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409 / Precambrian
Proterocladus
Proterocladus antiquus
Repeatedly branching cell filaments push green-plant history toward one billion years.
- Time range
- About 950 million years ago
- Final stage
- Early Neoproterozoic
- Geographic range
- Shallow marine rock · Northern China
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Proterocladus?
Proterocladus (Proterocladus antiquus) was an extinct organism known from About 950 million years ago, with a range in Shallow marine rock · Northern China.
Life and ecology
A basal attachment anchored this photosynthetic tuft on the seafloor.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Proterocladus disappear?
The form species disappears while green algae continued to diversify.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Proterocladus?
Carbon films preserve cross walls, branches and a base; exact affinity remains studied.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS