The origin and early evolution of eukaryotes 

The origin and early evolution of animals and their biomineralization

The macroevolution of eukaryotes using big data analyses 

Selected publications（*corresponding author，†equal contribution）

Tang, Q.*, Zheng, W., Zhang, S., Fan, J., Riedman, L.A., Hou, X., Muscente, A.D., Bykova, N., Sadler, P.M., Wang, X., Zhang, F., Yuan, X., Zhou, C., Wan, B., Pang, K.^*, Ouyang, Q., McKenzie, N.R., Zhao, G., Shen, S.^*, Xiao, S.^*, 2024. Quantifying the global biodiversity of Proterozoic eukaryotes. Science 386, eadm9137.

Zheng, W., Tang, Q.*, Xiao, S., Pang, K., Kang, J., Li, G., Zhou, C., Yuan, X., Wan, B.*, 2023. The Proterozoic Qinggouzi microfossil assemblage and its biostratigraphic constraints on the Great Unconformity in northeastern North China Craton. Precambrian Research, v.395, p.107130.

Tang, Q.*, Cui, H., Zhang, F., 2022. Neoproterozoic Earth-life system. Precambrian Research, v.368, p.106486.

Tang, Q., Pang, K., Chen, L., Li, G., Yuan, X., Xiao, S.*, 2021. One-billion-year-old epibionts highlight symbiotic ecological interactions in early eukaryote evolution: Gondwana Research, v.97, p.22-23.

Tang, Q.*, Pang, K., Chen, L., Li, G., Yuan, X., Sharma, M., Xiao, S.*, 2021. The Proterozoic macrofossil Tawuiaas a siphonous macroalga: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v.576, p.110485.

Pang, K.^†*, Tang, Q.^†, Wan, B., Yuan, X., Xiao, S.*, 2020. Raman spectroscopy of Proterozoic organic-walled microfossils from the south margin of North China Craton: Precambrian Research, v.346, p.105818.

Tang, Q.*, Pang, K., Xiao, S.*, Yuan, X., 2020. A one-billion-year-old multicellular chlorophyte: NatureEcology & Evolution, v.4, p.543-549.

Pang, K.^†*, Tang, Q ^†, Wan, B., Yuan, X.*, 2020. Wall ultrastructure, Raman spectroscopy and paleogeographic distribution of the potential late Mesoproterozoic to Tonian index fossil Trachyhystrichosphaera aimika: Palaeoworld, v.29, p.476-489.

Tang, Q., Hu, J., Xie, G., Yuan, X., Wan, B., Zhou, C., Dong, X., Cao, G., Lieberman, B.S., Leys, S.P., Xiao, S., 2019. A problematic animal fossil from the early Cambrian Hetang Formation, South China—A reply: Journal of Paleontology, v.93, p.1279-1282.

Tang, Q.,Wan, B.,Yuan, X., Muscente, A.D., Xiao, S.*, 2019. Spiculogenesis and biomineralization in early sponge animals: Nature Communications, v.10, p.3348.

Tang, Q., Hu, J., Xie, G., Yuan, X., Wan, B., Zhou, C., Dong, X., Cao, G., Lieberman, B.S., Leys, S.P., Xiao, S., 2019. A problematic animal fossil from the early Cambrian Hetang Formation, South China: Journal of Paleontology, v.93, p.1047-1057.

Tang, Q., Hughes, N. C., McKenzie, N. R., Myrow, P. M., and Xiao, S.*, 2017. Late Mesoproterozoic-early Neoproterozoic organic-walled microfossils from the Madhubani Group of the Ganga Valley, northern India: Palaeontology, v.60, p.869-891.

Tang, Q., Pang, K., Yuan, X., Xiao, S.*, 2017. Electron microscopy reveals evidence for multicellularity in the Proterozoic fossil Chuaria:Geology, v.45, p.75-78.

Tang, Q., Pang, K., Xiao, S.*, Yuan, X., Wan, B., 2015. Organic-walled microfossils from the Tonian Gouhou Formation, Huaibei region, North China Craton, and their biostratigraphic implications:Precambrian Research, v.266, p.296-318.

Tang, Q., Pang, K., Xiao, S.*, Yuan, X., Ou, Z., and Wan, B., 2013. Organic-walled microfossils from the early Neoproterozoic Liulaobei Formation in the Huainan region of North China and their biostratigraphic significance: Precambrian Research, v.236, p.157-181.

Other Publications

2025

Liu, L., Han, J., Zhang, Z., Tang, Q., Pang, K., Li, R., Wu, Y.^*, Hua, H., Guo, B., Cai, C., Riding, R.^*, 2025. Ordovician marine Charophyceae and insights into land plant derivations. Nature Plants, 10.1038/s41477-025-02003-y

Huang, R., Li, G., Wang, J., Tang, Q., Qiu, M., Chen, Q., Qu, H., Wu, C., Cui, W., Yan, X., Zhou, C., Yuan, X., Pang, K.^*, 2025. One-billion-year-old eukaryotic algal fossil Arctacellularia from North China and its implications for the evolution of pre-Cryogenian filamentous multicellularity. Precambrian Research 425, 107823.

Wang, L., Cao, M., Lin, Y., Wu, F., Tang, Q., Zhang, F., 2025. Reconstruction of marine redox landscape during the Cryogenian interglacial oceans using thallium isotopes. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 662, 119419.

2024

Denezine, M., do Carmo, D.A., Xiao, S., Tang, Q., Sergeev, V., Mazoni, A.F., Zabini, C., 2024. Organic-walled microfossils from the Ediacaran Sete Lagoas Formation, Bambuí Group, Southeast Brazil: taxonomic and biostratigraphic analyses. Journal of Paleontology 98, 283-307.

Pang, K., Tang, Q., Li, G., Wan, B., Ouyang, Q., Wang, X., 2024. Origin and early evolution of multicellular eukaryotic algae in the Proterozoic Eon. China Basic Science 26, 1-16.

Kang, J., Tang, Q., Gill, B., Reid, R., Zheng, W., Xiao, S., 2024. Carbonate δ13C chemostratigraphy of the Hunjiang Group in North China and a tentative stratigraphic framework for the Meso-Neoproterozoic transition. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology, 112505.

Zheng, W., Lou, Z., Yu, Y., Tang, Q., Wang, X., Zhao, X., Shi, H., Wan, B., 2022. FossilMorph: A new tool for fossil automatic measurement and statistical analysis. Palaeoworld, v.33, 1435-1447

Niu, C., Li, G., Tang, Q., Wang, X., Huang, R., Qu, H., Qiu, M., Wan, B., Chen, Z., Zhou, C., Pang, K., Yuan, X., 2024. Chuaria and Tawuia fossils from ∼1.0 Ga rocks in North China: Implications for a polyphyletic origin of Chuaria and a potential biological link between these two widespread Proterozoic taxa. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology,v. 636, 111966.

2023

Li, G., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Chen, L., Wu, C., Huang, R., Wan, B., Yuan, X., Zhou, C., 2023. Tonian discoidal fossils from North China: Relating discs to worm-like annulated tubes and their paleoecological and evolutionary implications. Palaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology,v.628, 111780.

Li, D., Luo, G., Tang, Q., She, Z., Xiao, S., 2023. New record of the green algal fossil Proterocladus and coexisting microfossils from the Meso-Neoproterozoic Diaoyutai Formation in southern Liaoning, North China. Precambrian Research,v.393, 107104.

Li, G., Chen, L., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Wu, C., Yuan, X., Zhou, C., Xiao, S., 2023. Tonian carbonaceous compressions shed light on Horodyskia, one of the oldest multicellular and coenocytic macro-organisms. Communication Biology,v.6, p.399.

Li, G., Chen, L., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Wu, C.-X., Huang, R., Qiu, M.-Y., Yuan, X.-L., Zhou, C.-M., 2024. Macroalgal fossil Longfengshania from the Tonian Shiwangzhuang and Jiuliqiao formations in western Shandong and northern Anhui, North China. Palaeoworld, v.33, 1153-1169.

Yuan, X., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Li, G., Xiao, S., Zhou, C., Chen, Z., Chen, L., Wan, B., Wang, W., Guan, C., Ouyang, Q., Niu, C., Wang, X., Liu, Y., 2023. The origin and early evolution of complex organisms. Chinese Science Bulletin,v.68, 169–187.

Zheng, W., Wang, X., Wan, B., Pang, K., Tang, Q., 2023. Early Cambrian evaporite deposits in the North China Craton and their event stratigraphic, paleogeographic, and paleoenvironmental implications. Journal of Asian Earth Science. v.242, 105489.

Zhang, S., Wang, X., Wang, H., Tang, Q., Zhang, F., Lü, D., 2023. What are the Limiting Environmental Factors for the Evolution of Early Eukaryotic Diversity? Journal of Earth Science,v. 34, 1313-1314.

2022

Zhao, G., Han, Y., Li, J., Yao, J., Liu, Q., Zhang, D., Wang, C., Tang, Q., Zhang, J., Yin, C., Zhang, G., Environmental effects of assembly and breakup of supercontinents. Acta Geologica Sinica, v.96, p.1-8.

2021

Xiao, S., Tang, Q., 2021. Treatise Online no. 160: Part B, Volume 2, Chapter 7: Microfossils of Prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea): Research History, Taphonomy, and Paleobiology. Treatise Online, v.160, p.1-37.

2020

Wan, B., Chen, Z., Yuan, X., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Guan, C., Wang, X., Pandey, S. K., and Xiao, S., 2020, A tale of three taphonomic modes: The Ediacaran fossil Flabellophytonpreserved in limestone, black shale, and sandstone:Gandwana Research, v.84, p.296-314.

2019

Wan, B., Tang, Q., Pang, K., Wang, X., Bao, Z., Meng, F., Zhou, C., Yuan, X., Hua, H., Xiao, S.,2019. Repositioning the Great Unconformity in Huaibei region at the southeastern margin of North China Craton: Precambrian Research, v.324, p.1-17.

2018

Xiao, S., and Tang, Q., 2018. After the boring billion and before the freezing millions: evolutionary patterns and innovations in the Tonian Period: Emerging topics in life sciences. v.2, p.161-171.

Pang, K., Tang, Q., Chen, L., Wan, B., Niu, C., Yuan, X., and Xiao, S., 2018. Nitrogen-Fixing Heterocystous Cyanobacteria in the Tonian Period: Current Biology, v.28, p.616-622.

Delarue, F., Bobert, F., Tartese, R., Sugitani, K., Tang, Q., Duhamel, R., Pont, S., and Xiao, S., 2018. Can NanoSIMS probe quantatively the geochemical composition of ancient organic-walled microfossils? A case study from the early Neoproterozoic Liulaobei Formation: Precambrian Research, v.311, p.65-73.

2017

Hoshino, Y., Poshibaeva, A., Meredith, W., Snape, C., Poshibaev, V., Versteegh, G. J. M., Kuznetsov, N., Leider, A., Maldegem, L. v., Neumann, M., Naeher, S., Moczydlowska, M., Brocks, J. J., Jarrett, A., Tang, Q., Xiao, S., McKirdy, D., Das, S., Alvaro, J. J., Sansjofre, P., and Hallmann, C., 2017. Cryogenian evolution of stigmasteroid biosynthesis: Science Advances, v.3, e1700887.

2016

Xiao, S., Tang, Q., Hughes, N.C., McKenzie, N.R., Myrow, P.M., 2016. Biostratigraphic and detrital zircon age constraints on the basement of the Himalayan Foreland Basin: Implications for a Proterozoic link to the Lesser Himalaya and cratonic India:Terra Nova, v.28, p.419-426.

Wan, B., Yuan, X., Chen, Z., Guan, C., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Xiao, S., 2016. Systematic description of putative animal fossils from the early Ediacaran Lantian Formation of South China:Palaeontology, v.59, p.515-532.

Yuan, X., Wan, B., Guan, C., Chen, Z., Zhou, C., Xiao, S., Wang, W., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Hua, H., 2016. Lantian Biota. Shanghai Science and Technology Press, Shanghai. 140 p.

2015

Abbott, S.S., King, D.J., Leckey, E.H., Muscente, A.D., Ortega-Ariza, D., Poole, C.R., Riedman, L.A., Tang, Q., Wernette, S.W., 2015. Reflections on major themes in current stratigraphy by early career scientists and students:The Sedimentary Record, v.13, p.2-14.

Hughes, N.C., Myrow, P.M., McKenzie, N.R., Xiao, S., Banerjee, D.M., StockIi, D.F., Tang, Q., 2015. Age and implications of the Neoproterozoic Birmania Formation, Rajasthan, India:Precambrian Research, v.267, p.64-173.

Pang, K., Tang, Q., Yuan, X., Bin, W., Xiao, S., 2015. A biomechanical analysis of the early eukaryotic fossil Valeria and new occurrence of organic-walled microfossils from the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Ruyang Group:Palaeoworld, v.24, p.251-262.

2014

Wan, B., Xiao, S., Yuan, X., Chen, Z., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Guan, C., Maisano, J.A., 2014. Orbisiana linearis from the early Ediacaran Lantian Formation of South China and its taphonomic and ecological implications:Precambrian Research, v.255, p.266-275.

Wang, W., Guan, C., Zhou, C., Wan, B., Tang, Q., Chen, X., Chen, Z., Yuan, X., 2014. Exceptional preservation of macrofossils from the Ediacaran Lantian and Miaohe biotas, South China:PALAIOS, v.29, p.129-136.

Xiao, S., Shen, B., Tang, Q., Kaufman, A.J., Yuan, X., Li, J., Qian, M., 2014.Biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic constraints on the age of early Neoproterozoic carbonate successions in North China:Precambrian Research, v.246, p.208-225.

2013

Wan, B., Guan, C., Zhou, C., Meng, F., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Rao, X., 2013. Petrologic and geochemical characteristics of K-bentonites from the basal Ediacaran in Yangtze Platform, South China and their geological significance:Acta Petrologica Sinica, v.29, p.4373-4386.

Pang, K., Tang, Q., Schiffbauer, J. D., Yao, J., Yuan, X., Wan, B., Chen, L., Ou, Z., and Xiao, S., 2013. The nature and origin of nucleus-like intracellular inclusions in Paleoproterozoic eukaryote microfossils: Geobiology. v.11, p.499-510.

Wan, B., Yuan, X., Chen, Z., Guan, C., Pang, K., Tang, Q., Rao, X., 2013. Quantitative analysis of Flabellophyton from the Ediacaran Lantian biota, South China: Application of geometric morphometrics in Precambrian fossil research: Acta Geologica Sinica, v.87, p.905-915.

2012

Wang, D., Chen, L., Tang, Q., Pang, K., 2012. Spheroidal fossils with helically distributed pores from the Ediacaran Doushantuo phosphorites in Weng’an, Guizhou: Acta Palaeontologica Sinica, v.51, p.88-95.