Review of conodont biostratigraphy in China

A preliminary conodont sequence from Cambrian to Triassic has been recognized in China in recent years, totalling 104 conodont Zones or Assemblage Zones (Cambrian-9, Ordovician-22, Silurian-9, Devonian-26, Carboniferous-11, Permian-8, Triassic-19). Primitive Lower and Middle Cambrian conodonts have been found. Monocostodus sevierensis or Cordylodus intermedius may be selected as a marker for the beginning of the Ordovician. Two endemic conodont Zones in the Lower Silurian have been established. Devonian conodont Zones are exactly the same as those in Europe. Polygnathus costatus partitus and Palmatolepis disparilis have been proposed as defining the beginning of the Middle and Upper Devonian, respectively. There are still many gaps in our knowledge of the Carboniferous conodont sequence. The Changhsing Limestone is considered to be the highest horizon of the Permian. Anchignathodus parvus may be a marker for the beginning of the Triassic.