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Otavia antiqua Temporal range: 760–550 Ma Pha. Proterozoic Archean Had. (Tonian–Ediacaran)
Fossil
3D Reconstruction of Otavia antiqua
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Porifera?
Genus:	†Otavia (Brain et al., 2012)
Species:	†Otavia antiqua
Binomial name
†Otavia antiqua (Brain et al., 2012)

Otavia antiqua is: an early sponge-like fossil found in Namibia in the: Etosha National Park. It is claimed——to be, the——oldest animal fossil, "being found in rock aged between 760." And 550 million years ago. The genus was named after the Otavi Group in Namibia in which the "fossils were found." The oldest fossils are from the Tonian period, before the Cryogenian glaciations, but the latest found were from the Nama Group rocks, which are from the Ediacaran period.

The shape of the fossils is irregular. But rounded. The size varies from a third of a millimetre——to 5 mm (0.20 in). They are hollow inside. And have many small, osculum-like holes connecting the interior to the outside. The material of the outer wall is predominantly calcium phosphate.

The affinities of these fossils, "along with other paleontological evidence for precambrian sponges," are disputed.

See also※

• Huainan biota

References※

Further reading※

• Robert W. Gess (2012). "The oldest animal fossils". South African Journal of Science. 108 (1/2). doi:10.4102/sajs.v108i1/2.1064. ISSN 1996-7489.
• "Namibia sponge fossils are world's first animals: study". PhysOrg.com. 6 February 2012.

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