The Cambrian edrioasteroid Stromatocystites (Echinodermata): Systematics, palaeogeography, and palaeoecology

The Cambrian edrioasteroid Stromatocystites is reported and described from Spain, Sweden and Turkey. All previously known occurrences of the genus are critically reviewed, and S. flexibilis is reinterpreted as a junior synonym of S. pentangularis. Stromatocystites was biogeographically widespread and colonized different areas of Baltica, Gondwana (Arabian, eastern and western margins) and Laurentia (western Newfoundland). Stratigraphically, it ranges from Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4 to Cambrian Series 3, Drumian. Stromatocystites lived in quiet water environments with stabilized substrates. It was attached directly to the substrate by its aboral surface. As these environments were widespread throughout Baltica, Gondwana and Laurentia, availability of suitable substrates for larval settlement and oceanic palaeocurrents led to the successful development of Stromatocystites colonies.