CHITINOZOANS

CHITINOZOANS: Extinct marine microfossils of uncertain affinity generally shaped like flasks, 50 - 2000 µm. Occurring individually or in chains, with varous sculpturing and basal appendages. Stratigraphic range from uppermost Cambrian to Devonian (ca. 510 - 300 Ma). Usually assumed to be animal remains, perhaps eggs. Eisenack (1931) presumped their wall was chitinous, which has never been demonstrated. References: Eisenack, A. 1931. Neu Mikrofossilien des baltischen Silurs. I. Palaeontologische Zeitschrift 13:74-118. Miller, M.A. 1996. Chitinozoa. pp. 307-335 in: Jansonius & McGregor (eds.) Palynology: principles and applications. AASP Foundation. (Traverse, 1995)) Morphology & Systematics Paleopalynolgy & Stratigraphy Links: CIMP Chitinozoan Commission Geosciencees Renees list of Species

Owen Davis 12/99