中国科学院南京地质古生物研究所机构知识库

Wiwaxia is a well-known Cambrian animal and a relative of annelids and molluscs, characterized by its densely arranged, imbricated dorsal sclerites. Despite its prevalence in the fossil record, the scarcity of articulated specimens leading to persistent uncertainties regarding its morphological diversities and evolutionary history has fueled ongoing investigations. This study presents an additional articulated specimen and isolated sclerites from the Cambrian Stage 4 Douposi Formation in Yunnan Province, South China, representing a new species - Wiwaxia douposiensis sp. nov. The newly described materials, originating from a new Cambrian KonservatLagersta tte, exhibit typical Burgess Shale -type preservation. They unveil a distinctive two -order rib pattern and aspect ratios of sclerites. The temporal and spatial distribution of Wiwaxia suggests a potential origination centered in South China during the Cambrian Age 3, with an expanding pattern from shallow to deep waters and from warm -humid to dry -cold climates during the Cambrian Age 4 to Drumian. Statistical and phylogenetic analyses highlight the dual aspects of conservative aspect ratios in sclerites, and morphological variations observed at the species levels within Wiwaxia .