Functional anatomy inspires recognition of Ediacaran Dickinsonia and similar fossils as Mollusca (Coleoidea) and precursors of Cambrian Nectocaridids and extant cuttlefish and squid

A functional interpretation of the problematic Ediacaran fossils Podolimurus and similar organisms such as Dickinsonia indicates that they are hitherto unrecognized members of Mollusca: Coleoidea and precursors of Cambrian Nectocaridids and of extant cuttlefish and squid. This interpretation enables a new understanding of their taphonomy and reveals how this has deceived previous attempts to understand them.