Palaeobiology of Indian Proterozoic and Early Cambrian Successions — Recent Developments

Abstract

Many facets of the early biosphere preserved in the Proterozoic and Early Cambrian successions, recorded during 2011-
2015, are reviewed. Recent advancements made in the Precambrian palaeobiology and newer steps recognized in the
organismal evolution in the global perspective vis-a-vis significance of Indian records are discussed. The palaeobiological
evidence reported from India are chronicled and grouped under seven categories: MISS (Microbially Induced Sedimentary
Structure) & stromatolites, acritarchs, OWM (Organic Walled Microfossils), carbonaceous remains, trace-fossils & Ediacaran
fossils, stable isotope studies and organic geochemistry. Present article is a continuum of Sharma et al. (2012), provides the
status of Precambrian palaeobiological studies in the country, enumerates the importance of Indian records, and enlist
unsolved problems and future research directions.