New evidence on the anatomy and phylogeny of the earliest vertebrates.

Journal article

We report the discovery of a new agnathan specimen from the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte of China and thereby provide new evidence on the myomeres (V-shaped), the branchial apparatus (gill filaments and arches), the dorsal fin and the gonads (24-26) of the earliest vertebrates. The new specimen and the co-occurring Myllokunmingia fengjiaoa and Haikouichthys ercaicunensis represent a single species, which is a primitive member of the crown group craniates (vertebrates) and post-dates ...

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Authors: Xian-guang, H; Aldridge, R; Siveter, D; Siveter, D; Xiang-hong, F

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society
• Volume: 269
• Issue: 1503
• Pages: 1865-1869
• Publication date: 2002-09-01
• DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2002.2104
• EISSN: 1471-2954
• ISSN: 0962-8452
• Language: English
• Keywords: China; Digestive System; Gills; Fishes; Gonads; Head; Phylogeny; Animals; Notochord; Fossils; Branchial Region