Which formation in the United States evidences the broader spread of *Wiwaxia* across the paleo-continent of Laurentia?
Answer
Kinzers Formation in Pennsylvania
The identification of *Wiwaxia* fossils within the Kinzers Formation, located in Pennsylvania, is evidence that significantly widens the known occurrences across the ancient landmass of Laurentia (North America). This discovery implies that *Wiwaxia* was not strictly confined to the western margin where the famous Burgess Shale is located, but rather occupied a large swath of ancient North America. This finding suggests that the environmental conditions suitable for the survival of *Wiwaxia* were not unique to the most exquisitely preserved deposits but were distributed across diverse North American settings during 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?