Architectural modelling of the fractal-like Ediacaran rangeomorph C <i>harnia masoni</i>

The frondose Rangeomorpha are a poorly understood group of Ediacaran fractal-like organisms with a body plan that is unknown among modern organisms. The first described rangeomorph Charnia masoni is one of the most iconic members of the Ediacaran biotas, first described from Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire. The complex branching of the Rangeomorpha in three dimensions is a challenge to understand, and previous work by the late Martin Brasier sought to explain architectural concepts with simplified diagrams. The present work builds on that earlier work using 3D sculpting to reconstruct the fractal-like branching, while also honouring the shapes seen in the type material of Charnia masoni . The resulting forms are surprisingly complex and have enormous surface areas. If the surfaces of Charnia as reconstructed were covered with simple choanocytes, it could be considered as a potentially highly effective full-body suspension-feeding metazoan organism.