Charniodiscus is a genus of extinct, soft-bodied organisms that lived during the late Precambrian period, approximately 600 million years ago. These creatures are classified as part of the Ediacaran biota, a group of early life forms that thrived in the oceans before the Cambrian explosion. Charniodiscus is characterized by its frond-like structure, which resembles a leaf or a feather, and it is believed to have been a filter feeder. Fossils of Charniodiscus have been found in various locations, including Canada and Australia. The unique morphology of these organisms provides valuable insights into the evolution of multicellular life. Researchers study Charniodiscus to better understand the ecological dynamics of ancient marine environments and the origins of complex life on Earth.