional history of the South China and North China blocks during the Lopingian (late Permian) and Triassic. This paper establishes the first integrated timescale based on conodont biostratigraphy and δ13C carb records from a continuous end Permian to the end-Early Triassic succession at Yiwagou, South Qinling Platform (SQP). Ten Early Triassic conodont zones are established. They are, in ascending order, Hindeodus parvus , H. postparvus , Neospathodus dieneri , Eurygnathodus costatus and E. hamadai , Novispathodus waageni - Scythogondolella mosheri , Pachycladina - Parachirognathus assemblage, Triassospathodus hungaricus , Ns. robustispinus and T. clinatus zones. Our record of δ13C carb fluctuations shows close correspondence to known Early Triassic carbon isotope fluctuations and, in combination with the conodont data, helps achieve a high-resolution age model for the region. The use of E. costatus as a good auxiliary marker for the Induan-Olenekian boundary (IOB), within palaeolatitudes of 40°N-40°S, is supported but it can not replace the use of Nv. waageni , because the former is absent in higher-latitude and cooler regions. The conodont faunas from the Palaeo-Tethyan Yiwagou section closely resemble those from the Northern Yangtze Platform (NYP), but they differ somewhat from the contemporaneous Nanpanjiang Basin at species level. Thus, the Qinling Sea was likely well connected with the NYP in the Early Triassic, but was more isolated from the Nanpanjiang Basin. The remarkable reappearance of Hindeodus fauna around the IOB at Yiwagou implies that the shallow-water Qinling Sea was a refuge area for this genus long after its disappearance elsewhere. • Conodont biostratigraphy and δ13C carb records from end Permian to the end-Early Triassic succession at Yiwagou, South Qinling Platform. • Discussion of index conodont for the Induan-Olenekian boundary. • Comparison of the conodont faunas between the eastern Paleo-Tethyan Yiwagou, South China and the western Paleo-Tethyan Europe. • The shallow-water Qinling Sea was a refuge area for Hindeodus fauna after Griesbachian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An assemblage of small, Middle Jurassic tracks from the Xishanyao Formation, located about 100 km west of Urumqi in the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang Province, is here designated the Nanshan site. The site reveals three ornithischian trackways identified as Anomoepus. These represent the eleventh report of the ichnogenus from the Jurassic of China. Two of the trackways show diagnostic hallux traces and indicate bipedal progression. A third indicates a quadrupedal gait. The biostratigraphic distribution of Anomoepus, and Anomoepus-like tracks indicates that they predominate in the Lower and Middle Jurassic of China and are rare in younger deposits. This distribution is consistent with that reported from North America and Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hemi-mandible specimen from a primitive machairodont from the early late Miocene deposit of the Shanzhuang locality (Linxia Basin, northwestern China) is described in this work. It is attributed to the species Machairodus aphanistus after detailed comparisons, as it fits well with the morphological and metrical features characteristic of that species, showing clear differences from other species of the genus. The record of M. aphanistus also confirms the age of the Shanzhuang locality, which is likely to correspond to the early late Vallesian. M. aphanistus was previously considered to be restricted to Europe, however, this study of the new specimen confirms the existence of M. aphanistus in China, and even possibly across East Asia. The discovery of East Asian evidence for this species has filled the gap between European and North American forms in terms of the immigration path of the primitive machairodontine. Abbreviations HMV: Hezheng Palaeozoological Museum, Gansu, China; IVPP: Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Palaeoanthropology, Beijing, China; IPS: Specimen number of the Institut Catalàde Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònomade Barcelona; HLMD: Hessisches Landesmuseum, Darmstadt, Germany; NMU: Neogene land Mammal Zones of China; MN: Neogene land Mammal Zones of Europe; c: lower canine; p: lower premolar; m: lower molar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conodont biostratigraphy is investigated in the Poyuan, Shangkou, and Menggong sections in Guangxi, and the Lower Emsian (Lower Devonian) excavatus and nothoperbonus zones are partly recognized. Combining the Lower Devonian conodont framework and lithological successions to date, the process of the Early Devonian northeastward stepwise transgression in South China is more elaborated in detail herein. It is proved that the differentiation of the "Xiangzhou Facies" and the "Nandan Facies" in South China took place in the nothoperbonus Zone. A series of high‐resolution Early Devonian palaeogeographic maps of South China is illustrated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary successions of the Frasnian–Tournaisian (Late Devonian to Earliest Carboniferous) and their spatial distributions in the Hainan Island, South China are critically reviewed based on updated information of the previously published data and newly obtained fossils. The Upper Devonian strata are assigned to the Frasnian Lanyang Formation and Famennian Changjiang Formation, which are distributed in north‐western Hainan Island. The Lanyang Formation is represented by limestone, siltstone, slate, and intercalated with tuff, and yields tentaculites: Polycylindrites sp., stromatoporoids, and tabulate corals. The Changjiang Formation yields abundant conodonts Palmatolepis gracilis sigmoidalis and Polynodosus germanus, typical of Famennian assemblages, and the associated faunas include corals, radiolarians, foraminifers, and calcareous algae of Famennian age. Of these, corals are assignable to the upper Famennian Cystophrentis Zone of South China. The strata of the Tournaisian Jishi Formation are categorized into two types, typically exposed in the Shilu and Jinbo areas, respectively, both of which are located north to the Gancheng‐Wanning Fault. The lower Jishi Formation yields brachiopods Unispirifer (Unispirifer) extensus, Unispirifer sp., Schuchertella magna, and gastropods. The middle Jishi Formation yields conodonts: Siphonodella isosticha and S. levis, brachiopods: Unispirifer (Unispirifer) forbesi, Atylephorus tornacensis, coral: Pseudouralinia irregularis, trilobite: Weberiphillipsia linguiformis, ostracods, bryozoans, and foraminifers. The conodonts are assignable to the zonation equivalent to the Siphonodella sulcata Zone, implying the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary is placed at the base of the middle part of the formation. The upper part of the Jishi Formation yields abundant brachiopods characterized by Mesochorispira subgrandis, Atylephorus tornacensis, and Marginatia huaqiaoensis. The presence of corals Cystophrentis, Pseudouralinia, Zaphrentites, and Kueichowpora, and trilobite Hunanoproetus, endemic to South China from the Changjiang and Jishi formations implies that the Hainan Island was palaeobiogeographically close to the South China Block of the Tethyan Realm, rather than of Gondwana affinity during the Late Devonian and Tournaisian. Identification of Xinanosprifer flabellum and Homotoma sp., typical of early Silurian from the 'Nanhao Formation' previously assigned to the Tournaisian suggests that no Carboniferous strata are distributed in southern Hainan Island and the area south of the Gancheng‐Wanning Fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two brachiopod genera, Cancrinella Fredericks and Costatumulus Waterhouse, are studied from the Permian of South Mongolia and South China. Many of the specimens previously described as Cancrinella are revised and assigned to Costatumulus. The new data presented in this paper indicate that these two genera are similar to each other, but are distinguishable by different features in relation to their morphology. Several species of both genera are described here, providing critical new information on the morphology and taxonomy of Cancrinella and Costatumulus. The reported biostratigraphical information reveals that species of Cancrinella are present from the Lower Carboniferous (Tournaisian) to Middle Permian (Capitanian), whereas species of Costatumulus are mostly restricted to the Lower Permian (Sakmarian) to Upper Permian (Changhsingian). An analysis of the palaeogeographical distribution of Cancrinella and Costatumulus reveals that Cancrinella was more commonly distributed in the Northern Transitional Zone and the Boreal Realm, in contrast to Costatumulus, which tended to be more common in the Southern Transitional Zone and Gondwanan Realm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Doushantuo acanthomorphic acritarchs are large morphologically complex organic-walled microfossils broadly constrained between the ∼635Ma Nantuo glaciation and the ∼551Ma Miaohe Biota. They are potential biostratigraphic tools for subdivision and correlation of the Ediacaran System in South China. However, major variations in sedimentary facies and stratigraphic thickness present challenges in understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of these acritarchs. Further, the distribution of acritarchs in the Doushantuo Formation is associated with the presence of early diagenetic chert and phosphate, implying a certain degree of preservational bias and/or environmental control. The purpose of this paper is to document the stratigraphic distribution of Doushantuo acritarchs and to quantitatively evaluate their biostratigraphic significance and possible taphonomic–environmental biases, based on high-resolution paleontological data from six sections over ∼100km in the Yangtze Gorges area, South China. A total of 1082 acritarch fossils were recorded from 84 chert horizons in the six sections of the study area. These chert horizons are not uniformly distributed throughout the Doushantuo Formation, thus the presence/absence of early diagenetic chert does play a role in controlling the distribution of acritarchs. The sampled chert horizons can be grouped into two stratigraphic intervals in the lower and upper Doushantuo Formation, respectively, based on regional stratigraphic correlation. Quantitative analysis shows that the two intervals are distinct taxonomically and largely independent of taphonomic or facies controls. Thus, the two intervals can be regarded as assemblage biozones. The lower biozone (biozone 1) is numerically dominated by Tianzhushania spinosa (n =587; 68.3%) and Meghystrichosphaeridium magnificum (n =74; 8.6%), whereas the upper biozone (biozone 2) is dominated by Ericiasphaera rigida (n =104; 47.1%) and Tianzhushania spinosa (n =34; 14.1%). The three most common genera, Meghystrichosphaeridium, Tianzhushania, and Ericiasphaera, have been identified in all sections. Correspondence analysis (CA), detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and pairwise comparisons of samples (Spearman rank coefficient and Jaccard–Chao index), all consistently support biostratigraphic zonations. Thus, the distribution of the Doushantuo acanthomorphs is primarily controlled by biostratigraphic position of samples, with facies and taphonomic differences playing a secondary role. Our case study suggests that acanthomorphic acritarchs can offer a viable tool for regional correlation of the Ediacaran System. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abundant conodonts occur in the Naqing section, southern Guizhou, South China, which has been selected as the candidate of the Carboniferous Kasimovian GSSP. Swadelina subexcelsa , Idiognathodus heckeli , I. turbatus and I. sagittalis , which are potentially index taxa for the Moscovian-Kasimovian boundary, are all recorded in the Naqing section. The lineages from their ancestors have been discussed in this paper, and furthermore, based on their lineages the conodont zonation is established for the global correlation. The provincialism of the Moscovian-Kasimovian boundary interval is also analyzed. The Tethyan and American Midcontinent provinces, can be identified to differentiate conodont faunas among major basins. The Tethyan Province can be further subdivided into the South China and Eastern European Platform subprovinces. By incorporating and evaluating varying aspects of the taxonomy, biostratigraphy and palaeobiogeography of the potential index taxa, I. heckeli might be the best marker for the base Kasimovian in term of its clear taxonomic definition and phylogenetic lineage, as well as its wide geographic range. • Conodonts from the Kasimovian GSSP candidate Naqing section, South China are studied. • The most complete conodont sequence across the Middle-Late Pennsylvanian boundary • Conodont lineages related to the Moscovian-Kasimovian boundary is presented. • The conodont provincialism during the Moscovian-Kasimovian time is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle to Upper Cambrian Machari Formation in Korea is well known for abundant and diverse trilobites along with other invertebrate fossils. Based on recent reappraisal on the trilobites of the Machari Formation, eight trilobite zones have been proposed for the Upper Cambrian sequence: i.e., in ascending order the Glyptagnostus stolidotus, Glyptagnostus reticulatus, Proceratopyge tenuis, Hancrania brevilimbata, Eugonocare longifrons, Eochuangia hana, Agnostotes orientalis and Pseudoyuepingia asaphoides zones. Trilobites from the lower five zones and part of the Pseudoyuepingia asaphoides Zone have been already published elsewhere. In this paper, we describe the agnostoid trilobites of the upper three zones, Eochuangia hana, Agnostotes orientalis and Pseudoyuepingia asaphoides zones, of the Machari Formation. These comprise 24 species belonging to 13 genera, including one new genus (Yongwolagnostus) and ten new species (Homagnostus? sulcatus, Ivshinagnostus alatus, Ivshinagnostus quadratus, Yongwolagnostus stenorhachis, Yongwolagnostus dubius, Nahannagnostus pratti, Pseudagnostus? dividuus, Pseudagnostus medius, Pseudorhaptagnostus? urceus and Ammagnostus serus). These biozones correlate well with middle Upper Cambrian zones established in South China, Australia, Kazakhstan, Siberia, and Canadian Rocky Mountains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thaumatopteris (Goeppert) Nathorst is a typical dipterid fern in the early Mesozoic, showing global significances for palaeoclimate, phytogeography and biostratigraphy. However, the detailed understanding on the relationship between species diversity and the environmental background of this genus is still unclear. Here, we reinvestigated new collections and type specimens of Thaumatopteris contracta Li et Tsao collected from the Upper Triassic of Yunnan Province, and analysed the systematic, diversity variations and tempo-spatial distribution patterns of Thaumatopteris in China. An emendation was proposed for species diagnosis of Thaumatopteris contracta based on both sterile and fertile pinnae. Our analysis demonstrates that the genus Thaumatopteris reached a higher diversity and differentiation with 11 species during the Late Triassic in China and suffered a severe loss of species diversity across the Triassic-Jurassic transition. Changes in the spatial distribution pattern of Thaumatopteris demonstrate an ecological response to local environment degradation in the Upper Yangtze region. The destruction of habitat and the block of the transport channel of warm moist flow from the Tethys Ocean caused by the Indosinian tectonic movement, especially, the uplift of the Longmen Mountains may represent the potential environmental trigger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Well-preserved organic-walled microfossils from the early Mesoproterozoic Xiamaling Formation in North China. • In total, 36 species of 28 genera including 1 new species are described. • The identification of 12 eukaryotic eukaryotic taxa indicates a moderate eukaryotic diversity in this formation. • The presence of Jixiania in North China strengthens its potential utility in biostratigraphy. The mid-Proterozoic (ca. 1.85–0.85 Ga) might have been environmentally "boring", but was a crucial interval of time for the early establishment of eukaryotic life on Earth. The Mesoproterozoic shale-dominated Xiamaling Formation (ca. 1.4–1.35 Ga) in North China preserved abundant organic-walled microfossils, some of which were of eukaryotic affinity but their taxonomic diversity and evolutionary implications remain unclear. In this paper, we present a palynological study of the lower Xiamaling Formation in the northern Tianjin Municipality. Similar to other Mesoproterozoic microbiotas, this assemblage consists of well-preserved and diverse spheroidal to ellipsoidal vesicles, filamentous microfossils and cellular aggregates. In total, 36 species belonging to 28 genera are identified, including 1 new species Quadrimurus clavatus gen. et sp. nov., and 5 unnamed forms. Majority of these taxa are recognised for the first time from this formation, indicating a richer assemblage than previously known. Although most taxa are of unknown biological affinities, this microbiota is thought to be composed of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, in which 12 taxa are inferred to be eukaryotic. These microfossils indicate a moderate diversity of eukaryotic life documented in the Xiamaling Formation, which is consistent with other microbiotas in the mid-Proterozoic. The presence of Jixiania lineata Yan, 1986 (= Lineaforma elongata Vorob'eva and Sergeev, 2015) in North China extends its geographic distribution and further enhances its potential as index fossil for the early Mesoproterozoic strata. The Xiamaling assemblage provides one of the broader pictures of the Mesoproterozoic biosphere, in which eukaryotes were predominantly protistan-grade microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nanpanjiang Basin is a key area for paleontological and biostratigraphical study of the Middle Triassic. Herein we studied Middle Triassic conodonts from a well-exposed section, the Shaiwa Section, which is located at the northwest end of the Nanpanjiang Basin. A total of six Anisian conodont zones are recognized; in ascending order, they are: the Nicoraella germanica Zone, the Nicoraella kockeli Zone, the Paragondolella bulgarica Zone, the Neogondolella constricta Zone, the Neogondolella cornuta Zone, and the Paragondolella excelsa Zone, respectively. The first occurrence of Nicoraella kockeli defines the Bithynian-Pelsonian boundary. The Pelsonian-Illyrian boundary is defined by the first occurrence of Neogondolella constricta. The Anisian-Ladinian boundary cannot be recognized at the Shaiwa Section due to the absence of conodont indicative of the Ladinian. However, the new conodont data indicate that the uppermost strata could be very close to the boundary. The abrasion of conodont surfaces provides evidence for demonstrating reworking at the Shaiwa Section, which makes some conodonts possess a longer stratigraphic range than previously recorded. The variation in relative abundance between blade-shaped conodonts and platform conodonts indicates that segminiplanate elements probably preferred deeper and oxygenated environments whereas a restricted marine environment is more suitable for segminate elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost all aspects of conodont research rely on a sound taxonomy based on comparative analysis. This is founded on hypotheses of homology which ultimately rest on knowledge of the location of elements in the apparatus. Natural assemblages—fossils that preserve the articulated remains of the conodont skeletal apparatus—provide our only direct evidence for element location, but very few are known from the Late Triassic. Here we describe fused clusters (natural assemblages) from the late Norian limestone beds of the Nanshuba Formation in Baoshan, Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Recurrent arrangements and juxtaposition of S and M elements in multiple clusters reveal the composition of the apparatus of Mockina and, probably, Parvigondolella. They indicate that these taxa had a standard 15 elements ozarkodinid apparatus, and provide new insights into the morphology of the elements occupying the P2, M and S locations of the apparatus. The apparatus comprised a single alate (hibbardelliform) S0 element, paired breviform digyrate (grodelliform) S1 and (enantiognathiform) S2 elements, paired bipennate (hindeodelliform) S3 and S4 elements, paired breviform digyrate (cypridodellifrom) M elements, paired, modified-angulate P2 elements (with reduced or lacking 'posterior' process) and segminiplanate (mockiniform and parvigondolelliform) P1 elements. Our results will allow testing of the hypothesis that Mockina, Parvigondolella and Misikella—critical taxa in Late Triassic biostratigraphy—are closely related and possessed morphologically similar elements in homologous locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the Shuixiakou Section (Xikou area, Zhen'an County, Shaanxi Province, southeastern Qinling region, China), the Roadian-Wordian conodonts are investigated. More than 2 000 conodont elements including 6 genera and 14 species have been obtained. Based on these materials, the Guadalupian Jinogondolella nankingensis and J. aserrata zones have been recognized. The Roadian-Wordian boundary is tentatively defined by the first occurrence of J. aserrata in the lower part of Unit III in the Shuixiakou Formation. The sedimentary succession of Xikou area records similar sea-level changes to those observed in Laibin area (South China). The 40 m-thick bioclastic limestone of Unit IV in this section can be correlated with the reefs of Bed 114 in Laibin area. A temperature drop indicated by δ18Oapatite values suggests this Wordian interval coincides with a period of glaciation and global regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based initially on microfossils, Nostolepis is one of the first known 'acanthodians', which constitute a paraphyletic assemblage of plesiomorphic members of the total group Chondrichthyes. Its wide distribution has potential implications for stratigraphic comparisons worldwide. Six species of Nostolepis have been reported in China, including one species from the Xitun Formation (Lochkovian, Lower Devonian) of Qujing, eastern Yunnan. Acid preparation of rock samples from the Xitun Formation has yielded abundant acanthodian remains. Based on both morphological and histological examinations, here we identify five species of Nostolepis, including two new species. N. qujingensis sp. nov. is characterized by thin scales devoid of the neck anteriorly and the dentine tubules rarely present in the anterior part of the crown. N. digitus sp. nov. is characterized by parallel ridges on anterior and lateral margins of the crown, and the neck constricted and ornamented with pore openings. We extend the duration of N. striata in China from the Pridoli of Silurian (Yulungssu Formation) to the Lower Devonian in Qujing and report the first occurrences of N. amplifica and N. consueta in this region. This study increases the diversity of the Lower Devonian Xitun Fauna and provides a better understanding of the paleogeographic distribution of Nostolepis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by conodont biostratigraphy and unconformities observed in the field, stable carbon isotopic analysis (δ13Ccarb) was performed on 210 samples from Lower–Middle Ordovician (Tremadocian to Darriwilian) sections and wells in the Tarim Basin, NW China. The δ13C trend in the Tarim Basin sections has three distinct characteristics: (1) from the Tremadocian to the Floian, a positive shift from −1.9 ‰ to −0.2 ‰ is observed near the boundary between the Penglaiba Formation and the Yingshan Formation; (2) from the Floian to the Dapingian, a positive shift in δ13C from −3 ‰ to −0.7 ‰ occurred under large-scale sea-level rise and a change in the sedimentary environment from a restricted platform to an open platform. Changes in the conodont type are also observed in the Tabei region; and (3) from the Dapingian to the Darriwilian, δ13C first decreased and then increased, showing a negative shift at the Dapingian–Darriwilian boundary. During the Floian, δ13C decreased in the study area, while it first decreased and then increased in other regions, which may reflect local sea-level movements in response to isostatic crustal movements. Two types of positive shift were identified at the Floian–Dapingian boundary, which likely show the effects of local factors, including a disconformity, dolomitization, and platform restriction, superimposed on the global signal of the carbon isotope. Some conodont zonations and recurrent negative excursions in Tremadocian, Floian and Dapingian stages appear to be truncated by unconformities, which are accompanied by short-term subaerial exposure due to sea-level fall and local tectonic uplift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of a detailed study of 39 sections in the Djangdjir and Kokshaal ranges of the South Tianshan (Kyrgyzstan), the conodont zonation of deep-water facies of the Tournaisian, Visean, and Serpukhovian stages was specified. Nine conodont zones, including three new ones, and one unit in the rank of layers with conodonts were distinguished. The deep-water character of studied facies determines the predominant occurrence of cosmopolitan conodonts, which enable the reliable correlation with coeval sections in many regions worldwide. The comparison of conodont assemblages at the specific level indicates that conodont assemblages from the South Tianshan sections are the most similar to those from the Southern Urals and South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a depositional history spanning the early Aptian to early Albian (~19 mys), the Lower Cretaceous Xinminpu Group in Jiuquan, NW China provides detailed record of an inland ecosystem responding to global climatic and environmental changes. The Xinminpu Group exhibits the most typical elements of the Jehol Biota found outside NE China, a highly diverse avifauna and a mid-Cretaceous angiosperm flora. The absence of a comprehensive stratigraphical framework for this area however limits the degree to which the unit can be interpreted relative to coeval sections and the geological records in genera. Recent fossil discoveries and radio-isotopic age data can provide a more detailed biostratigraphical and chronostratigraphical framework for Lower Cretaceous units around Jiuquan. The data complied here indicate that the Chijinpu Formation correlates with the middle-upper Yixian and lower Jiufotang formations of NE China making it early Aptian in age, and the Xiagou Formation correlates with the upper Jiufotang and Shahai formations making it late early Aptian-early Albian in age. This research further reports a novel zircon U-Pb age constraint of 112.4 ± 0.3 Ma for a basalt sample from the lowermost Zhonggou Formation, which is supported to be correlated with the Fuxin Formation of early Albian age. The Chijinpu Formation contains typical elements of the Jehol Biota, i.e. the Eosestheria - Lycoptera - Ephemeropsis trisetalis assemblage, confirming the interpretation that the Jehol Biota had reached Jiuquan during its second evolutionary stage. The Xiagou Formation contains the amphibious avifauna appearing just above OAE1a, indicating a close link between the early Ornithuromorpha evolution and early Aptian global climate changes. The Zhonggou Formation in Jiuquan records the first appearance of an angiosperm flora above OAE1b. Depositional indicators suggest a humid climate with a gradual shift to arid conditions during this time. This review paper laid foundation for the systematic study of the well-preserved Early Cretaceous ecosystem in Jiuquan, allowing to understand correlations between inland and marine environments as recorded in sediments from this critical period. • We establish the stratigraphy and time scales for the Lower Cretaceous in Jiuquan. • We review how a Cretaceous inland ecosystem responded to global climatic change. • This study summarizes the detailed fossil records for the Jehol Biota in NW China. • Robust age for the less-studied outcrops allows to test the Jehol radiations. • A close link existed between early Ornithuromorpha evolution and OAE1a. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baoshan region of Yunnan Province, SW China, is one of the best locations to study Wenlock to Pridoli conodonts in China. Detailed analysis of conodont collections from the Silurian strata (the "Lichaiba" and Niushiping formations) of the Laojianshan section in the Baoshan region resulted in revised dating of the section. In stratigraphically ascending order, the Pterospathodus amorphognathoides amorphognathoides Zonal Group, the Pterospathodus pennatus procerus Superbiozone (probably only the Lower Pterospathodus pennatus procerus Biozone), the Ozarkodina sagitta sagitta Biozone, the Kockelella ortus absidata Biozone, the Kockelella crassa Biozone, the Polygnathoides siluricus Biozone and the "Ozarkodina" eosteinhornensis s.l. Interval Biozone are recognised. The conodont faunas recovered indicate that the "Lichaiba Formation" corresponds to the upper Telychian–upper Wenlock, and the Niushiping Formation to the Ludlow–Pridoli. Part of the Ireviken Event, that is, from Datum 3 to Datum 4 can be recognised from the studied section. The late Telychian conodont fauna from the Laojianshan section is characteristic of distal, open‐shelf depositional environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method using graptolite to identify shale gas sweet-spot intervals is proposed. • A new assessment system for shale gas resource is summarized for the first time. • The new system has enhanced the efficiency of shale gas exploration in China. • The new system using graptolite effectively evaluates shale gas resource in China. Shale gas exploration or development has been carried out in many countries, and gas shales have become one of the major sources of future natural gas production worldwide. However, many differences of gas shales in China with those in other regions make shale gas development in China exceptionally challenging. Fortunately, the Wufeng-Longmaxi gas shales in China contain abundant graptolites, providing a potential method for evaluating the quality of these gas shale reservoirs in South China. Numerous exploration studies have shown that the shale gas sweet-spot intervals in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale coincide with graptolite biozones WF2-LM5, providing new insight for evaluating shale gas sweet-spot intervals. This paper, for the first time, proposes a new integrated method using graptolite zones to identify shale gas sweet-spot intervals. Once the sweet-spot interval of shale gas is determined quickly by using this method in an explored block, it can provide an important reference for well design and hydraulically fracturing treatments within short time, significantly enhancing the efficiency of shale gas exploration. More importantly, this new integrated assessment system can be utilized to quickly judge the potential of shale gas development for new shale gas blocks or poorly explored blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brachiopods from Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4 carbonate strata of the Byrd Group in the Central Transantarctic Mountains, East Antarctica, are described for the first time. These include six lingulate, one paterinate and one rhynchonelliform taxon, including the new lingulate brachiopod Plicarmus wildi gen. et sp. nov. The biostratigraphy correlates closely to the brachiopods recently reported from the Xinji Formation (Shuiyu section) in North China, as well as brachiopods recovered from the Dailyatia odyssei Zone across the Arrowie Basin of South Australia. These findings also support the previously identified close palaeobiogeography of these regions. The first unambiguous example of the acrotretid brachiopod Eohadrotreta zhenbaensis Li & Holmer outside South China is also identified in the context of its ontogenetic stages. Well‐preserved specimens of the acrotheloid Schizopholis yorkensis (Holmer & Ushatinskaya) facilitate a new reconstruction of its musculature and visceral region. These data are synthesized into a new cladistic analysis that resolves Acrotheloidea as a well‐supported monophyletic clade and supports previous hypotheses of a morphocline in acrotheloid evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle Ordovician conodont fauna consisting of six species was recovered from the upper part of the Lower Limestone and the middle part of the overlying Haengmae Formation in the western Jeongseon area, Korea. Two conodont biozones are established for this interval, the Erraticodon tangshanensis Interval Zone for the upper part of the Lower Limestone and the Eoplacognathus suecicus Range Zone for the uppermost part of the Lower Limestone to the middle part of the Haengmae Formation. The first biozone is comparable to the Darriwilian (early Dw2) Tangshanodus tangshanensis-Histiodella holodentata Zone in North China and the Tangshanodus tangshanensis Zone in South Korea. The second biozone corresponds to the eponymous Dar-riwilian (late Dw2) zones recognized in North China and Korea. The biostratigraphy indicates that the Lower Limestone and Haengmae Formation in the western Jeongseon area is correlated only with lower and middle parts of the Jeongseon Limestone in the central and eastern Jeongseon area, and thus the Jeongseon Limestone is not a valid lithostratigraphic unit for the western Jeongseon area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 5,918 conodonts have been recovered from the upper Hulo Formation and the lower Yenwashan Formation in the Hengdu section, Jiangshan County, Zhejiang Province, south‐eastern China, spanning the interval from the middle Darriwilian to the early Sandbian. Thirty‐three species, belonging to 24 genera, have been identified with three biozones (i.e., the Dzikodus tablepointensis Biozone, the Histiodella kristinae Biozone, and the Pygodus anserinus Biozone) recognized in the region. Using multivariate analysis, the Periodon–Protopanderodus biofacies is recorded from the upper Hulo Formation, and the Periodon–Pygodus biofacies and the Protopanderodus–Baltoniodus biofacies are recorded from the lower Yenwashan Formation. The Periodon–Protopanderodus biofacies and the Periodon–Pygodus biofacies represent a deep‐water environment, such as the margin of the platform and/or slope environment, deeper than that of the Protopanderodus–Baltoniodus biofacies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep-water facies sections have advantages of recording complete information across the Permian-Triassic boundary (PTB). Here we present a detailed study on the conodont biostratigraphy and carbon isotope profile ranges from the Wuchiapingian-Changhsingian boundary (WCB) to the PTB of two deep-water facies sections at Zhuqiao and Shiligou in the Middle Yangtze region, western Hubei, South China. Fifteen species and three genera are identified. Eight conodont zones are recognized, in ascending order, they are the Clarkina orientalis, C. wangi, C. subcarinata, C. changxingensis, C. yini, C. meishanensis, Hindeodus parvus and Isarcicella isarcica zones. The onset of deposition of the deep-water siliceous strata of the Dalong Formation in western Hubei began in the Late Wuchiapingian and persisted to the Late Changhsingian. Carbon isotope negative excursions occur near both the WCB and PTB in both sections. The WCB δ13Ccarb negative excursion is in the C. orientalis and C. wangi zones. The PTB δ13Ccarb negative excursion began in the C. yini Zone and extended to the I. isarcica Zone. The absence of several Changhsingian zones may indicate the difficulty of extracting conodonts from siliceous strata or the presence of an intra-Changhsingian hiatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furongian (upper Cambrian) conodonts from the Shenjiawan Formation, Wa'ergang section, Taoyuan County, Hunan Province, South China are described. The Wa'ergang section has been proposed as a potential GSSP for the base of the uppermost stage of the Cambrian System, at the first appearance of the agnostoid trilobite Lotagnostus americanus. The Shenjiawan Formation consists of limestone with intercalations of marlstone and shale. The conodont yielding is low and the preservation is moderate. The conodont fauna includes proto-, para- and euconodonts. Conodont taxa characteristic of North China, South China and Korea occur together with cosmopolitan taxa. The biostratigraphic distribution of conodonts is directly correlated with the agnostoid trilobite biozones, with the base of the Proconodontus posterocostatus Zone very close to the base of the Lotagnostus americanus trilobite Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enigmatic clonal organism from the earliest Floian (Arenig) Fenxiang Formation at Tianjialing in Hubei Province, China and here named Crinisdendrum sinicum gen. et sp. nov., shows a puzzling combination of anatomical characters. Lateral colony branches that originate from tubular stolons are built of C-shaped serial oblique units resembling fuselli and merging along a zig-zagged suture, a set of features generally believed to be unique to pterobranch hemichordates. At least most branches taper near their tips and are closed in a manner resembling the termination of thecae previously reported in the extant pterobranch Rhabdopleura normani. The main drawback of the pterobranch model is that previous observations of terminating thecae in R. normani have neither been confirmed by more recent zoological studies nor explained in functional and developmental terms. Pyritized Crinisdendrum specimens preserved in shale were scanned using X-ray microtomography, enabling restoration of early stages of colony development (astogeny). Pyritic internal moulds of probable thecae, showing their interiors in negative relief, and phosphatized walls of thecae overgrown by black corals were recovered chemically from samples of calcareous intercalations in the Fenxiang Formation. Both sets of specimens exhibit a thread-like cylindrical structure resembling a stolon inside the theca and located below the zigzagged suture. A similar organization of branches also characterizes the feathery colonies of Webbyites from the Early Ordovician Klabava Formation of Bohemia, although these colonies are known in less detail. A new family, Crinisdendridae is proposed to encompass these two genera. Further testing of the hypothesis of a pterobranch affinity for these 470-million-year-old organisms will require a better understanding of the anatomy and growth of extant clonal hemichordates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic 'Green-bean Rock' (GBR) layers were widely recognized around the Early-Middle Triassic boundary interval in the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China. To determine the precise relationship between the GBR layers and the first appearance datum (FAD) of the conodont Chiosella timorensis, four Lower-Middle Triassic sections from the Nanpanjiang Basin, including the Gaimao, Bianyang II, Zuodeng and Wantou sections have been studied in detail. Detailed conodont biostratigraphy convinces us that there is no exact temporal relationship between the GBR layers and first occurrence of Ch. timorensis. Moreover, the numbers of the GBR layers are different from the place to place within the Nanpanjiang Basin, and the time span of the GBR layers was much longer than previously estimated. Global correlations show that the FAD of Ch. timorensis is contemporaneous basinwide and worldwide and more suitable marker defining the Olenekian-Anisian boundary (Early-Middle Triassic boundary) than any other proxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Carboniferous System of South China is famous for its well-developed rock sequence, variety of depositional types, and abundant fossils. Three established Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) markers have been identified in several sections in South China. Of these sections, the Pengchong section is the GSSP for the base of the Visean Stage, whereas the Dapoushang and Naqing (Nashui) sections are excellent reference sections for the bases of the Tournaisian and Bashkirian stages, respectively. Other sections have good potential for the four unestablished GSSPs and the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary in South China. The Naqing (Nashui) section is a candidate for the GSSPs of four stages: the Serpukhovian, Moscovian, Kasimovian, and Gzhelian stages. The regional stages of China include the Tangbagouan, Jiusian, Shangsian, Dewuan, Luosuan, Huashibanian, Dalaun, and Xiaodushanian. The history, definitions, reference sections, sedimentary characteristics, biostratigraphy, and correlations of these Chinese regional stages are summarized. A Carboniferous stratigraphic chart of South China is provided, showing the correlation of global chronostratigraphic and biostratigraphic units with those in South China and the lithostratigraphic units of various areas in South China. The chart is presented as a new practical framework for the stratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Carboniferous System in South China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A continuous sedimentation at the Xinmin Section, Anshun, Guihzou Province, with the Upper Permian Talung Formation dominated by bedded siliceous rocks, and the Lower Triassic Luolou Formation consisting mudstones and marls as well as siliceous mudstones at its basal part indicates that it represents a deeper-water basinal facies across the Permian-Triassic boundary. Based on a systematic conodont biostratigraphic work, nine conodont species belong to two genera have been identified in this study. It enable us to establish five conodont zones at this section, in ascending order, they are: Clarkina changxingensis Zone (beds 1-3-4-2), Clarkina yini Zone (beds 4-3-5-1-1), Clarkina meishanensis Zone (beds 5-1-2-5-2), Hindeodus changxingensis Zone (beds 5-3-1-5-3-2) and Hindeodus parvus Zone (beds 5-3-3-5-3-4), respectively. According to the first occurrence of Hindeodus parvus in bed 5-3-3, the Permian-Triassic boundary is placed at the base of bed 5-3-3. This conodont zonation of the Xinmin Section provides precise biostratigraphic framework for further investigations on the geological events across the Permian-Triassic boundary at this section. In addition, the new conodont data also reveals that several siliceous beds occurred at the basal Triassic. It provides an exception of Early Triassic Chert Gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The terpenoid compositions of the Late Cretaceous Xixia amber from Central China and the middle Miocene Zhangpu amber from Southeast China were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate their botanical origins. The Xixia amber is characterized by sesquiterpenoids, abietane and phyllocladane type diterpenoids, but lacks phenolic abietanes and labdane derivatives. The molecular compositions indicate that the Xixia amber is most likely contributed by the conifer family Araucariaceae, which is today distributed primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, but widely occurred in the Northern Hemisphere during the Mesozoic according to paleobotanical evidence. The middle Miocene Zhangpu amber is characterized by amyrin and amyrone-based triterpenoids and cadalene-based sesquiterpenoids. It is considered derived from the tropical angiosperm family Dipterocarpaceae based on these compounds and the co-occurring fossil winged fruits of the family in Zhangpu. This provides new evidence for the occurrence of a dipterocarp forest in the middle Miocene of Southeast China. It is the first detailed biomarker study for amber from East Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phanerozoic chronostratigraphic units can only be defined through their lower boundary stratotypes. The lowermost stage of the Paleocene of China, which mainly consists of terrestrial deposits, can only be defined through its lower boundary stratotype, i.e. the continental Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary stratotype. There is no section yet found which contains continuous terrestrial deposits and biostratigraphic records of the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition in Nanxiong, Guangdong and Jiayin, Heilongjiang, there is no evidence for establishing the continental stratotype of the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary in either area. Therefore, both the 'Shanghuan stage' and 'Furaoan stage' are not good candidates for the lowermost stage of the Paleocene of China. From the viewpoint of charophytes, the outcrop section of the Dangyang, Hubei Province (Central China) contains the most continuous, abundant and diverse terrestrial biostratigraphic records of the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition, in particular the early Paleocene, known so far in the world. The biostratigraphic records of ostracods in the transition are also continuous, rich, and diverse. The Dangyang outcrop section is the only section known so far in China that is a possible candidate for a continental stratotype of the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary in China and the section is the only potential section identified to date for establishing the regional lowermost stage of the Paleocene, Paleogene and Cenozoic in China or stratotype section for the stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the conodont succession across the Visean–Serpukhovian (V/S) boundary interval at the Naqing section, South China. Continuous centimetre-scale sampling of the relatively deep-water section in recent years has provided new data for a more detailed biostratigraphy of conodonts across the Visean–Serpukhovian boundary. Three conodont zones were described in ascending order: the Gnathodus bilineatus, Lochriea nodosa and Lochriea ziegleri zones. The first appearance datum (FAD) of L. ziegleri has been moved down to 60.1 m above the base of the Naqing section. The correlation of the conodont succession across the Visean–Serpukhovian boundary in the Naqing section with other sections in Eurasia is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]