Competition in a Precambrian world: palaeoecology of Ediacaran fronds |
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| Authors: | Marc Laflamme Guy M Narbonne |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L 3N6, Laflamme@geoladm.geol.queensu.ca;2. Department of Geosciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA |
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| Abstract: | Leaf‐shaped Ediacaran fronds are among the most widespread and readily recognized members of the terminal Neoproterozoic Ediacara Biota. Ediacaran fronds gathered nutrients from the water column through filter feeding or direct nutrient absorption, resulting in the onset of modern‐style ecological competition complete with denizens occupying distinct tiers in the water column. It is believed that the frond shape most likely represents a common need to elevate a feeding apparatus higher in the water‐column to feed from the upper (> 20 cm) tiers. Therefore, the frond shape represents a shared ecology, not ancestry. |
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