Late Precambrian microfossils from the Visingsö Beds in southern Sweden

Acid-resistant organic microfossils are described from outcrops and a boring through the middle and upper units of the Visingso Beds in southern Sweden. 21 previously described acritarch species have been identified, and five new species are erected. The acritarchs include simple, although characteristically ornamented sphaeromorphs, one polygonomorph species and one acanthomorph species. Their mode of occurrence and possible lithofacial relationships are discussed. The acritarchs from the middle unit of the Visingso Beds indicate a Late Riphean age. The upper unit contains acritarchs previously known from Vendian and Lower Cambrian strata in the U.S.S.R., China and elsewhere. A Vendian age is suggested for this unit. A glacial origin is suggested for boulder beds in the middle unit of the Visingso Beds.