Name: Corynetis brevis
Geologic Time: Early Cambrian (~525 million years ago)
Size: 20 mm long (if straightened)
Fossil Site: Chengjiang Maotianshan Shales Chengjiang - Quiongzhusi Section, Yu’anshan Member, Heilinpu Formation, Mafang, Anning, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
 This
is a specimen of the priapulid worm Corynetis brevis. The species
is known from very few specimens, with the taxon named after, Maotianshan
(Mao Tian Hill), site of the discovery of the Chengjiang Biota by
Hou Xian-guang in 1984. The intestine is often preserved as a dark
film, indicative of its deposit-feeding lifestyle. The species derives
its name from its small size; this one is the largest I have seen
to date. The fine example preserved here in exquisite detail makes
this a highly unique specimen of life from 525 million years ago. |
