| Tuanshanzia Temporal range:Statherian–Calymmian | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Tuanshanzia linearis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | incertae sedis |
| Genus: | †Tuanshanzia Yan, 1995 |
| Type species | |
| Tuanshanzia lanceolata Yan, 1995 | |
| Species | |
| |
Tuanshanzia is a genus ofProterozoic eukaryote, known from several locations across China and India, including the Gaoyuzhuang and Chuanlinggou formations, the eponymous Tuanshanzi Formation,[1] as well as the Vindhya Basin.[2] It is probably analga, although its exact classification is currently unclear.Tuanshanzia seems to be part of a wider group of elongate Proterozoic algae, alongsideChangchengia andEopalmaria.[3]
Tuanshanzia specimens range from 4 to 30 cm (1.6 to 11.8 in) long, and are often preserved as carbonaceous films with a wide range of shapes, varying by species. The type,T. lanceolata has alanceolate shape, whereas other species have shapes ranging from oval to elongated. As a form taxon,Tuanshanzia is likelyparaphyletic, although as no practical alternative exists it remains a valid genus. The genus is named after the Tuanshanzi Formation, where it was first discovered, while the various species are named after their morphology.[1][3][2] Many of the specimens from the Tuanshanzi Formation are likely microbial mat fragments due to their rough edges and irregularity, however some are likely actual algae due to smooth and regular margins, alongside carbon isotope analysis showing similarities to eukaryotes.[1]
