Palaeobiology of the reclining rangeomorph Beothukis from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation of southeastern Newfoundland

Research on the Ediacaran fossil Beothukis mistakensis from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, reveals its complex fractal-like morphology, challenging previous interpretations. The study finds that B. mistakensis lacks independent three-dimensional branches, instead featuring tightly juxtaposed, chamber-like secondary-order units likely filled with mesoglea. Growth analysis indicates development from the tip toward the base, with tertiary-order units representing surface morphology on the secondary units. This quilted structure suggests a sessile, reclining lifestyle, adapted to increase surface area-to-volume ratio, supporting a phagocytotic or chemosymbiotic mode of life similar to other reclining rangeomorphs like Fractofusus.

McIlroy, D., Hawco, J., McKean, C., Nicholls, R., Pasinetti, G., & Taylor, R. (2020). Palaeobiology of the reclining rangeomorph Beothukis from the Ediacaran Mistaken Point Formation of southeastern Newfoundland. Geological Magazine, 159(7), 1160–1174. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0016756820000941