Two new Ediacaran small fronds from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland

Research at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, has uncovered two new Ediacaran small fronds, Plumeropriscum hofmanni and Broccoliforma alta, revealing greater diversity in the low epibenthic tier than previously recognized. These taxa, characterized by unique morphologies—one mop-like with a three-dimensional petalodium structure and the other flabellate with lobate features—challenge earlier assumptions about the simplicity of small-frond body plans during this period. The study taxonomically describes these fossils, which were informally referred to as 'dusters,' highlighting convergent evolution in stemmed fronds. This finding expands our understanding of Ediacaran biodiversity and ecological complexity.

Mason, S. J., & Narbonne, G. M. (2016). Two new Ediacaran small fronds from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland. Journal of Paleontology, 90(2), 183–194. https://doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2016.14