Paleontology of the Lower Cambrian Archaeocyatha-bearing Forteau Formation in Southern Labrador

Abstract

A fossil assemblage, characterised by reef-forming archaeocyathids and calcareous algae, of Lower Cambrian age is present in the carbonate and shale members in the Forteau formation of the Labrador Series, exposed along the southern coast of Labrador. -- Nineteen species of archaeocyathids are described and assigned to eight genera. New taxa comprise one new genus (Sigmosyringocyathus) and four species. Seven archaeocyathid species are reported for the first time from Labrador Cambrian strata. The present study suggests re-establishing Genus Exocyathus which was eliminated by V.J. Okulitch in 1946; and the elimination of Genus Claruscyathus Vologdin, 1932. -- Fossil calcareous algae comprise seven species and are assigned to four genera. Four new species including a dasyclad alga, Seletonella forteauensis nov. sp., are reported. -- Other fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, and cephalopods, present in the Forteau formation are also described.