Animal embryos in deep time: discoveries of spectacularly preserved embryos and tissues, in rocks that are about 570 million years old, open a new era in the study of early animal evolution

Article Abstract:

Animals much older than the Cambrian have been found in the fossil record, preserved in a way that reveals details even at a cellular level. The 570 million year old Doushantuo phosphorites were found in southern China, and Xiao and colleagues have reported on well preserved algae and animal embryos, while Science, Li and colleagues have reported on sponges and animal embryos. Calcium phosphate is said to be the key to the exquisite preservation.

Identification and classification, Taxonomy (Biology), Animals, Fossil, Fossil animals

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Walking with whales

Article Abstract:

Issues are presented concerning the discovery of partial fossil cetaceans over 50-million-years-old which reveal that the ancestors of whales lived on land and could run efficiently. The anatomical evidence is discussed.

Cover Story, Whales, Cetacea, Whales, Fossil, Fossil whales

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