Abstract
Significance of Precambrian and early Cambrian palaeobiological remains recorded over the last few years on the Indian subcontinent are discussed in the present review. The importance of these remains is assessed in the backdrop of new reports from different parts of the world. Archaean, Proterozoic and early Cambrian successions of India have revealed some of the oldest rock fragments of the world, most primitive eukaryotic remains, bizarre Ediacaran forms and typical early Cambrian fossils. For the sake of brevity and easy comprehension, palaeobiological remains are grouped under Archaean, Proterozoic, Ediacaran and early Cambrian time-frames. New evidence of life forms, documented from the sedimentary basins exposed in peninsular and extra-peninsular region of the country, have challenged the various paradigms, viz. evolutionary, biostratigraphic status of different lithounits and age of the encompassing sedimentary successions. Newly published geochronological and geochemical results are also considered in this review to understand the developments in these fields and their significance in the evolution of hydrosphere, biosphere, and moderating processes over the geological timescale. Recent Indian endeavors in the field of Astrobiology and inputs provided in the areas of astrobiological studies are also discussed.
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Data availability
All the fossils referred in the text as different figures are deposited in the repository of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences and can be retrieved under the Museum Statement no. 1541. Individual specimens and slides are assigned different number under BSIP Slide no. or Museum Specimen no. BSIP.
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Acknowledgements
This article is the result of a suggestion and encouragement given by D. M. Banerjee. His valuable comment on the earlier version of the manuscript is thankfully acknowledged. Reviews by O. N. Bhargava and Nigel Hughes have greatly helped improve the manuscript. This paper is dedicated to our long time friend and collaborator Vladimir N. Sergeev of the Geological Institute, Moscow who was listed as a participant in the 36th IGC in Delhi which got postponed. Meanwhile, Volodya as he was known to his friends, passed away leaving his friends and co-workers to mourn and keep his memory alive. We are thankful to B P Singh, Panjab University, for gifting us a specimen of Shaanxilithes for our use in this paper. The authors are grateful to the Director, BSIP, for extending working facilities and permission to publish this review. Shamim (BSRA), Yogesh (DST-RFBR), and Divya (BSRS) acknowledge the financial assistance received under different schemes.
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Sharma, M., Singh, V.K., Pandey, S.K. et al. Precambrian and early Cambrian palaeobiology of India: Quo Vadis. Proc.Indian Natl. Sci. Acad. 87, 199–233 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43538-021-00029-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43538-021-00029-2