bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New species of the genus Parkiella (Foraminifera) from the Late Cretaceous Central Pacific Ocean: biostratigraphy, biogeography, and the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary
Authors: Widmark Joen G. V. , Kucera Michal
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Two new species, Parkiella angulocamerata sp. nov. and P. globocamerata sp. nov., are described from the Late Cretaceous (late Maastrichtian) Central Pacific Ocean, DSDP Sites 465 and 171. Examination under the SEM revealed apertural features that were not documented in the original description of Parkiella. An ‘L’-shaped aperture was originally considered as a diagnostic character of Parkiella; we suggest that this is a preservational artefact and question its diagnostic value. The existence of internal toothplates determine both Parkiella described here as members of the family Turrilinidae Cushman 1927. Both species were found to be endemic to the tropical Pacific Ocean. They occurred in sequence throughout the Maastrichtian section at Site 465 with a minimum (one sample) stratigraphic overlap. Parkiella globocamerata is one of the few deep-sea benthic foraminiferal species that indeed became extinct at the Cretaceous/Palaeogene (K/Pg) boundary. However, we document a decrease in both relative abundance and accumulation rate of the species already prior to the K/Pg transition. We propose that the interval between the LO (Last Occurrence) of P. angulocamerata and the LO of P. globocamerata is indicative of uppermost Cretaceous (Micula prinsii Zone) strata in the tropical Pacific.
Using spreadsheets to produce stacked histogram, stacked line and spindle charts
Authors: Young Jeremy R. , Geisen Markus
Published: July 2010

Abstract. INTRODUCTIONBy far the most widely available computer programs for recording, manipulating, and displaying numerical data are spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel™ and Lotus 1-2-3™. These are powerful and flexible tools and for most workers this is an obvious way of recording micropalaeontological data. However, they have been primarily produced for business users and have limited abilities when it comes to plotting scientific graphs. This note describes some indirect but rapid methods, for using the standard graphing tools in such packages, to produce additional types of graphs of value to micropalaeontologists.STACKED HISTOGRAM CHARTSFigure 1 is a stacked histogram chart, produced in Microsoft Excel™. This type of diagram is useful, for instance, in displaying variations in size of a species between samples through a section. Stacked histogram charts are not directly supported by any spreadsheets that I have seen. As a result, they can usually only be produced by rather inefficient techniques. For example, making a separate chart for each sample and then combining them in a graphics program. The indirect approach used here is to separate each true data series with a mirror image padding data series, which is not displayed. The entire diagram is then plotted as a single chart. The steps for doing this are:(1) Enter the data (specimens per size class) in a spreadsheet (samples v. size classes).(2) Between each pair of data columns insert a column with equations which will calculate mirror image padding data. These will have the form C3 = . . .
The genus Boltovskoyella (foraminifera) from Patagonia
Authors: Náñez Carolina
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Four species of the genus Boltovskoyella Malumián & Masiuk are recognized in Patagonia, among them, B. paleocenica sp. nov., which is described from Danian shallow marine sediments. Considering that the previous records of Boltovskoyella are from the Middle-Late Eocene, this new species represents the oldest known occurrence of the genus. Boltovskoyella seems to be endemic to Patagonia, shows opportunistic features and prefers temperate-warm water settings.
New Permian ostracods from Greece (Hydra Island)
Authors: Crasquin-Soleau Sylvie , Baud Aymon
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A new Permian (Late Asselian–Dorashamian) ostracod fauna (66 species belonging to 35 genera) from Hydra Island (Greece) is described. Twelve new species are described: Hollinella (P.) hydraensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp, Bairdia episkopiensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Bairdia rigasensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Bairdia thikiaensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Chamishaella marmariensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Cypridina gussevaae Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Cyathus barmariensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Cyathus klimakiensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Bairdiacypris bistiensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Shishaella hellenensis Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Bairdia ishizakii Crasquin-Soleau n.sp., Petasobairdia kozuri Crasquin-Soleau n.sp. Forty-four other species are figured. This assemblage is characteristic of a shallow water platform. The palaeobiogeographic relationships are presented and represent significant additions to the Permian Palaeo-Tethyan ostracod faunas.
Taxonomy and ecology of the Family Cytheruridae (Ostracoda) in Recent sediments from the northern Rio de Janeiro coast, Brazil
Authors: Ramos Maria Ines Feijo , Coimbra Joao Carlos , Whatley Robin C. , Moguilevsky Alicia
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A study of the family Cytheruridae in Recent sediments from the coast of northern Rio de Janeiro State revealed the presence of four new species: (Hemicytherura auriculata, Oculocytheropteron delicatum, Oculocytheropteron circumcostatum and Semicytherura caudata,) and four previously described species (Semicytherura rugosoreticulata Whatley, Chadwick, Coxill & Toy, 1988, Oculocytheropteron macropunctatum Whatley, Chadwick, Coxill & Toy, 1988, Oculocytheropteron reticulopunctatum Whatley, Chadwick, Coxill & Toy, 1988 and Paracytheridea bulbosa Purper & Ornellas, 1989). A further two species Cytheropteron sp. and Kangarina sp. are left in open nomenclature due to paucity of the material. The ecology and distribution of the fauna suggest that the presence of many of these species, which also occur in colder waters off the coast of Uruguay and Argentina, is probably due to the upwelling of the South Atlantic Central Water in this area.
Palaeoenvironment of Maastrichtian ostracods from ODP Holes 1049B, 1050C and 1052E in the Western North Atlantic
Authors: Majoran Stefan
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The Maastrichtian ostracods recovered from ODP Holes 1049B, 1050C and 1052E on the Blake Nose, Western North Atlantic, are investigated. The three sites are located on a depth transect encompassing middle to lower bathyal, Late Cretaceous palaeodepths. Fourteen samples ranging in age from early to late Maastrictian are investigated from Hole 1052E, which is the shallowest site. The early Maastrichtian G. falsostuarti–G. gansseri Zone of Hole 1052E yields rare ostracods. The species richness, abundance and faunal density are on average considerably higher in the late Maastrichtian R. fructicosa and A. mayaroensis Zones of Hole 1052E, possibly, at least partly, as a result of palaeoceanographical changes that were also responsible for the disappearance of the inoceramid bivalves at this location. A palaeobathymetrical comparsion among the late Maastrichtian ostracod assemblages recorded from Holes 1049B, 1050C and 1052E shows that the faunal density and mean number of taxa are inversely correlated with palaeodepth; however, the dominance of the platycopid genus Cytherella increases with palaeodepth. A dominance of platycopids may signify environmental stress related to low oxygen content. The dominance of the benthic foraminifer Nuttalides trumpeyi in the Late Cretaceous of Holes 1049B and 1050C provides additional evidence of oxygen deficiency. From a total of 28 genera recorded from Holes 1049B, 1050C and 1052E, 14 were previously recorded from Hole 689B, a high latitude hole in the Southern Ocean, and show that many ostracod genera display a wide latitudinal distribution in the Late Cretaceous deep sea, although more geographically restricted genera are also present, analogous with modern and Tertiary oceans.
Review of the dinoflagellate cyst Stephanelytron Sarjeant 1961 emend
Authors: Courtinat Bernard
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The stratigraphic distribution of the Late Callovian to Early Oxfordian dinoflagellate cyst Stephanelytron Sarjeant 1961 emend provides new evidence pertaining to its evolution. Middle and Upper Callovian times favoured the development of speciations to a short-ranging Stephanelytron community with corona(s) in ventral–posterior position (Stephanelytron brontes, S. callovianum, S. ceto and S. tabulophorum) from eurytopic species with antapical coronas (S. caytonense, S. membranoidium, S. redcliffense and S. scarburghense). The former group of species (except S. tabulophorum) may represent an example of peripatric speciation from an unfavourable mutation. The reduced stratigraphic range gives the appearance of an endemic population. The genus Lagenadinium Piel, 1985 is a junior synonym of Stephanelytron Sarjeant, 1961. A new emendation of Stephanelytron, two new combinations (S. callovianum and S. membranoidium) and two new species (?S. brontes and S. ceto) are proposed.
The Reverend Henry Eley, and his collection of foraminifera preserved in flint
Authors: Hodgkinson Richard L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. INTRODUCTIONThe Reverend Henry Eley ma was a little-known Victorian cleric who wrote a delightful book entitled Geology in the Garden in 1859. In it are described and illustrated many foraminifera preserved in flint, which are some of the first recorded Upper Cretaceous foraminifera from south east England. Jones & Parker thought well enough of his work to review Eley’s material in 1872. Eley’s collection is preserved in The Natural History Museum, London.BACKGROUNDWhilst undertaking an investigation into the life and work of Professor Thomas Rupert Jones, I came across an old collection of foraminifera in The Natural History Museum (registration numbers 54916–54944) attributed to a Rev. H. Eley. This, Jones had not only recorded in his Catalogue (1882: p. 14) but earlier in 1872 (with W. K. Parker) had thought worthy of revision – much as they had done with other more famous collections during the 1860s in their series On the Nomenclature of the Foraminifera. Why they should choose such an apparently obscure collection was unclear until I had chance to read a letter in the Museum’s archive, which Jones (1882) had previously mentioned. The letter was written by Eley to Jones on the 23 February 1872 from 5 Bloomsbury Place, Brighton. This indicates that Jones knew Eley and his whereabouts, since the former writes that he was going to read the March 1872 issue of the Geological Magazine with interest, because he remembered that ... ‘the note at the foot of page 195 of the Geology . . .
Inter-shell casts of entactiniid radiolarians from the Devonian of SW China
Authors: Luo Hui , Aitchison Jonathan C. , Wang Yujing
Published: July 2010

Abstract. In the course of studies on Devonian radiolarian faunas from Nanning, Guangxi, SW China (Luo et al., 1997), numerous smooth siliceous microspheres (Fig. 1) are encountered together with abundant spherical entactiniid radiolarians. The present investigation reveals that these microspheres are siliceous casts formed through precipitation of silica between the medullary and cortical shells of entactiniid radiolarians. As these microspheres are commonly the most abundant particles encountered in some Devonian samples, an understanding of their origins is desirable.Examined material is from two bedded chert samples collected from the upper part of the Tanhe Formation at Wuxiangling, 5 km SE of Nanning, Guangxi Province, SW China. Tanhe Formation consists of thin dark grey, brown grey cherty rock and cherty mudstone containing abundant radiolarians (entactiniids, ceratoikiscids and palaeoscenidiids) and tentaculitids. Based on zonation of tentaculitid faunas this formation is Lower to Middle Devonian (Upper Emsian – Lower Givetian) (Zhong et al., 1992; Kuang et al., 1996). A standard method (Pessagno & Newport, 1972) for extraction of radiolarians from cherts using hydroflouric acid was applied.Free microspheres are the most common individuals (Pl. 1, figs 1, 8). All have smooth surfaces and possess some relatively larger holes or pores. Average microsphere diameter (20 specimens) is 92 μm. Hole shapes vary from three-bladed to round with spines rarely seen penetrating the microspheres (Pl. 1, figs 7, 10). A full range of material from microsphere-bearing entactiniids in which there are remnants of the original spongy radiolarian shells (Pl. 1, figs 5–7, 9) to solitary microspheres . . .
Taxonomic relationships in the genus Ammonia (Foraminifera) based on ribosomal DNA sequences
Authors: Holzmann Maria , Pawlowski Jan
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The genus Ammonia is a common benthic foraminifer which is widely distributed in nearshore marine environments. Its large morphological variability causes considerable difficulties in species identification. In the present study, we investigated taxonomic relationships in Ammonia by using a molecular approach based on ribosomal DNA sequences. We obtained 149 partial large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences and 23 small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences from 88 living Ammonia specimens which were collected from free-living populations in 14 localities. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of eight distinct genotypic groups (T1–T7, T9) and one distinct genotype that is represented by one specimen (T8). Examination of morphological characters shows that only one genotypic group can be clearly distinguished by its morphology. Biogeographical and ecological features are used for an additional characterization and it seems that the different groups live in relatively well defined environmental conditions and that only one genotypic group is cosmopolitan, while the others have a rather restricted geographical distribution. According to our study, three of the genotypic groups can be regarded as distinct species.
Systematic review and evolution of the early Cytheruridae (Ostracoda)
Authors: Whatley Robin , Boomer Ian
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A review of the literature on the taxonomy of Triassic and Early Jurassic cytheracean Ostracoda reveals that the validity of many genera is questionable. A number of studies of the Triassic microfaunas from eastern European sequences have, in particular, obscured the true generic and suprageneric classification of many ostracod taxa. The present study concentrates on the diverse extant cytheracean family the Cytheruridae, whose origins are in the earliest Mesozoic–latest Palaeozoic, but it is clear that many contemporary cytheracean families present similar problems. This review clarifies the previous taxonomic confusion and obfuscation by demonstrating that many of these genera are spurious having been erected on specific rather than generic morphological criteria. Many of them are best accommodated within the extant genus Eucytherura Müller, 1894. Most of the cytherurid genera known from the Liassic deposits of NW Europe can be traced back to these Triassic assemblages. In considering the origin and earliest evolution of the Cytheruridae, we note that some Triassic taxa share characteristics typical of both the Cytheruridae and the Bythocytheridae and it is suggested that the former may have arisen from the latter family during the latest Permian or earliest Triassic. We also note that the palaeoenvironmental interpretation of many of the Triassic deposits is brackish-water, marginal marine.
‘Organic nannofossils’: a new type of palynomorph from the Palaeogene of the North Sea
Authors: Hochuli Peter A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Organic microfossils of regular dodecahedral shape are found in the Palaeogene (Lower Oligocene) of the central and northern parts of the Norwegian North Sea. The shape and structure of these fossils are very similar to coccospheres of the calcareous nannoplankton genus Braarudosphaera. The individual pentagonal plates show the same morphological features as replicas of the inner surface of pentaliths forming calcareous coccospheres. It is the first evidence that a representative of calcareous nannoplankton (Haptophyta, Coccolithophorales) is found to produce acid-resistant organic microfossils. The organic remains might have been produced by an undescribed species of the genus Braarudosphaera or represent an unknown stage in the life cycle of species which normally produce calcareous plates.
The shell of the ostracod Halocypris inflata (Dana, 1849) examined by the ion beam etch technique
Authors: Smith Teresa M. , Bate Raymond H.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Bombardment of the shell of the myodocopid ostracod Halocypris inflata (Dana, 1849) with charged ions (ion beam etch technique) has resulted in the elucidation of the chitin structure of the cuticle. We show that this technique has produced results that support earlier transmission electron microscopical studies and we demonstrate the importance of the ion beam etch technique not only to ostracod research but to the study of organic material in general.
Kimmeridge Clay Ostracoda of the North Wootton Borehole, Norfolk, England
Authors: Wilkinson Ian P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Ostracoda from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation (Upper Jurassic) of the North Wootton Borehole was examined from a biostratigraphical point of view. The ostracod zonal scheme, previously erected for the stratotype section in Dorset, is modified and the faunas are related to the 47 beds which can be recognised by a combination of macrofaunal and lithological characteristics. Seven ostracod assemblage zones are recognised in the borehole, of these three are new and one is subdivided into two subzones. One new genus, Micrommatocythere, together with four new species and one new subspecies–Micrommatocythere edmundi, Paranotacythere (Unicosta) effusa, Mandelstamia (Xeromandelstamia) horrida, Macrodentina (Polydentina) woottonensis and Galliaecytheridea mandelstami kilenyii–are described.
The distribution of Recent Radiolaria in surficial sediments of the continental margin off northern Namibia
Authors: Robson Simon
Published: July 2010

Abstract. 47 Species of radiolaria have been identified from 30 surface sediment samples collected along transects across the continental margin of northern Namibia between the Kunene River and Walvis Bay. From the distribution patterns of the 24 most abundant species, it was possible to identify a warm water, high salinity population and a cold water, low salinity population. The distribution patterns of each population shows a close correspondence with the known positions of the Angola Current (warm, high salinity water) and the Benguela Current (cold, low salinity water) respectively. Two other trends are apparent from the overall radiolaria distribution; dilution of the nearshore samples by terrigeneous input and a strong preference for open ocean conditions. There is no apparent correlation with upwelling.
The main morphological trends in the development of the foraminiferal aperture and their taxonomic significance
Authors: Mikhalevich Valetia , Debenay Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2010

Abstract. As a result of the intensive movement of the cytoplasm through the aperture when communication with the environment is required, this area has an important and variable functional burden. Additional skeletal structures have a fundamental supporting function along the course of this strong cytoplasmic stream and may be related to the compartmentalization and differentiation of the cytoplasm. As a result of these important functional roles, the structure of the aperture is one of the basic diagnostic features in foraminiferal taxonomy.The simplest and least diverse apertural types are found in the most ancient unilocular or pseudo-chambered representatives of the classes Lagynata and Astrorhizata. Their development from simple to complicated ones in the different classes (following the new foraminiferal macrosystem proposed by Mikhalevich) shows a significant number of parallelisms and convergences.In both the lower agglutinated groups and the higher calcareous members of the classes Spirillinata, Miliolata, Nodosariata and Rotaliata, the evolutionary trends of the apertures are similar within the same class, even if those of the lower groups are always structurally simpler and less diversified. These trends continue until all the possibilities of the pre-existing structures are exhausted. Then, new structures, sometimes affecting the whole cell organization arise and the possibilities of morphological changes multiply, leading to evolutionary divergence.
Soft-shelled benthic foraminifera from a hadal site (7800 m water depth) in the Atacama Trench (SE Pacific): preliminary observations
Authors: Sabbatini Anna , Morigi Caterina , Negri Alessandra , Gooday Andrew J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Soft-shelled foraminifera (organic-walled allogromiids and agglutinated saccamminids) are an important component of the deep-sea meiofauna. Although these largely monothalamous taxa are common at bathyal and abyssal sites in almost all oceans, there are only two records from hadal depths. Here we report the occurrence of numerous allogromiids and saccamminids in a sample collected at 7800 m water depth in the Atacama Trench. The >20 μm fraction of the core sample (0–6 cm layer) yielded a total of 546 soft-walled specimens, the vast majority of them Rose Bengal stained, belonging to 20 morphospecies. Most specimens were allogromiids (82.0%), followed by saccamminids (11.0%) and psammosphaerids (6.0%). Allogromiids, particularly Nodellum- and Resigella-like forms, were responsible for a distinct peak around 120–160 μm in the size distribution, while the spherical Allogromiid sp. 1 dominated the larger-size classes. This sample provides further evidence for the widespread occurrence of soft-walled monothalamous foraminifera in marine habitats. A form resembling Resigella is common in the Atacama Trench sample but has not been observed at abyssal sites in the Pacific Ocean or Atlantic Ocean.
New charophytes from the Upper Jurassic of the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal)
Authors: Pereira Ricardo , Feist Monique , Azerêdo Ana C.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. In the Lusitanian Basin (west-central Portugal), Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) sediments were investigated in order to identify palaeontological assemblages of charophytes. Systematic studies were undertaken on specimens obtained from four field sections (Pedrógão, Vale de Ventos, Memória and Valverde). These studies revealed the presence of new forms of Porocharaceae (Porochara pedunculata n. sp) and of forms previously unknown in this region (Auerbachichara cf. saidakovskyi), as well as P. raskyae, P. minima, P. fusca, P. sulcata, P. kimmeridgensis, Aclistochara longiformis and Porochara sp. Comparison of the charophyte palaeofloras recognized in all of the studied sections has allowed the definition of three different assemblages which, coupled with other data, help to correlate these successions of Early (?) to Middle (Late?) Oxfordian age.
An ostracod fauna from the upper Langport Member (Penarth Group: Rhaetian, Upper Triassic) near Watchet, west Somerset (UK), including two new species of Eucytherura and Cytherelloidea praepulchella n. nom.
Authors: Swift Andrew
Published: July 2010

Abstract. An abundant ostracod fauna consisting of just five species is described from the upper part of the Langport Member of the Lilstock Formation of the Penarth Group (Rhaetian, Late Triassic) near Watchet, west Somerset. The fauna is dominated by Ogmoconchella bristolensis (Anderson) and Cytherella plattensis Anderson. The only other ostracods present are two new species of Eucytherura, and a form previously identified as Cytherelloidea pulchella Apostolescu or Cytherelloidea cf. pulchella, which is here revised and renamed Cytherelloidea praepulchella.
Coiling direction in Globigerina bulloides of Middle Miocene age
Authors: Gonera Malgorzata , Peryt Tadeusz Marek , Durakiewicz Tomasz
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Detailed analysis of the early evolutionary stage of Globigerina bulloides in Middle Miocene calcareous nannoplankton zones NN5 and NN6 shows no preference for sinistral or dextral coiling patterns despite seawater temperature variations (as inferred from stable isotope analyses of foraminifer shells). Accordingly, coiling direction was proportional or biased to sinistral.
Late Triassic (Early to Middle Norian) radiolarians from the Antalya Nappes, Antalya, SW Turkey
Authors: Tekin Ugur Kagan , Yurtsever Tugrul Sukru
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The Gökdere Formation of the Alakircay Nappe (Antalya Nappes) mainly consists of cherty limestone and limestone with calciturbidite intercalations. Moderately to well-preserved radiolarians were obtained from the Gökcam section of the Gökdere Formation located to the west of Antalya City, southwestern Turkey. The radiolarians of the Gökdere Formation obtained in this study are comparable to the faunas described from the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia and the Antalya Nappes, southwestern Turkey. The age range of the radiolarians is late Early Norian to early Middle Norian based on the co-occurrence of Capnodoce serisa, Harsa siscwaiensis, Xiphosphaera fistulata and an associated fauna. Three species (Nodocapnuchosphaera altineri, Renzium whalenae and Enoplocampe(?) norica) and one subspecies (Kinyrosphaera helicata goekcamensis) are defined as new.
Aggregates of the acritarch Dilatisphaera laevigata: faecal pelletization, phytoplankton bloom or defence against phagotrophy?
Authors: Mullins Gary L.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Monospecific aggregates of 2–7 individuals of the Silurian acritarch Dilatisphaera laevigata Lister are described. Each generally consists of a central collection of vesicles surrounded by elongate, radiating processes. Acritarchs could aggregate by chance during sample processing, or they may have formed within a sporangia-like structure, although such structures are considered unlikely for D. laevigata. Analogies with modern algae suggest that the aggregates of D. laevigata could have formed by faecal pelletization in the surface waters, or by coagulation of individuals during phytoplankton blooms. In this latter instance the baculate/spinose vesicle ornament and digitate-like branching of the processes may have increased the chances of adhesion. It is also plausible that the aggregates may represent a morphological defence against predation or parasitic infection.
A taxonomic and distributional survey of marine benthonic Ostracoda off Kerguelen and Heard Islands, South Indian Ocean
Authors: Ayress Michael A. , De Deckker Patrick , Coles Graham P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. From an examination of 34 grab and dredge samples ranging from 110 m to 3584 m water depth, collected during Eltanin cruise 47 across the Kerguelen Plateau, 26 shallow-water and 35 deep-sea benthonic ostracod species have been identified. Systematic notes and illustrations of the common and some of the rare species are presented. Two new species are described: Philoneptunus cassidyi n. sp. and Taracythere abyssora n. sp. Comparisons made with the Atlantic and SW Pacific Oceans and circum-Antarctic regions indicate that the fauna comprises dominantly cosmopolitan deep-sea species while most of the other species have close affinities with the SW Pacific. In the Kerguelen material, seven distinct depth assemblages appear to correspond well with differing watermasses and there is evidence that the relatively shallow position of Antarctic Intermediate Water permits elevation of the upper depth limits of some deep-sea species. Some species have developed ornament of fine reticulation, features not previously seen in those species outside the Kerguelen region.
An Oligocene non-marine ostracod fauna from the Basgo Formation (Ladakh Molasse), NW Himalaya, India
Authors: Bajpai Sunil , Whatley Robin C. , Prasad G. V. R. , Whittaker John E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A small fauna of three species of non-marine cypridacean Ostracoda has been recovered from the Basgo Formation of the Ladakh Molasse in the North Western Himalaya, India. All three species are new and are described herein. They are: Dongyingia sannionis sp. nov., Candona himalaica sp. nov. and Eucypris alpina sp. nov. Previous palaeontological data from the Basgo Formation, although embracing a number of vertebrate and invertebrate groups and also charophytes, have been rather poor and have not allowed anything other than a somewhat conjectural age determination. However, the genus Dongyingia is only known elsewhere from the Upper Oligocene of China, where it is an abundant and characteristic component of non-marine sequences. The overall excellent preservation of the Ostracoda in this study militates against their having been derived and, thus, provides good evidence for a Late Oligocene age for the Basgo Formation.
First occurrence of the genus Zonocypris (Ostracoda) in the Pleistocene of Western Europe (Portugal)
Authors: Cabral M. C. , Colin J.-P. , Carbonel P.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The Recent distribution of the freshwater ostracod genus Zonocypris G. W. Müller, 1898 (type-species Zonocypris madagascariensis Müller, 1898) is restricted to Africa, Madagascar and, occasionally, the eastern Mediterranean (Turkey: Zonocypris inconspicua Schafer, 1952; Zonocypris costata (Vávra, 1897); and pers. comm. K. Martens and O. Külköylüoǧlu).In the Miocene, this genus has been reported from Morocco (Zonocypris maghrebinensis Helmdach, 1988) and in the Plio-Pleistocene, from India (Zonocypris costata, in Bhatia & Khosla, 1967; Singh, 1977), Bulgaria (Zonocypris membranae membranae Livental, in Suzin 1956, and Zonocypris membranae quadricella Stancheva, in Stancheva, 1966), Turkey (Zonocypris membranae, in Tunoglu, 2001), Greece (Paracypretta? sp. Mostafawi, 1988, Zonocypris sp. 6 Mostafawi, 1994b and Zonocypris rippeae Mostafawi, 1994a) and Russia (Zonocypris membranae, in Suzin, 1956; Mandelstam & Schneider, 1963). Species attributed to Zonocypris by Nazik & Gökçen (1992) from the Lower Miocene of Turkey most likely do not belong to the genus Zonocypris but to Virgatocypris Malz & Moayedpour, 1973.Recent field work in Algarve, southern Portugal (Cabral et al., 2003), allowed the presence of the genus Zonocypris to be recorded, represented by a species closely related to the Recent species Zonocypris costata (Vávra, 1897) in a Pleistocene lacustrine ostracod assemblage at Boliqueime.Thus, the recognition of Zonocypris cf. costata (Pl. 1) in the Pleistocene of southern Portugal is the first documented occurrence of this genus in post-Cretaceous deposits of Western Europe.
The taxonomy and zoogeography of the family Trachyleberididae (Crustacea: Ostracoda) from the Equatorial Continental Shelf of Brazil
Authors: Coimbra J. C. , Ramos M. I. F. , Whatley R. C. , Bergue C. T.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A study of the family Trachyleberididae Sylvester-Bradley from the Equatorial Continental Shelf of Brazil (almost 1400 km in length) revealed the presence of five new species, which are described herein. These are: Cletocythereis atlantica, Cativella paratranslucens, Cativella reticulocostata, Henryhowella tuberculoclaviforma and Australimoosella polypleuron. Two sub-species of the genus Costa, C. variabilicostata brasiliensis subsp. nov. and C. variabilicostata aff. recticostata Bold, are placed within the variabilicostata group. The genus Neocaudites is represented by two species, N. subimpressus Edwards and N. triplistriatus Edwards, originally described from the Upper Miocene and Pliocene of the Duplin Marl, North Carolina, USA. The genus Puriana is represented by P. convoluta Teeter and P. variabilis Chukewiski & Purper, described originally from Belize (British Honduras) and the Brazilian coast, respectively. The geographical distribution of the studied fauna, reveals the presence of two assemblages on the Equatorial Continental Shelf of Brazil, a Northwest and a Southwest assemblage, separated by the area of discharge of the Amazon and Pará rivers and each with its distinctive oceanographical and sedimentological characteristics.
Two new species of the dinoflagellate cyst genus Carpatella Grigorovich, 1969 from the Cretaceous–Tertiary transition in New Zealand
Authors: Willumsen Pi Suhr
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A palynological study of Upper Cretaceous and Lower Paleocene sections from South Island, New Zealand, revealed the presence of two new species of Carpatella: Carpatella septata sp. nov. and Carpatella truncata sp. nov. Both species are stratigraphically important and the first occurrence of C. septata is a significant uppermost Maastrichtian event. Carpatella truncata is restricted to a narrow stratigraphical interval in the lowest Paleocene.
The first British record of Paralimnocythere psammophila (Flössner, 1965) (Ostracoda, Cytheroidea, Limnocytheridae)
Authors: Smith Robin J. , Horne David J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Ostracods were collected from a small temporary pool on the island of Barra, Outer Hebrides, (Scotland). Eight adult males and eight adult females of Paralimnocythere psammophila (Flössner, 1965) (Pl. 1; Fig. 1) were found; no juveniles or empty valves/carapaces were recovered. This species has records from Germany, France, Spain and the Ukraine (see refs in Meisch, 2000), but was previously unknown in the British fauna.The sample was collected on 10 July, 2002 from a small (area <1 m2), freshwater pool on a grassy hillside overlooking Barra Airport, N57° 01′ 06.1″ W007° 26′ 25.8″, depth 5–10 cm with a muddy bottom, pH 5, temperature 20° C; water beetles, bivalves and the ostracod Eucypris virens (Jurine, 1820) were also present. Mud cracks in the bottom of the pool indicated that it had recently been dry, providing further confirmation that limnocytherid ostracods have drought resistant stages (Martens, 1996; Eagar, 2000).This is the first published record of the species from the British Isles although it is suspected that Henderson’s (1990) record of Paralimnocythere relicta (Lilljeborg, 1863) from Hatchet Pond in Hampshire, may in fact be a misidentification of P. psammophila; however, this additional record requires confirmation. Martens (1992), in his review of the genus Paralimnocythere, illustrates slightly larger female specimens of P. psammophila compared with the material from the present study.
Bolboforma (Phytoplankton Incertae Sedis), Bachmayerella and other Calciodinelloidea (Phytoplankton) from the Middle Miocene of the Alpine–Carpathian Foredeep (Central Paratethys)
Authors: Spezzaferri Silvia , Rögl Fred
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Bolboforma is a microfossil of uncertain origin with affinities to protophytic algae. It generally occurs at high latitudes and/or in cool and temperate waters and has a high stratigraphic potential especially for the Miocene. Calcareous cysts of dinoflagellates represent the ‘benthic cyst stage’ of unicellular organisms belonging to the marine phytoplankton.The occurrence of Bolboforma, Bachmayerella is documented here and, for the first time, some calcareous cysts of dinoflagellates tentatively attributed to Alasphaera and Pithonella from Badenian (Langhian–Middle Miocene) sediments in Austrian and Moravian localities. Alasphaera and Pithonella were previously described from Cretaceous and Danian sediments only, therefore, their range has been extended into the Paratethyan Middle Miocene.Correlation of Bolboforma bioevents with standard geological time-scales allows confirmation, and in some cases refinement, of age assignments based on other microfossil groups, such as foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils, in Paratethyan areas. In particular, this paper presents a case study of the biostratigraphy of the Grund Formation outcropping at its type locality in Lower Austria. Age attribution of the Grund Formation has been uncertain for some time. The recovery of Praeorbulina glomerosa circularis and Uvigerina macrocarinata, associated with Bolboforma reticulata, allows the correlation of the Grund Formation with the Early Badenian (Middle Miocene). As planktonic foraminifera are generally very rare or absent in shelf deposits of many other Austrian and Moravian Middle Miocene sedimentary sequences, Bolboforma, and in particular B. reticulata, remains an important biomarker to identify lower Badenian sediments.Additionally, the new species Bolboforma gneixendorfensis Spezzaferri & Rögl is described. It is generally double-chambered with a weakly reticulate wall texture and is associated with Bolboforma reticulata, B. bireticulata and/or B. moravica.
A new laser method for cleaning micropalaeontological specimens
Authors: Miller C. G. , Cornish L. , Jones C. , Jones C. G. , Henderson A. S.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. A Q-Switched Nd: YAG (neodymium yttrium aluminium garnet) infrared laser can be used to clean micropalaeontological specimens, particularly those coated in gold–palladium for SEM studies. Variable pressure SEM images taken of uncoated specimens before and after laser treatment show that the laser does not have a detrimental affect on micropalaeontological specimens composed of phosphate, silica or calcite in a number of wall structural forms. The laser has no effect on the textural surface of the specimen but flakes and crinkles water-soluble mounting glues used to fix specimens to the stub. Sticky carbon tabs (Reference Agar Scientific) were found to be the best mounting medium for holding specimens in place during treatment but microfossils were prone to become detached during the process if not attached firmly. Laser cleaning has a number of advantages over traditional methods of gold removal using sodium cyanide, which is toxic, slow and does not effectively remove gold–palladium coatings due to the insolubility of palladium in the reagent. This laser removal method has potential for removing matrix from specimens as well as other types of coating and mounting media including aluminium, carbon and wax. Safe removal of coatings releases important scientific information from gold–palladium coated museum micropalaeontological specimens.
Hyperammina micaceus sp. nov.: a new foraminiferan species (Protista) from the Porcupine Abyssal Plain, northeast Atlantic
Authors: Gooday Andrew J. , Malzone M. Gabriella
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The paper describes Hyperammina micaceus sp. nov., a distinctive new deep-water agglutinated foraminiferan from the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (PAP), northeast Atlantic (4850 m water depth). The new species is tiny (<1 mm long and 20–30 μm wide), with an oval proloculus which merges smoothly into the long, tubular part of the test. The test wall is composed of a single layer of plate-like mineral grains. Hyperammina micaceus occurs in most of the PAP cores collected between 1989 and 2002 and represents up to 4% (in one sample 18%) of the live foraminiferal assemblage in the 0–1 cm layer (>63 μm size fraction). It tends to be more common in samples collected during the late spring and summer (May to September), prior to the spring bloom, than in samples obtained during the autumn (October) and the earlier part of the year (March, April), before the spring bloom. Live specimens are concentrated in the 0–0.5 cm sediment layer but are uncommon in the overlying phytodetrital deposits and virtually absent below 1 cm depth.
Distribution patterns of Recent pteropods in surface sediments of the western continental shelf of India
Authors: Singh Arun Deo , Nisha Neelakantan Ravindran , Joydas Thadickal Viswanathan
Published: July 2010

Abstract. This paper is the first contribution to the knowledge of pteropods in surficial sediments of the entire western continental shelf of India. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses of pteropod assemblages were carried out on 50 coarse fractions (>125 μm) of topmost portions of grab samples recovered along 12 transects covering the inner shelf to the upper slope (30–200 m water depths). The distribution of eight significant species was mapped. The resultant maps were correlated with the bathymetric, hydrographic and aragonite preservation conditions in the investigated area. This study reveals a bathymetric control over the distribution of Limacina inflata, Creseis acicula and Creseis chierchiae across the shelf. Furthermore, a marked difference in vertical salinity gradient from south to north along the shelf appears to have a profound influence on the abundance of these species. The pteropod shells in sediments of the northern offshore region with anoxic bottom conditions are generally well preserved, unlike the southern region, where oxygen concentration of the bottom water is relatively high enough to cause dissolution or even elimination of many shells of the most susceptible pteropods like C. acicula and C. chierchiae. The variation in the intensity of the oxygen minimum zone along the western continental shelf of India has significant influence upon the distribution pattern of Clio convexa.
Biostratigraphy of Late Maastrichtian larger foraminifers in Jamaica and the importance of Chubbina as a Late Maastrichtian index fossil
Authors: Mitchell Simon F.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The succession of larger foraminifers from the White Rock River Bridge section of the Guinea Corn Formation (Late Maastrichtian) in Jamaica, West Indies, contains: Sulcoperculina dickersoni (Palmer), Ayalaina rutteni (Palmer), Orbitoides cf. megaloformis Papp & Küpper, Vaughania cubensis Palmer and Chubbina cardenasensis (Barker & Grimsdale). A. rutteni occurs in the lower beds and C. cardenasensis occurs in the upper beds. The orbitoid foraminifer Or. cf. megaloformis is restricted to the middle beds. The White Rock River Bridge Section can be correlated to the standard Guinea Corn successions using lithological/biostratigraphic markers and rudist marker beds, and linked ages derived from Sr-isotope values. This indicates that Or. cf. megaloformis occurs in the last 1.3 Ma of the Cretaceous in the Caribbean and that its evolution was retrograde compared to coeval populations in Europe. The first appearance of Chubbina represents a valuable datum since the genus occurs in various different biofacies (both with and without orbitoid foraminifers) and allows correlation in the Caribbean, Central America and Florida.
Correlation of Virgulinella fragilis Grindell & Collen (benthic foraminiferid) with near-anoxia in Aso-kai Lagoon, central Japan
Authors: Takata Hiroyuki , Seto Koji , Sakai Saburo , Tanaka Satoshi , Takayasu Katsumi
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The distribution of Virgulinella fragilis and the hydro-environment of Aso-kai Lagoon, central Japan, were studied to clarify the foraminifer’s adaptation to low-oxygen conditions. The hypolimnion of the lagoon is oxygen-poor during much of the year. Two faunas (A and B) are recognized, based on cluster analysis. Cluster A fauna consists of species common in brackish lagoons, such as the genera Trochammina and Ammonia, and occurs in seasonally oxygenated waters. Virgulinella fragilis, the predominant species of Cluster B fauna, dominates the central part of the lagoon. This species can tolerate more severe oxygen deficiencies than the typical brackish foraminifers (e.g. Trochammina spp.) and can adapt to long periods of oxygen-poor conditions in coastal lagoon environments, as well as in pelagic to hemi-pelagic settings. In order to survive in the near-anoxia of Aso-kai Lagoon, V. fragilis may have adapted to environments in which little reactive iron is available in the sediment, leaving pore-water and bottom-water sulphide available for symbionts, or may utilize sulphur denitrification processes.
Taxonomy of the fossil marine diatom resting spore morpho-genera Xanthioisthmus Suto gen. nov. and Quadrocistella Suto gen. nov. in the North Pacific and Norwegian Sea
Authors: Suto Itsuki
Published: July 2010

Abstract. The morphology and taxonomy of the fossil diatom resting spore morpho-genera Xanthioisthmus Suto gen. nov. and Quadrocistella Suto gen. nov. are described. The two new genera are probably fossil resting spores of the marine diatom genus Chaetoceros. They were studied by examining samples from DSDP Sites 436, 438 (northwest Pacific) and 338 (Norwegian Sea), and the Newport Beach Section (California). The genus Xanthioisthmus is characterized by an elongate valve composed of two flat circles joined together by a hyaline broad isthmus and includes five species: X. biscoctiformis (Forti) Suto comb. nov., X. specticularis (Hanna) Suto comb. nov., X. panduraeformis (Pantocsek) Suto comb. nov., X. praemaculata sp. nov. and X. maculata (Hanna) Suto comb. nov. The genus Quadrocistella differs from Xanthioisthmus by its elongate and rectangular valve and bears five new species: Q. rectagonuma sp. nov., Q. tubera sp. nov., Q. paliesa sp. nov., Q. montana sp. nov. and Q. palmesa sp. nov.
The occurrence of dinoflagellate cysts in calcareous/siliceous microfossil preparations from the Eocene of southeast England
Authors: Riding James B. , Wilkinson Ian P. , Jones Lee D. , Freeborough Katy
Published: July 2010

Abstract. INTRODUCTIONDuring routine analysis of some calcareous and siliceous microbiotas from the London Clay Formation of southeast England (Wilkinson, 2004a, b), some extremely well-preserved, dinoflagellate cysts were observed. These are all large, chorate (spine-bearing) forms, the overwhelming majority of which are referable to Cordosphaeridium gracile (Eisenack, 1954) Davey & Williams, 1966 (Fig. 1). This observation confirms that palynomorphs can be extracted effectively from clay-rich samples using a combination of clay deflocculation and sieving, as described recently by Riding & Kyffin-Hughes (2004).PROCESSINGThe London Clay Formation from 25 localities in southeast England was processed for calcareous and siliceous microfossils (diatoms, foraminifera, ostracods and radiolaria) (Wilkinson, 2004a, b). The standard British Geological Survey (BGS) procedure for the extraction of calcareous/siliceous microfossils from poorly- or non-indurated sediments was used. Samples were disaggregated by soaking in a mixture of warm water and detergent and agitated periodically. The majority of the clay fraction was removed using a 72 μm sieve. The residue was then boiled in sodium hexametaphosphate [(NaPO3)6] before being sieved again and dried. The sieving will have removed the majority of the palynomorphs, except the larger dinoflagellate cysts. Virtually all pollen and spores and most dinoflagellate cysts of this age are less than 72 μm in at least one dimension.MICROFOSSIL ASSEMBLAGESSpecimens of Cordosphaeridium gracile were recovered from three clay quarries. These are Brambledown Pit, Kent [TQ 967 715], Bull’s Lodge Pit, Chelmsford, Essex [TL 7470 0850] and Heckfordbridge Pit, Colchester, Essex [TL 9550 2260], although only two are discussed here . . .
Multivariate discrimination of Buryella species from the Lower Eocene of the Outer Flysch Carpathians, Poland
Authors: Bak Marta , Barwicz-Piskorz Wanda
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Variegated shales in the Lower Eocene hemipelagic deposits of the Subsilesian Series, Polish part of the Western Carpathians, have yielded rich radiolarians with common representatives of the genus Buryella. Two new radiolarian species, Buryella spina sp. nov. and Buryella hannae sp. nov., are described, and two other species have been recognized: Buryella tetradica Foreman and Buryella clinata Foreman. Specimens have been measured, grouped and interpreted using cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variates analysis (CVA). Species attributed to Buryella have three or four segments, a fusiform or lobate outline, and a constricted, rather than flared, aperture. The cephalis always possesses an apical horn of varying length with a distinct vertical pore at the collar stricture. All specimens possess a pronounced vertical tube, rounded or elongate, that might extend to the base of apical horn. Near the base of the cephalis the parallel ridges observed on the external wall of the cephalis are ridges from the horn that diverge and extend to the collar stricture except ventrally, where two ridges rejoin to enclose the vertical pore and form an upwardly directed tube. These structure might be evidence of the presence of arches (A-Vbl, A-Vbr) and bars (Vbl, Vbr), which form the vertical tube.