Fossils attributed to *Wiwaxia* found in Europe confirm its dispersal across which ancient continental plate?
Answer
Baltica
The recovery of *Wiwaxia* fossils from the Holy Cross Mountains in Poland confirms the organism's presence on the European plate, which was part of the ancient continent Baltica. This European evidence is critical because it demonstrates that *Wiwaxia* was capable of crossing major oceanic barriers that separated continental masses during the Middle Cambrian period. By linking the faunas of North America (Laurentia) and Asia (South China) with those of Europe, these Polish findings help paleontologists refine paleogeographic models and trace the dispersal patterns of early animals across the supercontinent configuration existing at that time.
Related Questions
To which geological epoch is the well-known species *Wiwaxia corrugata* definitively associated?What is the type locality, the original place where *Wiwaxia* was formally described?What specific structural features found on *Wiwaxia* help define the genus according to preservation quality?Which formation in the United States evidences the broader spread of *Wiwaxia* across the paleo-continent of Laurentia?Which major fossil site in Yunnan, China, represents another critical window into Middle Cambrian life for *Wiwaxia*?Fossils attributed to *Wiwaxia* found in Europe confirm its dispersal across which ancient continental plate?What potential ecological role is suggested for *Wiwaxia* based on its successful global dispersal?*Wiwaxia*'s successful dispersal across Laurentia, South China, and Baltica demonstrates its ability to colonize which type of ancient environment?What insight does the comparison between Burgess Shale and Kinzers Formation preservation offer about *Wiwaxia*?What phenomenon is highlighted by *Wiwaxia*'s presence in both Laurentia (North America) and the region that became China?