Pentameral fossils from the Lower Cambrian Pipe Rock of the North-West Highlands

Abstract

SynopsisStar-shaped pentameral fossils occur commonly on a single bedding surface of the Lower Cambrian Pipe Rock at Allt nan Uamh, south of Inchnadamph. They occur as pure white quartzite fills in a yellow quartzite matrix, but preserve no trace of a body wall. The original shape is believed to have been like a five-lobed ctenophore. Each lobe has a median partition, but no trace of any orifice has been seen. The fossils are interpreted as body fossils. They are not echinoderms despite their consistent pentamery, but we can suggest no other phylum.

Not all written in stone: interdisciplinary syntheses in echinoderm paleontology

“…Originally described by Campbell and Paul (1983), they were reconstructed as "5-rayed" body fossils of unknown affinity. Later, they were assigned to a group named the "sand corals," or Psammocorallia (Seilacher 1997).…”

“…Later, they were assigned to a group named the "sand corals," or Psammocorallia (Seilacher 1997). I single these out here because the original description and images given by Campbell and Paul (1983) suggest enough echinoderm features to warrant further investigation, and because no one other than Seilacher (1997) has been tempted to take up this research. Their age further invites exploration, given the extreme rarity of anything remotely resembling an echinoderm this early in the record.…”