Branched microbiota from the bedded black chert of the Krol Formation (Neoproterozoic), Lesser Himalaya, India

Abstract

The bedded chert nodules of the lower part of the Krol Formation of Neoproterozoic age, near its type area in Solan District in the Lesser Himalaya, have provided a peep through the Proterozoic window were exceptionally well preserved organic walled microbial fossils show branching in its several forms. The phenomenon of branching is an event that indicates a sudden change in the pattern of life amongst the various morpho-entities of algal-cyanobacterial communities. This phenomenon shows the advancement of life forms towards future diversification in the Phanerozoic history of the earth. The occurrence of branching forms is significant as many of them resemble eukaryotic forms which differ from an earlier stock of prokaryotic cyanobacteria. Apart from branched filaments microfossils comparable to Bangiophyceae, a red alga with typical septate morphology is also recorded. The significance of the biota is discussed in the light of existing records from the Proterozoic successions all over the world.