Recent progress in Cambrian and Ordovician conodont biostratigraphy of China

Study of the Cambrian and Ordovician conodont biostratigraphy of China is mainly confined to the eastern parts of China, where the conodont faunas are very rich and varied. There are many stratigraphic sections with continuous conodont sequences that are ideal for biostratigraphic research. Many Upper Cambrian conodonts show limited vertical ranges and are very widespread. Near the Cambrian and Orodovician boundary, 4 conodont zones are established and the boundary is designated at the bottom of the Drepanodus simplex Zone. Ordovician conodonts are useful in biostratigraphy and show evident provincial differentiation. In the North China province, some 8 zones have been recognized, and in the South China province some 15 zones are defined. Many of these zones are also recognized in other parts of the world.