Localities of the Vendian: Mistaken Point, Newfoundland
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/vendian/mistaken.html


This site describes some unusual fossils of the late Precambrian age, found on exposed rock surfaces along the southern coast of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland. The most famous locality where these fossils can be seen is at Mistaken Point at the southernmost tip of the Avalon Peninsula. The Mistaken Point fossils were preserved by being blanketed with layers of fine volcanic ash and are dated at approximately 565 million years, making them the oldest complex Ediacara-type fossils that have been accurately dated at this time. While a few of these fossils at least outwardly resemble living animals, notably the Pennatulacea or sea pens, most appear radically different from any known living animal. The Mistaken Point fossils have inspired a good deal of controversy, with some scientists assigning them to a completely separate kingdom of multicellular life. The site describes each type in detail and includes photographs and links for more information.

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This resource originally cataloged at:

DLESE

Subject: Biology
Grade Level: High School (9-12), Informal, College Lower (13-14)