What phenomenon is highlighted by *Wiwaxia*'s presence in both Laurentia (North America) and the region that became China?
Answer
Existing level of faunal interchange
The occurrence of *Wiwaxia* fossils on both the North American plate (Laurentia) and the South China plate during the Middle Cambrian strongly highlights that there was an existing level of faunal interchange between these geographically separated regions. Despite the fact that the continents were arranged differently than they are today, organisms like *Wiwaxia* managed to disperse and establish populations across these vast distances. This interchange is a key concept in refining paleogeographic models, showing connectivity that allowed this ancient body plan to become somewhat widespread before the fragmentation or rearrangement of the supercontinent configuration.
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?