Abstract: Based on the Yoredale cyclic sequences of Upper Carboniferous coal-bearing strata of Zhungerqi,Inner Mongolia,the identifiable criteria of the brachiopod community succession and climax community are discussed in this paper.It is pointed out that the Yoredale cycle and climax or decline stages are all ideal time markers.In the light of stages of community succession,the stratigraphic division and correlation could be more effective and precise than using fossil assemblage zones.