Innovative Research Group of Hunan Province

Team Profile Focusing on the major needs of national ecological civilization construction and soil environmentalprotection,the team systematically carried out researches on mining&metallurgy sites remediation,and the soilformation of bauxite residue.A new model of physical-chemical-biological based ecological disposal for bauxiteresidue was proposed,and a replicable and popularized soil-groundwater collaborative remediation technologyfor smelting sites was formed,with the demonstration projects of 250000 m^(2).

Ancient DNA unravels species identification from Laosicheng site,Hunan Province,China,and provides insights into maternal genetic history of East Asian leopards

DEAR EDITOR,The Laosicheng site in Yongshun County,Hunan Province,China,plays an important role in elucidating the animal population composition of the region prior to the middle Qing Dynasty(approximately 300 years ago).This site has yielded a substantial number of animal bones,11960 of which have been identified to the species level,serving as direct evidence of ancient animal populations(Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology,2018).

Origin of the Yueguang gold deposit in Xinhua, Hunan Province, South China: insights from fl uid inclusion and hydrogen–oxygen stable isotope analysis

The Yueguang gold deposit is located in Fengjia,Xinhua County,Hunan Province,South China.It represents a recently discovered small-scale gold deposit situated in the southwestern region of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt,west of the Baimashan granitic batholith.In order to discern the characteristics of the ore-formingfluids,the underlying mineralization processes,and establish a foundation for the origin of the Yueguang gold depositfluid inclusion micro-thermometry,as well as quartz hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis,have been carried out on samples obtained from various stages of mineralization.The hydrothermal miner-alization stages within the Yueguang gold deposit can be categorized into three stages:(i)the barren,pre-ore quartz-pyrite stage(Stage Ⅰ),the quartz-pyrite-gold stage(Stage Ⅱ),and the post-ore quartz-carbonate stage(Stage Ⅲ),with the second stage being the main mineralization stage.Thefluid inclusions identified in samples from the main min-eralization stage can predominantly be described with the NaCl–H_(2)O and CO_(2)–NaCl–H_(2)O systems.These inclusions display homogenization temperatures ranging from 158.8 to 334.9℃,and thefluid salinity ranges from 0.3%to 4.0%(wt.%NaCl equiv.).Laser Raman spectroscopy analysis of individual inclusions further reveals the presence of gas-phases such as CO_(2),CH_(4),and N_(2).Isotopic analysis indicatesδ^(18)Ofluid values ranging from 3.95 to 6.7‰ and δDH_(2)O values ranging from-71.9 to-55.7‰.These results indi-cate that the ore-formingfluid of the Yueguang gold deposit belongs to metamorphic hydrothermalfluids of middle-low temperature and low salinity.In the process of ore formation,gold is transported in the form of Au(HS)2-complexes,with gold deposition being driven byfluid immiscibility.Therefore,the Yueguang gold deposit is categorized as an orogenic gold deposit dominated by metamorphic hydrother-malfluid.It may become a new target for gold exploration in the Baimashan region,central Hunan Province.

The Late Tremadocian(Ordovician)Graptolite Kiaerograptus from Central Hunan,China:Taxonomy and Biostratigraphy

Well-preserved graptolites of the genus Kiaerograptus are first reported from the upper Tremadocian Yinchupu Formation in the Nanba section,Yiyang,Hunan Province,South China,including four species,i.e.,Kiaerograptus lauzonensis(Erdtmann,1966),Kiaerograptus stoermeri(Erdtmann,1965),Kiaerograptus cf.supremus?Lindholm,1991,and Kiaerograptus sp.,which are robust in form.Based on these new specimens,the Kiaerograptus biozone is established for the first time in South China,increasing the late Tremadoc graptolite biozones in South China from four to five,in ascending order as follows:the Adelograptus tenellus biozone,the Aorograptus victoriae biozone,the Kiaerograptus biozone,the Sagenograptus murrayi biozone,and the Hunnegraptus copiosus biozone.A review of the occurrence records for robust Kiaerograptus species worldwide reveals that the distribution is restricted to the Aorograptus victoriae biozone and Kiaerograptus biozone in the late Tremadocian.This limited stratigraphical distribution makes Kiaerograptus a valuable taxon for precise biostratigraphical correlation at both the regional and global scales.

Re–Os and Pb isotope features of pyrite in the Shihangli graphite deposit:implications of coal-generated graphite mineralization in central Hunan,South China

The coal metamorphism in Central Hunan pro-vides valuable information about hydrothermal activity and water/rock reactions.Learning how to collect age data on hydrothermal fluid systems is necessary for understanding the history and genetic mechanisms of large-scale coal-generated graphite deposits.The Shihangli graphite deposit,formed by significant siliceous hydrothermal alteration,is the most distinctive in Central Hunan.Re–Os dating of pyrite from the Shihangli graphite deposit demonstrates that the coal-generated graphite mineraliza-tion age is-127.6±3.8 Ma.Based on in-situ mineral analysis,the hydrothermal pyrite in the Shihangli graphite deposit is mostly enriched in Sb,As,Au,W,Ag,Cu,Pb,and Zn.Based on the pyrite Re–Os isochron,the initial(^(187)Os/^(188)Os)values of pyrite were 1.03±0.24 and the Os(t)values varied from 571.8 to 755.1.Pyrite from the Shihangli graphite deposit comprises a Pb isotope composition similar to that of the Madiyi Formation bulk rock and stibnite from the Xikuangshan Sb deposit.Based on the Re–Os,Sr,S,and Pb isotopic compositions of sul-fides in the graphite and Sb deposits in Central Hunan,the Madiyi Formation was likely the primary source of ore-forming elements(Sb,Au,and As).The Re–Os and Pb isotope compositions of pyrite most likely reflect when large-scale fluid migration and coal-generated graphite mineralization occurred in Central Hunan.

The Pathogenic Characteristics of the Initial Three Mpox Cases in Hunan Province, China

Mpox virus (MPXV) belongs to the family Poxviridae,subfamily Chordopoxvirinae,and genus Orthopoxvirus,which also includes Variola virus(VARV),Cowpox virus (CPXV),and Vaccinia virus(VACV).Clinical symptoms of mpox are similar to smallpox but are relatively milder^([1]).MPXV was first isolated from crab-eating monkeys in the tropical rainforests of Africa in 1958^([2]).The first human case of MPXV infection was reported in the Congo in1970^([3]).Following the eradication of smallpox in1977,mpox has emerged as one of the prominent viral members of the Poxviridae family,significantly impacting public health^([4]),mainly prevalent in Central and West Africa.Starting from May 2022.

CREG promote the acquisition of CREG Hunan

China Rare Earth Group(CREG)announced on November 21st that the company issued80,331,800 A-shares to 14 specific targets at a price of 26.1 yuan/share,raising a total of about 2.097billion yuan,and after deducting related expenses,the net raised funds were about 2.081 billion yuan.The Central SOEs Industrial Investment Fund for Rural Area was the single largest subscriber,and was allocated 22,988,500 shares,with an allocation amount of about 600 million yuan,accounting for28.6%of the total fundraising.After the issuance,the fund would become the third largest shareholder of CREG with a shareholding ratio of 2.17%.

^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar Isotopic Dating of the Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic Orefield in Southern Hunan,China and Its Geological Implications

The Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic orefield in Hunan Province, southern China, is a largesize tin orefield. Although numerous studies have been undertaken on this orefield, its genesis, mineralization age, and tectonic setting are still controversial, mainly because of the lack of reliable geochronological data on tin mineralization. The ^40Ar^39Ar stepwise heating dating method was first employed on muscovite from different deposits in this orefield. The muscovite sample from the Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic deposit defines a plateau age of 154.4±1.1 Ma and an isochron age of 151.9±3.0 Ma; muscovite from the Xianghuapu W-polymetallic deposit yields a plateau age of 161.3±1.1 Ma and an isochron age of 160.0±3.2 Ma; muscovite from the Jianfengling greisen-type Sn-polymetallic deposit gives a plateau age of 158.7±1.2 Ma and an isochron age of 160.3±3.2 Ma. The tungsten-tin mineralization ages in the Xianghualing area are therefore restricted within 150-160 Ma. The tungstentin mineralization in Xianghualing occurred at the same time as the regional tin-tungsten mineralization including the Furong tin orefield, Shizhuyuan tungsten-tin polymetallic deposit and Yaogangxian tungsten-polymetallic deposit. Thus, the large-scale tungsten-tin metallogenesis in South China occurring at 160-150 Ma, probably is closely related to asthenospheric upwelling and crustmantle interaction under a geodynamic setting of crustal extension and lithosphere thinning during the transformation of tectonic regimes during the Mid-Late Jurassic.

Conodont Biostratigraphy of the Middle Cambrian through Lowermost Ordovician in Hunan, South China

Since 1985, samples with a total weight of more than 14,000 kg, mainly from three key sections in western and northwestern Hunan, South China, have been processed for conodonts. In strata older than the late Late Cambrian paraconodonts have proved useful for stratigraphic subdivision and correlation. Thirteen conodont zones are proposed in the Middle Cambrian through lowermost Ordovician. The correlation between these zones and those of North China, western U. S.A., western Newfoundland, Canada, and Iran is discussed. In ascending order, these 13 zones are as follows: The Gapparodus bisulcatus-Westergaardodina brevidens Zone, Shandongodus priscus-Hunanognathus tricuspidatus Zone, Westergaardodina quadrata Zone, Westergaardodina matsushitai-W. grandidens Zone, Westergaardodina lui-W. am Zone, Westergaardodina cf. calix-Prooneotodus rotundatus Zone, Proconodontus tenuiserratus Zone, Proconodontus Zone, Eoconodontus Zone, Cordylodus proavus Zone, Cordylodus intermedius Zone, Cordylodus lindstromi Zone, and Cordylodus angulatus Zone (lower part). The Westergaardodina lui-W. ani and Westergaardodina cf. calix-Prooneotodus rotundatus Zones replace the Westergaardodina proligula and Westergaardodina cf. behrae-Prooneotodus rotundatus Zones, respectively, in the lowermost Upper Cambrian. Two new species (Westergaardodina Iui and Westergaardodina ani) and one conditionally identified species (Westergaardodina cf. calix) are described.

Diagenetic and Mineralization Age of the Hehuaping Tin-polymetallic Orefield,Hunan Province

The Hehuaping tin deposit is a large deposit found in recent years during geological surveys. The discovered tin deposit includes not only rock-alteration type deposits in fault zones, but also deposits developed in interstratified rupture zones between Devonian carbonate rocks （Qiziqiao Formation） and sandstone （Tiaomajian Formation）. The finding of tin deposits of the latter type has greatly enriched tin-mineralization types in the famous Nanling polymetallic metallogenetic region and may provide us with a new potential orientation for prospecting of tin deposits in the region. It is commonly believed that the forming of the tin deposits in the Nanling region should be related to the Yanshanian instead of Indosinian granitic magmatism. Systematical zircon U-Pb SHRIMP dating in this paper shows that tin mineralizations have endured at least two stages. The early stage should be related to the intrusion of the main body of the Wangxianling granite, which was emplaced during the Indosinian period with a diagenetic and minerafized age of 224.0±1.9 Ma （MSWD=0.54）, and the late stage should be related to the intrusion of Yanshaulan granitic porphyry that took place after 142±3 Ma （MSWD=0.5）.

Geological Characteristics of the Furong Tin Orefield, Hunan,^(40)Ar-^(39)Ar Dating of Tin Ores and Related Granite and Its Geodynamic Significance for Rock and Ore Formation

Furong, Hunan, is a large tin orefield discovered in China in recent years, which is mainly of the skarn-greisen-chlorite type. On the basis of the geological characteristics of the orefield, 40Ar-39Ar dating was performed on muscovite from greisen-type tin ore and biotite from related amphibole-biotite granite, which yielded three sets of age data, i.e., a plateau age of 157.5±0.3 Ma and an isochron age of 156.9±3 Ma for amphibole-biotite granite; a plateau age of 156.1±0.4 Ma and an isochron age of 155.7±1.7 Ma for the Sanmen greisen-type tin ore; and a plateau age of 160.1±0.9 Ma and an isochron age of 157.5±1.5 Ma for the Taoxiwo greisen-type tin ore. The three sets of age data coincide well with each other. They not only accurately reflect the timing of rock and ore formation but also indicate close relations between granite and tin deposits. In addition, the plateau ages of all three sets suggest that no subsequent thermal perturbation event occurred after the formation of granite and tin deposits. The Furong tin orefield is a component part of the southern Hunan large tungsten-tin polymetallic deposit concentration area and also a representative deposit formed in the time interval of 160-135 Ma in four peaks of Mesozoic tungsten-tin mineralization in the South China region. They might still correspond to the middle and late stages of the major geodynamic transition from a N-S- to an E-W-direction in eastern China.

New Bivalved Arthropods from the Cambrian(Series 3, Drumian Stage) of Western Hunan, South China

We report two new three-dimensionally phosphatized microfossils, Cambrolongispina reticulata gen. et sp. nov. and Cambrolongispina glabra gen. et sp. nov., from the middle Cambrian （Series 3, Drumian Stage） at Wangcun, Yongshun County, western Hunan, South China. They are bivalved arthropods, with thin, pliable, originally chitinous or chitin-calcareous shields （c. 350-517 I1 m long）. The shields are equipped with a pair of antero-dorsal spines. The spines are internally hollow, varying in length from 1/2 of to as long as the shield length in C. reticulata, and uniformly longer than the shield length in C. glabra. The spines of C. reticulata are ornamented with a longitudinal row of conical or blade-shaped denticles along the posterior edge. Cambrolongispina lacks marginal rims, valve lobation and sulci which are diagnostic of the Bradoriida sensu stricto. It also lacks a donblure/duplicature characteristic of phosphatocopids and some bradoriids. It could be related to the Monasteriidae （which may belong to Bradoriida sensu lato）, both characterized by a pair of antero-dorsal spines. Cambrolongispina may have been meiofaunai detritus feeders that lived on or within sediments. The antero-dorsal spines may have been sensory organs to detect nearby predators. The posterior denticles on these spines might have facilitated the sensory function of the spines.

Vestrogothia spinata(Phosphatocopina,Crustacea),Fossils of Orsten-type Preservation from the Upper Cambrian of Western Hunan,South China

Fossils of Orsten-type preservation represented by the crustacean Skaracarida and Phosphatocopida were found in western Hunan, South China in 2005, including the important phosphatocopid species Vestrogothia spinata based on exquisitely preserved soft-bodied specimens that allow the first growth stage to be reestablished. The taxonomy of Vestrogothia spinata is revised employing the character of a two-divided limb stem of the mandible. A new foundation for the phylogeny of the Phosphatocopina using mandible characters related to crustacean appendages is postulated. Vestrogothia spinata has only previously been found from Sweden.

Characteristics of Shale Reservoir and Sweet Spot Identification of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in Northwestern Hunan Province, China

The accumulation and productivity of shale gas are mainly controlled by the characteristics of shale reservoirs;study of these characteristics forms the basis for the shale gas exploitation of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation(Fm),Southern China.In this study,core observation and lithology study were conducted along with X-ray diffraction(XRD)and electronic scanning microscopy(SEM)examinations and liquid nitrogen(N2)adsorption/desorption and CH4 isothermal adsorption experiments for several exploration wells in northwestern Hunan Province,China.The results show that one or two intervals with high-quality source rocks(TOC>2 wt%)were deposited in the deep-shelf facies.The source rocks,which were mainly composed of carbonaceous shales and siliceous shales,had high quartz contents(>40 wt%)and low clay mineral(<30 wt%,mainly illites)and carbonate mineral(<20 wt%)contents.The SEM observations and liquid nitrogen(N2)adsorption/desorption experiments showed that the shale is tight,and nanoscale pores and microscale fractures are well developed.BJH volume(VBJH)of shale ranged from 2.144×10^-3 to 20.07×10^-3 cm^3/g,with an average of 11.752×10^-3 cm3/g.Pores mainly consisted of opened and interconnected mesopores(2–50 nm in diameter)or macropores(>50 nm in diameter).The shale reservoir has strong adsorption capacity for CH4.The Langmuir volume(VL)varied from 1.63 to 7.39 cm^3/g,with an average of 3.95 cm^3/g.The characteristics of shale reservoir are controlled by several factors:(1)A deep muddy continental shelf is the most favorable environment for the development of shale reservoirs,which is controlled by the development of basic materials.(2)The storage capacity of the shale reservoir is positively related to the TOC contents and plastic minerals and negatively related to cement minerals.(3)High maturity or overmaturity leads to the growth of organic pores and microfractures,thereby improving the reservoir storage capacity.It can be deduced that the high percentage of residual gas in Niutitang Fm results from the strong reservoir storage capacity of adsorbed gas.Two layers of sweet spots with strong storage capacity of free gas,and they are characterized by the relatively high TOC contents ranging from 4 wt%to 8 wt%.

Fixed Ammonium Content and Maximum Capacity of Ammonium Fixation in Major Types of Tillage Soils in Hunan Province,China

In order to understand the status of fixed ammonium, fixed ammonium content, maximum capacity of ammonium fixation, and their influencing factors in major types of tillage soils of Hunan Province, China, were studied with sampling on fields, and laboratory incubation and determination. The main results are summarized as follows： （1） Content of fixed ammonium in the tested soils varies greatly with soil use pattern and the nature of parent material. For the paddy soils, it ranges from 135.4 ± 57.4 to 412.8±32,4 mg kg^-1, with 304.7±96.7 mg kg^-1 in average; while it ranges from 59.4 to 435.7 mg kg^-1, with 230.1 ± 89.2 mg kg^-1 in average for the upland soils. The soils developed from limnic material and slate had higher fixed ammonium content than the soils developed from granite. The percentage of fixed ammonium to total N in the upland soils is always higher than that in the paddy soils. It ranges from 6.1 ±3.6% to 16.6±4.6%, with 14.0% ±5.1% in average for the paddy soils and it amounted to 5.8±2.0% to 40.1 ± 17.8%, with 23.5 ± 14.2% in average for upland soils. （2） The maximum capacity of ammonium fixation has the same trend with the fixed ammonium content in the tested soils. For all the tested soils, the percentage of recently fixed ammonium to maximum capacity of ammonium fixation is always bellow 20% and it may be due to the fact that the soils have high fertility and high saturation of ammonium-fixing site. （3） The clay content and clay composition in the tested soils are the two important factors influencing their fixed ammonium content and maximum capacity of ammonium fixation. The results showed that hydrous mica is the main 2：1 type clay mineral in 〈 0.02 mm clay of the paddy soils, and its content in 0.02-0.002 mm clay is much higher than that in 〈 0.002 mm clay of the soils. The statistical analysis showed that both the fixed ammonium content and the maximum capacity of ammonium fixation of the paddy soils were positively correlated with the total 2：1 type clay mineral content and hydrous mica content in 〈 0.02 mm clay and 0,02-0.002 mm clay at the significant level of P0.01 or P0.05, respectively, but not correlated with the total 2：1 type clay mineral content and hydrous mica content in 〈0.002 mm clay significantly, It demonstrated that the ammonium-fixing matrix of the tested soils mainly exists in the 0.02-0.002 mm clay. The above-mentioned results showed that fixed ammonium is a major form of N in the tillage soils in Hunan Province, China. It would play an important role in N nutrition of crops, especially for upland crops, and deserve to be further researched.

Spatial and temporal patterns of amphibian species richness on Tianping Mountain,Hunan Province,China

DEAR EDITOR,Exploring species richness patterns across space and time can help in understanding species distribution and in formulating conservation strategies.Among taxa,amphibians are of utmost importance as they are highly sensitive to environmental changes due to their unique life histories(Zhong et al.,2018).Here,we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of amphibian species richness on Tianping Mountain in China.Specifically,we established 10 transects at low to high elevations,and sampled amphibians in April,June,August,and October 2017.Our results demonstrated that amphibian species composition and richness varied significantly at both spatial and temporal scales and were associated with gradients of environmental change in microhabitats on Tianping Mountain.

Late Tremadoc and Early Floian Graptolites from Central Hunan,China

Fourteen graptolite species of the Late Tremadoc and Early Floian are described from the Nanba section in the Yiyang area,Hunan Province.Among them,Paradelograptus onubensis, Kiaerograptus bulmani,K.kutchini and Paratemnograptus isolatus of the Late Tremadoc are first found in China.Based on the current graptolite materials,the correspondingly complete graptolite zones of Upper Tremadocian in China are recognized as follows（in ascending order）：the Adelograptus tenellus Zone,the Aorograptus victoriae Zone,the Araneograptus murrayi Zone and the Hunnegraptus copiosus Zone.In the Nanba section,the Hunnegraptus copiosus Zone is overlain directly by the Tetragraptus approximatus Zone,there is no hiatus below the base of Floian.

Estimating health damage cost from secondary sulfate particles—a case study of Hunan Province,China

China's coal dominated energy pattern has resulted in large amount of SO 2 emissions. Estimate of the sulfur related health damage cost is necessary to help perform systematic cost benefit analysis and set national energy and emissions control priorities. Current researches were confined to gaseous SO 2 in urban areas; however, secondary sulfate (SO 2- 4) particles can exert serious impact in a wider region. Based on the concept of “intake fraction', CALPUFF long range dispersion model and 180 sample emission sources, multiple regression equation was obtained with good correlation( r =0 85), which illustrates that populations were key parameters to determine intake fraction but source characteristics were insignificant. Based on the formula and the population distribution data, county level intake fractions were mapped for Hunan Province(range: 1 1×10 -6 -3 2×10 -6 ) of China. A combination of county level SO 2 emissions with the intake fractions yields a total 1 98 tons of sulfate(SO 2- 4) inhalation, and resulting total health damage cost to be 0 76(willingness to pay approach, WTP) or 0 16(human capital approach, HC) billion USD in 1997, about 2.1% or 0 45% of GDP in Hunan in 1997. Average health damage cost per ton of SO 2 emission is 930(WTP) or 200 USD(HC). The results demonstrated that more stringent regulation should be forced.

Forest height mapping using inventory and multi-source satellite data over Hunan Province in southern China

Background:Accurate mapping of forest canopy heights at a fine spatial resolution over large geographical areas is challenging.It is essential for the estimation of forest aboveground biomass and the evaluation of forest ecosystems.Yet current regional to national scale forest height maps were mainly produced at coarse-scale.Such maps lack spatial details for decision-making at local scales.Recent advances in remote sensing provide great opportunities to fill this gap.Method:In this study,we evaluated the utility of multi-source satellite data for mapping forest heights over Hunan Province in China.A total of 523 plot data collected from 2017 to 2018 were utilized for calibration and validation of forest height models.Specifically,the relationships between three types of in-situ measured tree heights(maximum-,averaged-,and basal area-weighted-tree heights)and plot-level remote sensing metrics(multispectral,radar,and topo variables from Landsat,Sentinel-1/PALSAR-2,and SRTM)were analyzed.Three types of models(multilinear regression,random forest,and support vector regression)were evaluated.Feature variables were selected by two types of variable selection approaches(stepwise regression and random forest).Model parameters and model performances for different models were tuned and evaluated via a 10-fold cross-validation approach.Then,tuned models were applied to generate wall-to-wall forest height maps for Hunan Province.Results:The best estimation of plot-level tree heights(R2 ranged from 0.47 to 0.52,RMSE ranged from 3.8 to 5.3 m,and rRMSE ranged from 28%to 31%)was achieved using the random forest model.A comparison with existing forest height maps showed similar estimates of mean height,however,the ranges varied under different definitions of forest and types of tree height.Conclusions:Primary results indicate that there are small biases in estimated heights at the province scale.This study provides a framework toward establishing regional to national scale maps of vertical forest structure.

Cambrian Fossil Embryos from Western Hunan,South China

The exquisitely preserved fossil embryos of Markuelia recovered from the limestones of the Middle Cambrian Haoqiao Formation and Upper Cambrian Bitiao formation in western Hunan, South China are described and illustrated in detail for the first time. A new species Markuelia elegans sp. nov. is established based mainly on embryos from the Upper Cambrian. A few of animal＇s resting eggs, which are comparable with those of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation, have been also found in the Upper Cambrian of western Hunan. The membrane of one egg from the uppermost Cambrian has been replaced by pyrite and the overgrowth of the pyrite crystals exhibits a unique inorganic pattern termed herein ＇Pseudoembryo＇. The taphonomic setting in deeper water with possible strong reducing conditions promoted the excellent preservation for the Markuelia specimens. The study of Markuelia provides not only constraint on the anatomy, affinity, embryonic development and phylogenetic significance of this wormlike animal and but also opens a new window onto the evolution and development of the earliest animals.