Nemiana simplex has given
taxonomists great trouble due to its simple nature. When the species was first
discovered it was placed in incertae sedis, however since then, a combination of
well preserved specimens and new techniques that have allowed scientists to
examine the creature's body structure, have given the creature anatomical links
to jellyfish and was subsequently placed in with the other extinct colenterates.
It has been suggested that N. simplex is in fact related to the protoctists and
is sometimes thought to be simply a conglomeration of green algae similar to a
stromatolite, however, this theory is disputed.
Nemiana simplex has one of the most simple body plans of all Ediacarans. It
consists of a jelly-like sac filled with its various internal structures.
However some fossils possess strange markings on top which suggests that the
species had small tentacles.
It is possible that this creature did move and fed upon the algal mats of the
precambrian oceans. However most scientists agree that this creature was in fact
more similar to a sea anenome and burrowed, leaving its top half and
hypothetical tentacles in the open water possibly for feeding. Scientists think
that this organism reproduced asexually, but some believe that it released its
zygotes into the water or produced spores or polyps.
The diagram below illustrates how it is believed the jellyfish lived and were preserved after death.
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 12 $65.00
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 18 $75.00
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(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 22 $80.00
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 24 $80.00
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 26 $80.00
(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 27 $150.00
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(Click Photo to Enlarge)
Name: Nemiana simplex - 9.5" x 14"
Geologic Age: Precambrian
Stratigraphic detail: White Sea Formation
Location: Mogilov, Ukraine
Nemiana simplex 31 $450.00
