Fossils in the Doushantuo Formation (IMAGE) Washington University in St. Louis Caption The new understanding of early ocean chemistry solves some mysteries about the evolution of early lifeforms, such as the nature of the spiny fossils found in the Doushantuo formation in southern China. The Doushantuo formation, laid down during the Ediacaran period, contains some of the earliest known fossils of multicellular animals. Credit Stephen Dornbos/University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Usage Restrictions Please credit as shwon License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.