Geobiological techniques uncover the nature of certain microfossils in Ediacaran phosphorites, suggesting microbial origins.
Key Points
This research aims to clarify the nature of enigmatic spherical microfossils from Ediacaran phosphorites in Weng’an by examining their mineral and organic characteristics.
Analyzed micro fossils using Raman spectroscopy and micro-X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF)
Utilized electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) for geochemical insights
Investigated mineral-organic relationships in microfossils
Identified spherical microfossils approximately 800 µm in size with a two-layered envelope
Observed a matrix similar to the envelope containing more organic matter than apatite
Findings suggest a potential microbial origin for these embryo-like fossils.