Gyrophyllites cristinae: Unveiling early Cambrian life signatures in the Nagaur Sandstone, Marwar Supergroup, India

This study documents occurrence of Gyrophyllites cristinae , a new trace fossil in the Nagaur Sandstone representing Cambrian Period (Series 2-Stage 4) from Dulmera quarry section, Bikaner district, Rajasthan. Gyrophyllites cristinae belongs to an intricate rosette shaped ichnofossil, typically associated with shallow marine low-lying areas of intertidal sand shoal complex, which offers invaluable insights into benthic organism activities, substrate interactions, and ecological dynamics of the early Cambrian Period. The identification of this ichnofossil, not only broadens its known geographical and stratigraphic range, but also underscores the ecological diversity and depositional stability within the Nagaur Sandstone. This finding contributes to the ichnological framework of the Marwar Supergroup, shedding light on the interplay between biological processes and sedimentary environments during the pivotal Proterozoic-Phanerozoic transition. Present specimens of Gyrophyllites cristinae helps us to infer/evaluate the nature of the plausible producer organism, its behaviour, and taphonomical aspects. Present study reinforces the Nagaur Sandstone's importance as a stratigraphic marker for unraveling life and environmental conditions during the Cambrian Explosion in Indian context. • First report of Gyrophyllites cristinae from the Nagaur Sandstone (Cambrian Series 2– Stage 4), Dulmera quarry, Bikaner district, Rajasthan, India. • The trace fossil exhibits radial/rosette-shaped morphology , typical of shallow marine intertidal sand shoal complexes. • Extends the known stratigraphic and geographical distribution of G. cristinae , offering new palaeobiogeographic insights. • Enhances understanding of benthic activity, substrate interaction, and palaeoecology during the early Cambrian. • Contributes to the ichnological framework of the Marwar Supergroup , particularly across the Proterozoic–Phanerozoic transition. • Global occurrences of Gyrophyllites reviewed for preservation, environment, producer behavior, and taphonomy. • Present specimens provide clues about the possible trace maker, behavioral traits, and post-burial processes.