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Fossil

Cnidaria & Porifera

Vol. 39-2

Sosnowiec, December 2015 http://iasfcp.w8w.pl/

FC&P39-2.pdf – 1,18 MB

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EDITORIAL NOTE

31st December 2015

Edited by: Tomasz Wrzolek / University of Silesia / Sosnowiec /

Poland.

Online version only: saved and distributed as archival pdf file, it

corresponds exactly to any previously printed issue of Fossil

Cnidaria & Porifera.

Size: formatted as 132 pages of A5 format (printing area of ca

13x18,3 cm per page); the file is FC&P39-2.pdf of 1,18 MB size,

based on FC&P39-2g.doc file.

Distribution: available at request for students of fossil corals,

sponges and reefs, and for any Library interested; either from our

"Archives" at iasfcp.w8w.pl/index.htm or from

tomasz.wrzolek@us.edu.pl ...

Tomasz Wrzolek.

Illustration at the front cover: Martinophyllum miriamae May &

Rodríguez, 2012, holotype, Pragian (Lower Devonian) of Zújar

(Sierra Morena, southern Spain); collection of the Departamento de

Paleontología, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, number DPM-

00276/ZE10; originally illustrated in a paper by A. May & S.

Rodríguez, 2012: Pragian (Lower Devonian) stromatoporoids and

rugose corals from Zújar (Sierra Morena, southern Spain); Geologica

Belgica 15, 4: 226-235, pl. 3: C (transverse section) and D

(longitudinal section); magnified x5; by courtesy of Andreas MAY.

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Fossil Cnidaria & Porifera 39-2 Tomasz WRZOŁEK / editor

with contributions by:

Rosemarie BARON-SZABO, Paul COPPER,

Jerzy FEDOROWSKI, Steve KERSHAW,

Hannes LÖSER, Andreas MAY,

Narima OSPANOVA, Helmut ZIBROWIUS

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Dear Friends & Colleagues, Dear Readers!

The present issue contains current reports and bibliographic

notes presented in 2015 at kse.wnoz.us.edu.pl/iascp

including bibliographic notes from the database of Andreas

MAY (2005-2015).

Let me turn your attention to some papers published

by PLoS ONE, and noted in our newsletter. PLoS ONE

produced tens thousands of mostly biologically oriented

papers; its search machine gives thousands returns for

“corals”, “sponges”, and “reefs”. Most of these are either

false, or only marginally connected with our interests, but

the remaining part is large and worth our attention!

In fact editor and correspondents of Fossil Cnidaria

& Porifera play role of improved “search machines” which

select the most interesting papers, from prevailing trash,

and occasional copper, silver and gold in paleontological

literature... Wow, there is only gold there, but not much on

corals, sponges and reefs.

I hope with your help we will get more gold in Fossil

Cnidaria & Porifera in 2016 – both as your publications,

and as bibliographic notes you will find for our newsletter!

T. Wrzołek. Sosnowiec, 31st December 2015.

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CONTENTS

Editorial note 2

Newsletter Editor / contributors 3

Letter of the Editor 4

Contents 5

News & Views 6

BIBLIOGRAPHY

- biographical 9

- Porifera 9

- Tabulata 24

- Rugosa 30

- Scleractinia 41

- various fossils 60

- reefs 79

- various topics 106

Announcements 130

New addresses 131

Faulty e-addresses 132

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News & Views / report from Latin America

Future Mesozoic coral research will have its diversity centre in Latin

America.

Hector Hernandez MORALES (UNAM, Facultad de Estudios

Superiores Iztacala, Mexico) defended in 2014 a BSc thesis in

biology with the title Evolucion y taxonomia del genero Polytremacis

en el Cretacico y su relacion con el genero Heliopora. He wants to

continue working with Mesozoic corals in his MS. Hector is working

on the first publication on the subject of his bachelor thesis.

Oscar Augusto BONILLA GONZALEZ (CICESE, Ensenada, B.C.,

Mexico) defended in early 2015 his MS thesis in geology entitled

Taxonomia y paleoecologia de los corales de la Fm Alisitos

(Cretacico inferior; Baja California, Mexico) and started in

November 2015 a PhD on Aptian/Albian coral rich sediments of

Northern Spain at the University of Bilbao (Spain). Several papers on

the Alisitos Fm are in progress.

Alejandro SAMANIEGO PESQUEIRA (DICTUS, Unison,

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico) defended in May 2015 a BSc thesis in

biology with the title Taxonomia de corales del Cretacico Temprano

(112-100ma) del Espinazo del Diablo (Formacion Lampazos,

Tepache, Sonora, Mexico). Presently, he is realising his MS in

Mexico City working on Cretaceous ammonites. He plans to publish

the results of his bachelor thesis.

Ricardo Miguel GARBEROGLIO (Universidad de Buenos Aires,

Argentina) is about to finish his PhD in geology entitled Estudio de

los corales escleractinidos del Cretacico Temprano de la Cuenca

Neuquina, centro-oeste de Argentina. Afterwards he plans to work on

corals from South America.

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Nathalia FOUQUET JO (Universidad Catolica de Antofagasta,

Chile) started her PhD in geology with the title Registro fosil de

secuencias marinas del Cretacico inferior de las cuencas de Coloso y

Chanarcillo, Norte de Chile in early 2015. The study includes also a

profound revision of the corals from this area.

Gloria Francisca ZAYAS MIRANDA (DICTUS, Unison,

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico) is working on a Berriasian coral fauna

from Coahuila (Mexico) in order to write a paper instead of a BSc

thesis in biology.

It is superfluous to mention - writes Hannes LÖSER - that all these

young persons were or are working under my supervision. In 2016, I

will realise a sabbatical year in Munich (Germany) at the Bavarian

State Collection of Geology and Palaeontology. The intention of the

sabbatical is the termination of the fourth volume of the Catalogue of

Cretaceous Corals that includes a new classification system for the

Cretaceous Scleractinian Corals, and a systematic revision of about

700 coral genera that are believed to occur in the Cretaceous (of these

150 do not occur in this interval, and another 150 are synonyms). The

revision goes back to the roots, say, it is exclusively carried out on the

basis of type material or topotypical material from the type localities.

The publication of the revision (750 pages, 1600 figures) is envisaged

for December 2016.

Hannes Löser, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

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Report from the United Kingdom by Steve Kershaw / December 2015 Steve Kershaw, in collaboration with Anne-Christine Da Silva, is

progressing with a revision of British Silurian stromatoporoids, using

the most comprehensive dataset yet assembled from the key localities

in Wenlock Edge, Wren's Nest and the Malvern Hills. Preliminary

results show a low diversity assemblage with some geographic

variation, and full details will be available when the dataset is fully

described.

Report from France by Helmut Zibrowius / December 2015 Helmut Zibrowius (marine biologist, formerly Station Marine

d'Endoume) reports from Marseille:

„Thanks for keeping me informed on FCP activities (your newletter);

I indeed have a look on the parts closer to my activities (Scleractinia);

I am still in the coral business (almost 10 years after my retirement

because of old age); I still have not finished transferring "my"

collections to MNHN Paris”.

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Bibliography / biographical

OSPANOVA N.K., SABIROV A.A. et al. 2005. Eminent researcher

of Paleozoic corals of Tajikistan (to 75 years from the Birthday of

LELESHUS Vytautas Leono). Proceedings of the Institute of

Geology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan,

new series 4: 205-209. [in Russian; Ospanova]

Bibliography / Porifera

ANTCLIFFE J. B. 2015. Discussion: The oldest compelling

evidence for sponges is still Early Cambrian in age – reply to Love

and Summons (2015). Palaeontology 58, 6: 1137-1139.

The oldest reliable sponge fossils are just above the base of the

Cambrian in Iran (Antcliffe et al. 2014). These Iranian spicules are

definitively sponge, but could be basal on the hexactinellid stem

lineage. They date from c. 535 Ma but with a geochronological

minimum of the Zhujiaaing Carbon Isotope Excursion (ZHUCE),

dated to c. 529 Ma. They are roughly 5 million years older than the

next sponge fossils from the lower Cambrian of Siberia, which are

also stem hexactinellids. There is still no compelling evidence for

crown group demosponges before the lower Cambrian, 535 million

years ago (Antcliffe et al. 2014; Muscente et al. (2015). [final

conclusion by Antcliffe]

BOTTING J. P., CARDENAS P., PEEL J. S. 2015. A crown-group

demosponge from the early Cambrian Sirius Passet Biota, North

Greenland. Palaeontology 58, 1: 35-43.

[keywords: Porifera; sponge; Demospongiae; molecular clocks]

Calibration of the divergence times of sponge lineages and

understanding of their phylogenetic history are hampered by the

difficulty in recognizing crown versus stem groups in the fossil

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record. A new specimen from the lower Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 3;

approximately 515 Ma) Sirius Passet Biota of North Greenland has

yielded a diagnostic spicule assemblage of the extant demosponge

lineages Haploscleromorpha and/or Heteroscleromorpha. The

specimen has disarticulated approximately in situ, but represents an

individual sponge that possessed monaxon spicules combined with a

range of slightly smaller sigma, toxa and unique spiral morphologies.

The combination of spicule forms, together with their relatively large

size, suggests that the sponge represents the stem lineage of

Haploscleromorpha + Heteroscleromorpha. This is the first crown-

group demosponge described from the early Cambrian and provides

the most reliable calibration point currently available for phylogenetic

studies.

BOTTING J. P., MUIR L. A. 2014. First post-Cambrian records of

the reticulosan sponges Valospongia and Hintzespongia from the late

Tremadocian of North Wales. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 59, 1:

241-252 doi: http://dx-doi.org/10.4202/app-2012-0016

[keywords: Reticulosa, Porifera, Silicea, exceptional preservation,

Gwynedd, Migneintian, Tremadoc, Cambrian, North Wales, UK]

A new sponge fauna has been discovered in silty mudstone of the

early Migneintian (late Tremadocian, Ordovician) of North Wales.

The assemblage is dominated by reticulosan hexactinellids, including

several species bearing parietal gaps; this feature is common among

Cambrian hexactinellids, but is rare in Ordovician faunas. Of

particular significance is Valospongia bufo sp. nov., representing the

first record of the genus outside the Middle Cambrian of Utah, USA.

A single specimen assigned to Hintzespongia? sp. is also described,

and also represents the first occurrence outside the Laurentian

Burgess Shale-type faunas. This fauna indicates that deeper-water

hexactinellids from the Burgess Shale-type faunas survived in places

into at least the Early Ordovician, in addition to the Cambrian-type

protomonaxonid assemblage seen in the Fezouata Biota.

Da SILVA A.-C., KERSHAW S., BOULVAIN F., HUBERT B. L.

M., MISTIAEN B., REYNOLDS A., REITNER J. 2014.

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Indigenous demosponge spicules in a Late Devonian stromatoporoid

basal skeleton from the Frasnian of Belgium. Lethaia 47, 3: 365-375.

[keywords: Demosponge spicules; Devonian; Frasnian; Porifera;

stromatoporoids]

This paper records the first example of a demosponge spicule

framework in a single specimen of a Devonian stromatoporoid from

the Frasnian of southern Belgium. The small sample (2.5 * 2 cm) is a

component in a brecciated carbonate from a carbonate mound in La

Boverie Quarry 30 km east of Dinant. Because of the small size of the

sample, generic identification is not confirmed, but the

stromatoporoid basal skeleton is similar to the genus Stromatopora.

The spicules are arranged in the calcified skeleton, but not in the

gallery space, and are recrystallized as multi-crystalline calcite. The

spicules fall into two size ranges: 10-20 μn diameter and 500-2000 μn

long for the large ones and between 5-15 μn diameter and 50-100 μn

length for the small ones. In tangential section, the spicules are

circular, they have a simple structure, and no axial canal has been

preserved. The large spicules are always monaxons, straight or

slightly curved styles or strongyles. The spicules most closely

resemble halichondrid/axinellid demosponge spicules and are

important rare evidence of the existence of spicules in Palaeozoic

stromatoporoids, reinforcing the interpretation that stromatoporoids

were sponges. The basal skeleton may have had an aragonitic

spherulitic mineralogy. Furthermore, the spicules indicate that this

stromatoporoid sample is a demosponge.

FRISONE V., PISERA A., HAJDU E., PRETO N., ZORZIN F.

2014. Isolated spicules of Demospongiae from Mt. Duello (Eocene,

Lessini Mts., northern Italy): preservation, taxonomy, and

depositional environment. Facies 60, 4: 883-904.

[keywords: Spicules; Demospongiae; Eocene; Bartonian; Mt Duello;

Opal]

Today, class Demospongiae is the largest of phylum Porifera but its

fossil record, especially for "soft" demosponges. is rather scarce. This

study documents exceptionally preserved isolated opaline spicules,

unique for the Bartonian of Italy. Interpretation of morphological

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types of spicules by comparison with living species lead to their

attribution to five orders (Astrophorida, Hadromerida, Haplosclerida,

Poecilosclerida, "Lithistida"), seven families (Geodiidae,

Placospongiidae, Tethyidae, Petrosiidae, Acarnidae, ?Corallistidae,

Theonellidae) and five genera (Geodia, Erylus, Placospongia,

Chondrilla, Petrosia, ?Zyzzya). All the described genera are first

reported from the Eocene of Europe. This study expands the

geographical range of these taxa and fills a chronological gap in their

fossil record. The spicules are often fragmented and bear signs of

corrosion. They show two types of preservation: glassy and

translucent. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirms that both

types are opal-CT with probable presence of original opal-A. Despite

this, using a scanning electron microscope the texture of freshly

broken surfaces is different. Milky spicules show a porous structure

with incipient lepispheres. This feature, together with surface

corrosion and the constant presence of the zeolite heulandite /

clinoptilolite, point to a certain degree of diagenetic transformation.

Macro and micro facies analysis define the sedimentary environment

as a rocky shore succession, deepening upward within the photic

zone. The spicule-rich sandy grainstone represents the deepest facies

and was deposited in a middle-outer carbonate ramp environment, in

part in a fairly high energy environment close to storm wave base.

JURKOWSKA A., SWIERCZEWSKA-GLADYSZ E.,

DUBICKA Z., OLSZEWSKA-NEJBERT D. 2015. Porosphaera

globularis (Phillips, 1829) (Porifera, Calcarea) in the Campanian

(Upper Cretaceous) of extra-Carpathian Poland. Acta Geologica

Polonica 65, 1: 121-139.

[keywords: Porosphaera globularis; Calcareous sponges;

Campanian; extra-Carpathian Poland]

The stratigraphical distribution of Porosphaera globularis, a common

calcareous sponge in the Upper Cretaceous (mostly Campanian and

Maastrichtian) of Poland was studied. The presented material, both

new and from museum collections, comes from the Campanian of the

Miechow Synclinorium, in southern Poland, and from the Lower

Campanian of Mielnik in the south-eastern part of the Mazury-

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Podlasie Homocline, in eastern Poland. The significance of the

species in extra-regional correlation, its palaeobiogeography and

stratigraphical potential is critically reviewed.

KELMO F., BELL J. J., ATTRILL M. J. 2013. Tolerance of

Sponge Assemblages to Temperature Anomalies: Resilience and

Proliferation of Sponges following the 1997-8 El-Nino Southern

Oscillation. PLoS ONE 8, 10:

e76441. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0076441

Coral reefs across the world are under threat from a range of

stressors, and while there has been considerable focus on the impacts

of these stressors on corals, far less is known about their effect on

other reef organisms. The 1997-8 El-Nino Southern Oscillation

(ENSO) had notable and severe impacts on coral reefs worldwide, but

not all reef organisms were negatively impacted by this large-scale

event. Here we describe how the sponge fauna at Bahia, Brazil was

influenced by the 1997-8 ENSO event. Sponge assemblages from

three contrasting reef habitats (reef tops, walls and shallow banks) at

four sites were assessed annually from 1995 to 2011. The within-

habitat sponge diversity did not vary significantly across the study

period; however, there was a significant increase in density in all

habitats. Multivariate analyses revealed no significant difference in

sponge assemblage composition (ANOSIM) between pre- and post-

ENSO years for any of the habitats, suggesting that neither the 1997-8

nor any subsequent smaller ENSO events have had any measurable

impact on the reef sponge assemblage. Importantly, this is in marked

contrast to the results previously reported for a suite of other taxa

(including corals, echinoderms, bryozoans, and ascidians), which all

suffered mass mortalities as a result of the ENSO event. Our results

suggest that of all reef taxa, sponges have the potential to be resilient

to large-scale thermal stress events and we hypothesize that sponges

might be less affected by projected increases in sea surface

temperature compared to other major groups of reef organisms.

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KERSHAW S. 2013. Palaeozoic stromatoporoid futures: A

discussion of their taxonomy, mineralogy and applications in

palaeoecology and palaeoenvironmental analysis. Journal of

Palaeogeography 2, 2: 163-182.

[keywords: stromatoporoid, Palaeozoic, palaeoecology, taxonomy,

biomineralogy]

Palaeozoic stromatoporoids are calcified sponges common between

Middle Ordovician and Late Devonian times in reefs and related

facies. Taxonomic work is well known, but controversial because of

conflict between classification schemes based on the calcareous

skeleton versus spicules (which are almost completely lacking in

Palaeozoic stromatoporoids), however, lower-level taxonomy (at

genus-level) of the calcareous skeleton is considered reliable to be

applied in palaeobiological study. Knowledge of stromatoporoid

ecology is poorly developed, such that comprehensive information is

available for only a few case studies, in some Silurian and Devonian

examples. Thus an overall understanding of stromatoporoid responses

to environmental conditions has not yet been achieved, although

stromatoporoids were likely able to deal with fine-grained sediment

where they mostly occur. Many stromatoporoid genera have only

certain growth forms, so future focus on the use of low-level

taxonomy in ecological studies, by comprehensive sampling in high-

resolution studies, may establish the relationships between

stromatoporoids and their environments. Intergrown organisms and

growth banding in stromatoporoids are aspects that have great

potential in such work. Mineralogy of stromatoporoids remains

poorly understood. Regardless of their apparent state of preservation

(ranging from apparently well-preserved to complete loss of

calcareous skeleton features) all stromatoporoids are in fact

substantially recrystallized. They underwent a peculiar diagenesis,

whereby the calcareous skeleton and gallery cements of all

stromatoporoids are overprinted by irregular elongated calcite crystals

arranged normal to the growth laminations, most clearly visible in

cross-polarized light. Stromatoporoids cooccur with mollusc shells

that are always either fully recrystallized or dissolved (present as

internal and external moulds), this difference means that while

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molluscs are likely under-represented in the fossil record,

stromatoproids are not, providing confidence for palaeoecological

work on their assemblages. Stromatoporoids lack characters which

would readily classify them as being originally aragonite or low-Mg

calcite, they may have been high-Mg calcite but the evidence is

circumstantial. Their peculiar diagenetic fabric also has implications

for the debate about the relationship between stromatoporoids and the

concept of aragonite / calcite seas, which requires more work.

[original abstract; May]

LEYS S. P., YAHEL G., REIDENBACH M. A., TUNNICLIFFE

V., SHAVIT U., REISWIG H. M. 2011. The Sponge Pump: The

Role of Current Induced Flow in the Design of the Sponge Body

Plan. PLoS ONE 6, 12: e27787. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0027787

Sponges are suspension feeders that use flagellated collar-cells

(choanocytes) to actively filter a volume of water equivalent to many

times their body volume each hour. Flow through sponges is thought

to be enhanced by ambient current, which induces a pressure gradient

across the sponge wall, but the underlying mechanism is still

unknown. Studies of sponge filtration have estimated the energetic

cost of pumping to be <1% of its total metabolism implying there is

little adaptive value to reducing the cost of pumping by using

"passive" flow induced by the ambient current. We quantified the

pumping activity and respiration of the glass sponge Aphrocallistes

vastus at a 150 m deep reef in situ and in a flow flume; we also

modeled the glass sponge filtration system from measurements of the

aquiferous system. Excurrent flow from the sponge osculum

measured in situ and in the flume were positively correlated (r>0.75)

with the ambient current velocity. During short bursts of high ambient

current the sponges filtered two-thirds of the total volume of water

they processed daily. Our model indicates that the head loss across

the sponge collar filter is 10 times higher than previously estimated.

The difference is due to the resistance created by a fine protein mesh

that lines the collar, which demosponges also have, but was so far

overlooked. Applying our model to the in situ measurements indicates

that even modest pumping rates require an energetic expenditure of at

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least 28% of the total in situ respiration. We suggest that due to the

high cost of pumping, current-induced flow is highly beneficial but

may occur only in thin walled sponges living in high flow

environments. Our results call for a new look at the mechanisms

underlying current-induced flow and for reevaluation of the cost of

biological pumping and its evolutionary role, especially in sponges.

LOVE G. D., GROSJEAN E., STALVIES C., FIKE D. A.,

GROTZINGER J. P., BRADLEY A. S., KELLY A. E., BHATIA

M., MEREDITH W., SNAPE C. E., BOWRING S. A., CONDON

D. J., SUMMONS R. E. 2009. Fossil steroids record the appearance

of Demospongiae during the Cryogenian period. Nature 457, 7230:

718-721.

The Neoproterozoic era (1,000-542Myr ago) was an era of climatic

extremes and biological evolutionary developments culminating in

the emergence of animals (Metazoa) and new ecosystems. Here we

show that abundant sedimentary 24-isopropylcholestanes, the

hydrocarbon remains of C30sterols produced by marine

demosponges, record the presence of Metazoa in the geological

record before the end of the Marinoan glaciation (~635Myr ago).

These sterane biomarkers are abundant in all formations of the Huqf

Supergroup, South Oman Salt Basin, and, based on a new high-

precision geochronology, constitute a continuous 100-Myr-long

chemical fossil record of demosponges through the terminal

Neoproterozoic and into the Early Cambrian epoch. The demosponge

steranes occur in strata that underlie the Marinoan cap carbonate

(>635Myr ago). They currently represent the oldest evidence for

animals in the fossil record, and are evidence for animals pre-dating

the termination of the Marinoan glaciation. This suggests that shallow

shelf waters in some late Cryogenian ocean basins (>635Myr ago)

contained dissolved oxygen in concentrations sufficient to support

basal metazoan life at least 100Myr before the rapid diversification of

bilaterians during the Cambrian explosion. Biomarker analysis has

yet to reveal any convincing evidence for ancient sponges pre-dating

the first globally extensive Neoproterozoic glacial episode (the

Sturtian, ~713Myr ago in Oman).

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LOVE G. D., SUMMONS R. E. 2015. Discussion: The molecular

record of Cryogenian sponges – a response to Antcliffe (2013).

Palaeontology 58, 6: 1131-1136.

[...] the most parsimonious explanation for the extraordinary

Neoproterozoic occurrence of high absolute and relative abundances

of 24-ipc steranes, originating between 635 and 713 Ma, is that they

represent chemical fossils of demosponges or their ancestors. [ending

conclusion of a paper; see FC&P 37, p. 14]

MALDONALDO M., AGUILAR R., BLANCO J., GARCIA S.,

SERRANO A., PUNZON A. 2015. Aggregated Clumps of Lithistid

Sponges: A Singular, Reef-Like Bathyal Habitat with Relevant

Paleontological Connections. PLoS ONE 10, 5:

e0125378. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0125378

The advent of deep-sea exploration using video cameras has

uncovered extensive sponge aggregations in virtually all oceans. Yet,

a distinct type is herein reported from the Mediterranean: a

monospecific reef-like formation built by the lithistid demosponge

Leiodermatium pfeifferae. Erect, plate-like individuals (up to 80 cm)

form bulky clumps, making up to 1.8 m high mounds (1.14 m on

average) on the bottom, at a 760 m-deep seamount named SSS. The

siliceous skeletal frameworks of the lithistids persist after sponge

death, serving as a complex 3D substratum where new lithistids

recruit, along with a varied fauna of other sessile and vagile

organisms. The intricate aggregation of lithistid mounds functions as

a "reef" formation, architecturally different from the archetypal

"demosponge gardens" with disaggregating siliceous skeletons.

Leiodermatium pfeifferae also occurred at two additional, close

seamounts (EBJ and EBS), but, unlike at SSS, the isolated individuals

never formed accretive clumps. The general oceanographic variables

(temperature, salinity, dissolved nutrients, chlorophyll, and oxygen)

revealed only minimal between-seamount differences, which cannot

explain why sponge abundance at SSS is about two orders of

magnitude higher than at EBJ or EBS. Large areas of the dense SSS

aggregation were damaged, with detached and broken sponges and a

few tangled fishing lines. Satellite vessel monitoring revealed low

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fishing activity around these seamounts. In contrast, international

plans for gas and oil extraction at those locations raise serious

concerns over the need for protecting urgently this unique, vulnerable

habitat to avoid further alteration. Modern lithistids are a relict fauna

from Jurassic and Cretaceous reefs and the roots of the very genus

Leiodermatium can be traced back to those fossil formations.

Therefore, understanding the causes behind the discovered lithistid

aggregation is critical not only to its preservation, but also to

elucidate how the extraordinary Mesozoic lithistid formations

developed and functioned.

NESTOR H., WEBBY B.D. 2013. Biogeography of the Ordovician

and Silurian Stromatoporoidea. In: HARPER D.A.T., SERVAIS T.

(eds): Early Palaeozoic Biogeography and Palaeogeography.

Geological Society, London, Memoirs 38: 67-79.

Stromatoporoid sponges first appeared during the late Mid-

Ordovician (mid-late Darriwilian) accompanying an important

'Chazy' reef-building episode. Representatives of the order

Labechiida appeared first, initially splitting into two sister groups:

those from North China (nine genera) and those from Laurentia (four

genera). Two genera were common to the two regions, but others in

North China and Siberia were endemic. This initial provincialism was

not maintained into the Late Ordovician (Sandbian) as labechiids

attained a wider dispersal, covering Laurentia with peripheral terranes

in Northwest Scotland and Chukchi Peninsula, cratonic Siberia, the

Urals (eastern margins of Baltica), and East Gondwanan blocks of

Tarim, North China, marginal Tasmania and the peri-Gondwanan

New South Wales island-arc terrane. Only a few endemics remained

present in the Sandbian - three in Laurentia, and one in Tarim. In the

Katian, maximum diversification of labechiids occurred (19 genera,

including a genus possibly transitional to first actinostromatids). Also

four genera of the Clathrodictyida first appeared, and overall

distribution continued to increase. The Hirnantian marked a dramatic

decline in the global distribution (only Anticosti Island, Manitoba,

Norway and Estonia) and marked diversity loss of labechiids.

Altogether c. 70% of stromatoporoid species disappeared in response

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to end-Ordovician global cooling events. Llandovery stromatoporoids

were widespread in Laurentia, Baltica and Siberia, with

clathrodictyids as dominant and labechiids accessory (the latter group

more common in Siberia and China). Gradual diversification and

expansion of stromatoporoids followed in the late Llandovery, with

appearances of the orders Actinostromatida and Stromatoporida. The

stromatoporoids became most widespread and most diversified during

the Wenlock, with clathrodictyids maintaining their leading position,

and the appearances of the earliest Stromatoporellida and

Syringostromatida. Rapid spread of new phylogenetic stocks indicates

that widespread pandemism prevailed among Wenlock

stromatoporoids. The Ludlow was characterized by final closure of

the Iapetus Ocean, accompanying uplift of palaeocontinental regions,

and declining prominence of stromatoporoid-bearing shallow

carbonate shelves. However, clathrodictyids and actinostromatids

remained dominant, whereas the incoming of Amphiporida in several

regions (Somerset Island, Baltic area, West Ukraine, West and East

Urals, Novaya Zemlya, Tien Shan, Japan and New South Wales) and

restricted distribution of some other taxa suggest a certain

provincialism developed. With regional regression and stratigraphic

hiatuses, the stromatoporoids (mostly hangovers from the Ludlow)

became less common in the Pridoli, and apparently even entirely

absent from Gondwana and Siberia. [original abstract; May]

NOSE M., VODRAZKA R., FERNANDEZ L.-P., MENDEZ-

BEDIA I. 2014. First record of chambered hexactinellid sponges

from the Palaeozoic. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 59, 4: 985-996

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.2012.0112

[keywords: Hexactinellida, Hexactinosida, chambered sponges, mud

mounds, Devonian, Northern Spain]

A new chambered hexactinellid sponge, Casearia devonica sp. nov.,

is described from the Lower Devonian of northern Spain (Cantabrian

Mountains). The fossil represents the first evidence of chambered

hexactinellid sponges from the Palaeozoic and the oldest

representative of the order Hexactinosida. Casearia devonica sp. nov.

occurred within small metre-sized mud mounds that developed in

20

deeper water below the storm wave base.

RITTERBUSH K. A., BOTTJER D. J., CORSETTI F. A. 2014. New evidence on the role of siliceous sponges in ecology and

sedimentary facies development in Eastern Panthalassa following the

Triasic-Jurassic mass extinction. Palaios 29, 12: 652-668.

Paleoecological consequences of the global Triassic-Jurassic mass

extinction (201.3 Ma) are poorly understood. Fossiliferous marine

boundary records are rare, commonly condensed, and typically reveal

facies changes previously attributed to eustacy. Sedimentology and

biofacies analyses from stratigraphically expanded successions of the

lowest Jurassic strata, New York Canyon, Nevada, were investigated

with high-resolution paleoenvironmental observations, fossil surveys,

and microfacies analysis. Following the collapse of the uppermost

Triassic carbonate ramp, the lowest Jurassic Ferguson Hill Member of

the Sunrise Formation records a midshelf habitat dominated by

previously unrecognized siliceous sponges for approximately two

million years. In addition, the earliest Jurassic strata from the Pucara

Group, central Peruvian Andes, were examined and record a more

greatly expanded stratigraphic succession of facies across the inner to

middle shelf. Like Nevada, the lowest Jurassic Aramachay Formation

is replete with intense concentrations of siliceous sponges. The

revelation of widespread, ecologically dominant siliceous sponges has

been overlooked despite detailed biofacies studies in both

depositional systems. Sponges expanded across shallow environments

with sparse benthic biocalcifier populations, and were likely aided by

increased ocean silica concentrations from the weathering of the

Central Atlantic Magmatic Province. Facies changes previously

attributed to sea-level change are thus interpreted to result from the

collapse of the carbonate factory concomitant with the mass

extinction, with transition to an alternate state dominated by siliceous

sponges before a return to carbonate platform development in the

Sinemurian. Our study highlights the need to separate biofacies from

paleoenvironmental analysis during mass extinction times when

nonactualistic assemblages may dominate and deviate from expected

environments (e.g., siliceous sponges as indicators of deep

21

paleoenvironments).

RITTERBUSH K. A., ROSAS S., CORSETTI F. A., BOTTJER

D. J., WEST A. J. 2015. Andean sponges reveal long-term benthic

ecosystem shifts following the end-Triassic mass

extinction. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

420: 193-209.

[keywords: Recovery: Geochemistry; Mesozoic; Paleoecology; South

America]

Thick cherts and cherty dolomites in the basal Jurassic Aramachay

Formation of Peru preserve a thriving continental shelf community

dominated by siliceous sponges that followed the end-Triassic

collapse of metazoan-rich carbonate accumulation. Similar

Hettangian and Sinemurian deposits from Nevada, USA, Austria, and

Morocco suggest that an Early Jurassic siliceous sponge takeover was

a widespread phenomenon that persisted for ~ 2 m.y. until metazoan-

driven carbonate sedimentation recovered. The post-extinction

dominance of siliceous sponges likely resulted from the confluence of

metazoan carbonate reef collapse (removal of incumbents) and

geochemical conditions that fostered the success of the siliceous

sponge-dominated ecosystem. Simple mass balance calculations

suggest the siliceous sponge takeover was likely permitted by an

increased silica flux as a consequence of weathering Central Atlantic

Magmatic Province (CAMP) basalts. The CAMP basalts alone could

supply all the silica needed to sustain the sponge takeover, although

contributions were also likely from increased hot-climate weathering

of other silicates and possible reductions in dissolved silica demand

by radiolarians. Detailed sedimentological, fossil, and microfacies

analyses were conducted at six field sites across a shallow shelf

system recorded in the central Peruvian Andes (Yauli Dome),

focusing on the metazoan contribution to sedimentation. Sedimentary

structures at all six sites demonstrated on-shelf deposition, similar to

the underlying upper Triassic Chambara Formation (in contrast to the

black shale-rich facies of the Aramachay Formation in other areas of

Peru). Examination of up to 147 m of cherty dolomite from the

Aramachay Formation revealed a siliceous sponge-dominated

22

ecosystem, including sponge body fossils, compressed in situ sponge

materials, and abundant transported spiculite sediments. Siliceous

sponges, mostly demosponges and rare hexactinellids, account for the

chert lithology and apparently dominated the local ecology for

approximately two million years. The role of metazoan biocalcifiers

in sediment production and ecological structure was profoundly

reduced compared to the under- and overlying formations,

representing a clear ecological state shift from pre-extinction

carbonate to post-extinction siliceous dominated ecosystems before

the carbonate system recovered ~ 2 m.y. after the extinction.

SANCHEZ-BERISTAIN F., GARCIA-BARRERA P., TORRES-

HERNANDEZ J.R. 2012. The first report of "chaetetids" from the

Cretaceous of North America and their palaeoecological

implications. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Geologicas 29, 3: 649-

658.

[keywords: chaetetids, Porifera, Blastochaetetes, Mexico, Cretaceous]

The recently discovered Upper Cretaceous locality El Gorrion (SI48,

San Luis Potosi, central Mexico) yielded three specimens of

chaetetids. All specimens can be attributed to the genus

Blastochaetetes Dietrich due to the discontinuities in the calicle walls.

In addition, one of them could be classified as Blastochaetetes

flabellum (Michelin) based on its distinctive internal dimensions. The

remaining two specimens were assigned to an undetermined species

taxon in open nomenclature, namely Blastochaetetes sp. indet. 1.

Three growth forms were identified for the chaetetids of El

Gorrion. Blastochaetetes flabellum has a laminar growth form, which

may be an adaptation to survive high-energy conditions, depending

on whether the chaetetid was fixed to its substrate or not. The two

remaining specimens show either a smooth, nonenveloping or a

ragged, high-domical morphotypes, which respond to different

environmental conditions. The material is strongly silicified and

therefore poorly preserved. The specimens lack spicules, so it is not

possible to place them into any of the known sponge groups.

Nevertheless, these fossils, as chaetetids, are clearly sponges. This

finding is of great importance since such organisms have been neither

23

reported for the Mesozoic in Mexico, nor for the Cretaceous in North

America. Furthermore, it constitutes the second report of chaetetids

for the Mesozoic of both North and Latin America. [original abstract;

May]

SCHUSTER A., ERPENBECK D., PISERA A., HOOPER J.,

BRYCE M., FROMONT J., WORHEIDE G. 2015. Deceptive

desmas: molecular phylogenetics suggests a new classification and

uncovers convergent evolution of Lithistid Demosponges. PLOS

ONE; doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116038; January 7, 2015.

Reconciling the fossil record with molecular phylogenies to enhance

the understanding of animal evolution is a challenging task, especially

for taxa with a mostly poor fossil record, such as sponges (Porifera).

'Lithistida', a polyphyletic group of recent and fossil sponges, are an

exception as they provide the richest fossil record among

demosponges. Lithistids, currently encompassing 13 families, 41

genera and 300 recent species, are defined by the common possession

of peculiar siliceous spicules (desmas) that characteristically form

rigid articulated skeletons. Their phylogenetic relationships are to a

large extent unresolved and there has been no (taxonomically)

comprehensive analysis to formally reallocate lithistid taxa to their

closest relatives. This study, based on the most comprehensive

molecular and morphological investigation of 'lithistid' demosponges

to date, corroborates some previous weakly-supported hypotheses,

and provides novel insights into the evolutionary relationships of the

previous 'order Lithistida'. Based on molecular data (partial mtDNA

CO1 and 28S rDNA sequences), we show that 8 out of 13 'Lithistida'

families belong to the order Astrophorida, whereas Scleritodermidae

and Siphonidiidae form a separate monophyletic clade within

Tetractinellida. Most lithistid astrophorids are dispersed between

different clades of the Astrophorida and we propose to formally

reallocate them, respectively. Corallistidae, Theonellidae and

Phymatellidae are monophyletic, whereas the families Pleromidae

and Scleritodermidae are polyphyletic. Family Desmanthidae is

polyphyletic and groups within Halichondriidae - we formally

propose a reallocation. The sister group relationship of the family

24

Vetulinidae to Spongillida is confirmed and we propose here for the

first time to include Vetulina into a new Order Sphaerocladina.

Megascleres and microscleres possibly evolved and/or were lost

several times independently in different 'lithistid' taxa, and

microscleres might at least be four times more likely lost than

megascleres. Desma spicules occasionally may have undergone

secondary losses too. Our study provides a framework for further

detailed investigations of this important demosponge group. [original

abstract; Wrzolek]

Bibliography / Tabulata

CORONADO I., PEREZ-HUERTA A., RODRIGUEZ S. 2014. Crystallographic orientations of structural elements in skeletons of

Syringoporicae (Tabulate corals, Carboniferous): implications for

biomineralization processes in Palaeozic corals. Palaeontology 58, 1:

111-132.

[keywords: Auloporida, calcite, microstructure, tabulae, septal spines,

EBSD]

The crystallographic orientation of structural elements in skeletons of

representatives of Carboniferous Syringoporicae (Auloporida) has

been analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), petrographic

microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) on

specimens from the Iberian Peninsula. The skeletons of the tabulate

corals of the Syringoporicae consist of biogenic calcite crystals, and

their microstructure is composed of lamellae, fibres and granules, or

of a combination of these. Independent of the microstructure, the c-

axis is oriented towards the lumen, quasi-perpendicular to the growth

direction of the skeleton (perpendicular to the morphological axis

lamellae, parallel to fibres). Most phaceloid taxa have a turbostratic

distribution, as a biogenic response to prevent the cleavage of

crystals. Cerioid and some phaceloid corals, whose microstructure is

25

conditioned by wall elements, do not exhibit turbostratic distribution.

Wall elements are determined by the biology of each taxon.

Holacanth septal spines are composed of fibres arranged in a cone-

shape structure, sometimes clamped to the external part of the

corallite and show a complex crystallography. Monacanth septal

spines are spindle shaped and composed of bundles of fibres. Tabulae

are composed of lamellae. Their development and crystallographic

orientation depends on the position of the epithelium in each case.

Shared walls are formed by a combination of the walls of two

independent corallites with a median lamina, composed of granules,

these have a crystallographic orientation between that of the two

corallites. The growth of the microstructure is derived by a

coordinated stepping mode of growth, similar to other groups of

organisms such as molluscs and scleractinians. The nucleation and

formation of packages of cooriented microcrystals suggest a growth

mode similar to mineral bridges with a competitive growth mode

between each crystal. The growth pattern of corallites suggests that

the growth direction is divided into two main components: a

horizontal growth direction towards the lumen and a vertical direction

towards the top. [original abstract; May]

FERNANDEZ-MARTINEZ E., FERNANDEZ L.P., VERA de la

PUENTE L.O.P., ERNST A. 2013. Primera aproximacion al estudio

de los monticulos de fango del Devonico Inferior (Lochkoviense-

Praguiense) de la Formacion Lebanza (Zona Cantabrica). XXIX

Jornadas Sociedad Espanola de Paleontologia, La Paleontologia del

Paleozoico, Cordoba 2-5 de octubre 2013: pp 199-200.

[described and figured is Hillaepora; May]

NIKO S. 2013. Early Carboniferous tabulate corals from

the Hiroshimaphyllum toriyamai zone (late Visean to early

Serpukhovian) of the Akiyoshi Limestone Group, Yamaguchi

Prefecture.Bulletin of the Akiyoshi-dai Museum of Natural History

48: 9-13.

[Described are Cladochonus and Pseudoroemeripora; May]

26

NIKO S., ADACHI T. 2013. Silurian Halysitids (Coelenterata:

Tabulata) from the Gionyama Formation, Miyazaki Prefecture,

Japan. Bulletin of the National Museum of Nature and Science, Series

C, Geology & paleontology 39: 17-41. [May]

NIKO S., HAIKAWA T., FUJIKAWA M. 2013. Additional

material of tabulate corals from Millerella yowarensis zone

(Serpukhovian, Early Carboniferous) of the Akiyoshi Limestome

Group in the Minami-dai area, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Bulletin of the

Akiyoshi-dai Museum of Natural History 48: 15-18. [May]

NIKO S., HAIKAWA T., FUJIKAWA M. 2014. Early

Carboniferous tabulate corals from the Nagatophyllum satoi zone

(middle Visean) of the Akiyoshi Limestome Group, Yamaguchi

Prefecture. Bulletin of the Akiyoshi-dai Museum of Natural History

49: 1-6.[May]

NIKO S., IBARAKI Y., TAZAWA J. 2013. Early Carboniferous

tabulate corals from the Endothyra zone of the Omi Limestone,

Niigata Prefecture, central Japan. Science Reports of Niigata

University (Geology) 28: 15-22. [May]

NIKO S., IBARAKI Y., TAZAWA J. 2014. Devonian tabulate

corals from pebbles in Mesozoic conglomerate, Kotaki, Niigata

Prefecture, central Japan. Part 1: Favositina. Science Reports of

Niigata University (Geology) 29: 53-66.

[keywords: Devonian, favositine tabulae corals, Kotaki area,

Mesozoic conglomerate, Thamnopora itoae sp. nov.]

A float block of Mesozoic conglomerate, probably derived from the

Lower Jurassic Kuruma Group, containing Devonian tabulate corals

was collected in the Kotaki area, Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, central

Japan. As the first fascicle of our study concerning this material, the

present paper focuses on taxa of the suborder Favositina. They consist

of Favosites? sp. indet.,Pachyfavosites sp. indet. 1, P. sp. indet. 2,

Plicatomurus? sp. indet., Thamnopora itoae Niko, Ibaraki and

Tazawa sp. nov. and Thamnoptychia mana Niko and Senzai, 2010

27

from milky white to gray limestone pebbles and Hillaepora sp. indet.,

from black shale pebble. A Givetian (late Middle Devonian) species,

Thamnopora nicholsoni (Frech, 1885), shows close resemblance with

the new species, but differs by having larger mean diameters of the

distal corallites and the fewer tabulae. Thamnoptychia mana indicates

a Givetian age. Reliable stratigraphic distribution of the genus

Hillaepora is restricted within the Lower Devonian. [original

abstract; May]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2006. New Late Ordovician corals Proporina of

the Zeravshan ridge. Izvestia Akademii Nauk of the Republic of

Tajikistan, Otdelenie fiziko-matematicheskikh, khimicheskikh i

geologicheskikh nauk 1-2 (124): 76-83. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2006. New species of the [genus] Coccoseridana

(Heliolitida) from mincuchar deposits of the Zeravshan-Gissar

mountains. Doklady Akademii Nauk of the Republic of Tajikistan 49,

7: 648-653. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2007. Disturbances of corallites growth at

colonies of the Heliolitida: morphofunctional analysis. Doklady

Akademii Nauk of the Republic of Tajikistan 50, 9-10: 762-768. [in

Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2009. New data about folding of corallites

cavities of the Heliolitida. Doklady Akademii Nauk of the Republic

of Tajikistan 52, 7: 535-540. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2011. Some problems of the taxa definition in the

Heliolitida. In: M. Aretz, S. Delculee, J. Denayer & E. Poty (eds):

Abstracts, 11th Symposium on Fossil Cnidaria and Sponges, Liege,

August 19-29, 2011. Kolner Forum fur Geologie und Palaontologie

19: 125-126. [Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2011. Novabakites gen. nov. - new genus of

Ordovician Heliolitida from the South Tien-Shan. Doklady Akademii

28

Nauk of the Republic of Tajikistan 54, 5: 386-389. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2012. New Ordovician family of heliolitide

corals Acdalinidae fam. nov. In: Contemporary questions of regional

geodynamics and mineragenia of the Pamir and Tien-Shan (Materials

of republic scientific conference, dedicated to 90 years of Birthday of

academic of AN RT Baratov, R.B.): 27-43; Donish, Dushanbe. [in

Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2012. Leleshusites gen. nov., Apekinella gen.

nov. and Senexites gen. nov. – new genera of Late Ordovician

Heliolitida of the South Tien-Shan. In: Contemporary questions of

regional geodynamics and mineragenia of the Pamir and Tien-Shan

(Materials of republican scientific conference dedicated to 90 years of

Birthday of academic of AN RT Baratov, R.B.): 44-57; Donish,

Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2013. The oldest Heliolitida: morphology,

evolution and biostratigraphic significance (on example of the South

Tien-Shan). Author's abstract of dissertation… of doctor of

geological-mineralogical sciences; 40 pp, 8 supplements; Poitakht,

Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2014. Atlas of Upper Ordovician Heliolitida of

the South Tien-Shan. Donish, Dushanbe; 194 pp. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2014. Morphology, composition and distribution

of the family of heliolitide corals Innaporida? Ospanova, 1979 of

nominative superfamily. In: Geology and questions of seismicity of

territory of Tajikistan. Balogat, Dushanbe: 43-66. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

29

OSPANOVA N.K., SALIMOVA F.A. 2008. The Heliolitida from

Khodzhakurgan Formation (Emsian) of the Zeravshan range, South

Tien-Shan. In: A.I. Kim, F.A. Salimova, N.A. Meshchankina (eds):

Contributions of International Conference "Global Alignments of

Lower Devonian Carbonate and Clastic Sequences" (IGPC 499

project/SDS joint field meeting): August 25 - September 3, 2008,

Kitab State Geological Reserve. SealMag Press, Tashkent: 92-95.

[Ospanova]

PLUSQUELLEC Y., TOURNEUR F., WEYER D. 2013. Revision

of Pleurodictyum lonsdalii Rh. Richter, 1855, a representative of the

genus Petridictyum Schindewolf, 1959 (Anthozoa, Tabulata, Lower

Devonian, Thuringia). Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie und

Palaontologie Abhandlungen , 2: 193-214.

[keywords: Tabulata, Petridictyum, Lower Devonian, Thuringia]

The original material of Pleurodictyum lonsdalii Rh. Richter, 1855,

preserved in natural cast, has been traced (10 syntypes) and studied in

detail as well as an additional 52 specimens from the same area and

horizon (topotypes) collected by Yolk and Zagora. A lectotype is

designated and the species lonsdalii definitively assigned to the genus

Petridictyum Schindewolf, 1959.Petridictyum lonsdalii, mainly

characterised by wide round tipped interseptal furrows and narrow

septal ridges, differs from all other Petridictyum and is interpreted as

a perhaps endemic taxon of the Early Upper Emsian - Nowakia

cancellata Zone - of the western Thuringian Slate Mountains

(Saxothuringian Terrane, North Gondwana). [original abstract; May]

ZAIKA Yu. V., BLODGETT R. B., BARANOV V. V. 2015. Tabulata and Heliolitoidea corals from the Soda Creek Limestone

(Farewell Terrane), West-Central Alaska. New Mexico Museum of

Natural History and Science Bulletin 68 (R. M. Sullivan and S. G.

Lucas, eds., Fossil Record 1): 327-331.

This paper reports the primary results of a study of Lower Devonian

(Pragian) Tabulata and Heliolitoidea corals from the Soda Creek

Limestone, west-central Alaska, and contributes further

paleontological evidence for resolving issues associated with Alaskan

30

accreted terranes. The study shows a striking similarity of the Soda

Creek Tabulata and Heliolitoidea corals with coral associations from

several parts of Asia. At the same time there is little in common

between the Soda Creek and cratonal North-American Lower

Devonian coral associations, thus indicating Asian Lower Devonian

paleozoogeographical ties of the Farewell terrane.

Bibliography / Rugosa

ABBASI M.A., KHAKSAR K., ASHOURI A. 2014. Some rugose

corals from the Devonian (Givetian and Frasnian) of Northeastern

Iran. Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie und Palaontologie Abhandlungen

271, 2: 123-139. [May]

A rugose coral fauna from Givetian and Lower Frasnian strata of the

Khoshyeilagh Formation in the Eastern Alborz Mountains

(Northeastern Iran) was studied. In total, eight species belonging to

five genera are reported from the Mighan section, northeast of the city

of Shahrood. From the Givetian, four species of the genera

Spinophyllum Wedekind, 1922, Chostophyllum Pedder, 1982, and

Aristophyllum Bulvanker, Spassky & Kravtsov, 1975, are described.

From the overlying Lower Frasnian, four species are recorded,

belonging to the genera Sinodisphyllum Sun, 1958 and

Charactophyllum Simpson, 1900. [original abstract; Wrzolek]

COEN-AUBERT M. 2015. Revision of the genus Frechastraea

Scrutton, 1968 (Rugosa) in the Upper Frasnian of Belgium.

Geologica Belgica 18, 2-4: 109-125.

[keywords: Rugose corals, taxonomy, lithostratigraphy,

biostratigraphy, Frasnian, Devonian]

Frechastraea pentagona (Goldfuss, 1826), type species of

Frechastraea Scrutton, 1968, F. minima (Rozkowska, 1953), F.

micrommata (Roemer, 1852), F. kaisini (Tsien, 1978), F. cf.

31

tungkanlingensis (Yoh, 1937), F. crassiseptata (Tsien, 1978) and

F. limitata (Milne-Edwards & Haime, 1851) occur mainly in the

Upper Palmatolepis rhenana conodont Zone. Their stratigraphic

distribution is discussed in the Upper Frasnian of Belgium and

compared with other areas of Western and Eastern Europe. The

Belgian material previously identified asFrechastraea micrastraea

(Penecke, 1904) is now assigned to F. crassiseptata. The Champ

Broquet Formation is proposed herein to include the Neuville and Les

Valisettes Members which were formerly considered as two different

formations. The red marble lenses of the Petit-Mont Member are

developed at different levels of the Champ Broquet Formation, in the

Dinant Synclinorium.

DENAYER J. 2014. Visean Lithostrotionidae (Rugosa) from

Zonguldak and Bartyn (NW Turkey). Bulletin of Geosciences 89, 4:

737-771.

[keywords: Lower Carboniferous, Visean, Pontides, Turkey, rugose

corals, Lithostrotion, Siphonodendron, Nemistium]

In Northwestern Turkey, the Mississippian (Lower Carboniferous)

Yylanly Formation is composed of variegated shallow-water

limestone containing rugose corals, tabulate corals and brachiopods.

Six sections were sampled in the Zonguldak and Bartyn areas, from

east to west, there are Suzek, Topluca, Gokgol, Kokaksu, Ulutam and

Kisla sections. Among the rugose corals, a rich and diversified

assemblage of Lithostrotionidae has been collected. The latter

contains the species: Nemistium cf. affine, Siphonodendron

ondulosum, S. martini, S. irregulare, S. pauciradiale, S. asiaticum, S.

rallii sp. nov., S. scaleberense, S. kleffense, S. aff. kleffense,

Lithostrotion araneum, L. vorticale, L. sp. and L. potii sp. nov.

During the Moliniacian it is proposed that subcerioid colonies of

S. ondulosum gave rise to cerioid colonies of Lithostrotion potii sp.

nov., the latter constituting the oldest species of the genus previously

considered to be Livian to Warnantian in age. This discovery led to

an emendation of the phyletic lineage of the Lithostrotionidae. The

biostratigraphy based on rugose corals indicates a Moliniacian (early

Visean) and Warnantian (late Visean) age of the deposits with the

32

absence of the intervening Livian (middle Visean). [original abstract;

May]

DENAYER J. 2014. Taxonomy, Biostratigraphy and

Palaeobiogeography of the Late Tournaisian rugose corals of north-

western Turkey. Palaontologische Zeitschrift, online since September

2014 at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12542-014-0245-

1 [keywords: corals, Carboniferous, Tournaisian, Ivorian,

palaeogeography, stratigraphy]

This article provides the first taxonomic description of Ivorian (Late

Tournaisian, Early Carboniferous) rugose coral associations from

north-western Turkey (Zonguldak and Bartin). Eleven species

belonging to ten genera are described, one species is new. Three

biostratigraphic assemblages are recognized. The oldest assemblage

includes Cyathaxonia cornu, Cyathoclisia uralensis, 'Lophophyllum'

konincki and Uralinia multiplex. This corresponds to the RC3

Biozone (early Ivorian). The middle assemblage in characterised by

Amplexus coralloides, Sychnoelasma hawbankense and

Zaphriphyllum daleki sp. nov. and is correlated with the early late

Ivorian RC4α Biozone. The youngest assemblage (RC4β1 Biozone,

latest Ivorian) is composed of Corphalia fourmarieri, Corphalia sp.

and Amydgalophyllum? sp. These three assemblages have a low

specific and generic diversity compared to time-equivalent

assemblages but contain genera with a wide distribution in the

Palaeotethys Ocean, such as Cyathoclisia, Uralinia and - in a lesser

extent - Zaphriphyllum, as well as typically European taxa such as

Corphalia and Sychnoelasma. These latter two, identified for the first

time outside of Europe, allow associating northwestern Turkey with

the European Coral Province. [original abstract; May]

DENAYER J. 2016 [in press]. Rugose corals across the Devonian-

Carboniferous boundary in NW Turkey. Acta Palaeontologica

Polonica online since 07 Oct 2014;

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.00061.2014 [keywords: Rugose corals, palaeobiogeography, Hangenberg event,

33

Strunian, Hastarian, Famennian, Tournaisian, Turkey]

An uppermost Famennian (Strunian) coral assemblage has been

recovered in the middle part of the Yilanli Formation of the Istanbul

Zone (Zonguldak and Bartin areas, NW Turkey). In the Bartin area,

the studied fossiliferous interval corresponds to a c. 30 m-thick unit of

bioclastic to peloidal wackestone to packstone grading to grainstone

and including two stromatoporoid biostromes. In the Zonguldak area,

60 km westward, the bioclastic facies is dominant. The rugose corals

are mainly solitary taxa belonging to the genera Campophyllum,

Bounophyllum, Amplexocarinia, and ?Metriophyllum, and only one

colonial genus occurs: Pseudoendophyllum. This fauna is similar to

that documented in Europe. The campophyllids and dibunophyllids

are the main component of the Uppermost Famennian assemblages in

S Belgium, N France, W Germany, NW and S Poland. The

endophyllids occur in S Poland, Novaya Zemlya, and in the Ural

Mountains. The Istanbul Zone is supposed to be situated in the central

part of the Palaeotethys Ocean, along the southern margin of

Laurussia during the uppermost Devonian and Carboniferous. The

rugose corals indicate some relationship with the eastern part of

Laurussia, or that both areas were under a common marine influence

at this time. The global Hangenberg event was not recognized in the

Turkish localities, except considering the disappearance of the corals,

occurring less than 19 m below the Devonian- Carboniferous

boundary based on the foraminifers. There is no major facies change

through the boundary and the first Carboniferous corals (small

Uralinia and Caninophyllum) appear 6 m above the D-C boundary.

The new species Caninophyllum charli sp. nov. is described from the

upper part of the Lower Tournaisian. [original abstract; May]

DENAYER J., HOSGOR I. 2014. Lower Carboniferous rugose

corals from the Arabian Plate: An insight from the Hakkari area (SE

Turkey). Journal of Asian Earth Sciences 79A: 345-357.

[keywords: Arabian Plate, Turkey, Hakkari, Rugose corals,

Tournaisian, Visean, Lower Carboniferous, Cyathaxonia fauna]

The Koprulu Formation of the Hakkari area (SE Turkey) is composed

of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic succession of Early Carboniferous

34

age. The lower part of the formation yielded an abundant but poorly

diversified coral fauna composed of small non-dissepimented solitary

rugose corals, namely Rotiphyllum cf. simulatum Fedorowski 2009,

Zaphrentites parallela (Carruthers, 1910), cf. Gorizdronia, gen. et sp.

indet., Amplexizaphrentis sp. and Amplexizaphrentis zapense sp. nov.

and specimens of Caninia cf. cornucopiae Michelin in Gervais 1840,

a dissepimented solitary coral showing a counter septum-related

columella. The lower part of the Koprulu Formation is of supposed

late Tournaisian age based on micropaleontological data. However,

the coral assemblage indicates rather an early Visean age. The

Hakkari corals form a strongly facies-related association

("Cyathaxonia fauna") and are compared to other areas with some

difficulties. The most similar, time-equivalent faunal associations is

that of the Sinai Peninsula (NE Egypt). Both localities belonged,

during Early Carboniferous times, to the Arabian Platform situated

along the northern margin of Gondwana. The Gondwana-related

Taurides units (Aladag), North Iran Block and Afghanistan,

characterized by a dominant carbonate facies and more diversified

coral faunas, formed during these times, the distal parts of the

Arabian Platform. [original abstract; May]

FEDOROWSKI J. 2015. Serpukhovian (Early Carboniferous)

Rugosa (Anthozoa) from the Lublin Basin, eastern Poland. Annales

Societatis Geologorum Poloniae 85: 221-270.

[keywords: Early Serpukhovian, Rugosa (Anthozoa), taxonomy,

palaeogeography, taphonomy]

Sixteen rugose coral species, two known previously, nine new, three

left in open nomenclature, and two identified as affinis, are described

from the early Serpukhovian strata of the Lublin area, eastern Poland.

Rugose corals of that age here are described for the first time from

Poland. New genera include Birkenmajerites, Chelmia and

Occulogermen. New species include: Axisvacuus tenerus,

Birkenmajerites primus, Chelmia radiata, Nervophyllum lukoviensis,

Occulogermen luciae, Rotiphyllum plumeum, ?Sochkineophyllum

symmetricum, Zaphrentites rotiphylloides and Zaphrufimia anceps. A

brief analysis of the taphonomy, possible relationships and

35

geographical connections of the corals described here to rugose coral

faunas from adjacent areas also is included.

FEDOROWSKI J., BAMBER E.W. 2012. Paleobiogeographic

significance of Bashkirian (Pennsylvanian) rugose corals from

northernmost Ellesmere Island, Arctic Canada. Geologica Belgica 15,

4: 350-354. [Fedorowski]

The oldest known Carboniferous rugose coral fauna in the Canadian

Arctic Islands occurs on the northwestern margin of the Sverdrup

Basin, in the Yelverton Inlet area of northern Ellesmere Island. It was

collected from Bashkirian carbonates of the lower Nansen and Otto

Fiord formations and includes representatives of the genera

Dibunophyllum Thomson & Nicholson, Lonsdaleia McCoy,

Palaeosmilia Milne-Edwards & Haime and ?Tizraia Said &

Rodriguez. Such a combination of genera is unknown elsewhere

above the Serpukhovian and in this sense it is unique in the world. It

is typical, however, for coral faunas in the Upper Visean of Europe,

North Africa and China. In those areas, genera of this assemblage

range into the Upper Serpukhovian and individual genera such as

Dibunophyllum in the Donets Basin and Palaeosmilia in Northern

Timan and Novaya Zemlya continue into the Lower Bashkirian. The

Yelverton Inlet fauna shows limited similarity to Serpukhovian

faunas of several other basins but differs from the Bashkirian faunas

of those basins. It is remarkable because of its unusual taxonomic

content, high stratigraphic position, and remote geographic location.

Faunal comparisons suggest Novaya Zemlya as the most likely source

for the Yelverton Inlet fauna. Northern Timan may qualify as another

possible source when its Visean to Bashkirian coral fauna is described

in detail.

FEDOROWSKI J., MACHLAJEWSKA I. 2014. Rugosa

(Anthozoa) of the Serpukhovian from the Upper Silesian Coal

Basin. Acta Geologica Polonica 64, 1: 13-45.

[keywords: Upper Silesian Coal Basin; Serpukhovian; Rugosa;

Taxonomy; Relationships; Succession]

Two species, Antiphyllum sp. nov. 1 and Zaphrufimia sp. nov. 1, the

36

first corals found In Stur horizon of the upper Malinowickle Beds,

Upper Pendleian (E1), are here described. Additional study of the

subspecies of Zaphrufimia disjuncta show them to be more similar

than previously thought. Although they occur mainly in the Enna and

Barbara horizons, one specimen of Z. d. serotina comes from the

Gabriela horizon. Biozone Zaphrufimia disujncta disjuncta / Z. d.

praematura is proposed for the Enna and Barbara horizons. The

subzone of Zaphrufimia / Triadufimia of that Biozone, defined by the

presence of Triadufimia gen. nov., is restricted to the Enna horizon.

As confirmed by the occurrence of Cravenoceratoides edalensis, the

new subzone roughly corresponds to the E2bl ammonite Zone. An

Antiphyllum / Ostravaia / Variaxon assemblage Zone is proposed for

the coral assemblage of the Gaebler horizon. Cravenoceratoides

nitidus present in the Roemer band (Ib) shows it to correlate with the

E2b2 ammonite Zone. Comparison with other European regions

suggests possible faunal exchange between those areas and the Upper

Silesian Coal Basin in Serpukhovian time.

FEDOROWSKI J., STEVENS C.H. 2014. Late Carboniferous

colonial Rugosa (Anthozoa) from Alaska. Geologica Acta 12, 3: 239-

267. [Fedorowski]

Late Carboniferous colonial corals from the Moscovian Saginaw Bay

Formation and the underlying Bashkirian crinoidal limestone exposed

on northeastern Kuiu Island and a nearby islet, part of the Alexander

terrane in southeastern Alaska, are described and illustrated for the

first time, and are supplemented by revision, re-description and re-

illustration of most Atokan specimens from Brooks Range, northern

Alaska, first described by Armstrong (1972). New taxa from the Kuiu

Island area include the new species Paraheritschioides katvalae and

the new genus and species Arctistrotion variabilis, as well as the new

Subfamily Arctistrotioninae. The corals Corwenia jagoensis and

Lithostrotionella wahooensis of Armstrong (1972) also are redefined

and redescribed. Paraheritschioides jagoensis is based on the

holotype of 'C'. jagoensis. P. compositus sp. nov. is based on a

"paratype" of 'C'. jagoensis. In addition to a redefinition and

redescription of 'L.'wahooensis as Arctistrotion wahooense, one

37

"paratype" of that species is described as A. simplex sp. nov. The

phylogeny and suspected relationships of some fasciculate

Carboniferous Rugosa also are discussed. Based on relationships and

similarities within the Late Carboniferous colonial Rugosa from the

Brooks Range, Kuiu Island and the eastern Klamath terrane, we

conclude that all three areas were geographically close enough at that

time so that larvae were occasionally dispersed by oceanic currents.

Distances between these areas, however, may have been so great

and/or isolation so long that individual speciation occurred in all of

the various locations. That hypothetical situation is reflected by a

common generic, but not a specific, content of the particular faunas.

FEDOROWSKI J., STEVENS C.H., KATVALA E. 2014. New

Late Carboniferous Heritschioidinae (Rugosa) from the Kuiu Island

Area and Brooks Range, Alaska. Geologica Acta 12, 1, 29-52.

[Fedorowski]

Three new species of the genus Heritschioides, i.e., H. alaskensis sp.

nov., H. kuiuensis sp. nov., and H. splendidus sp. nov., and

Kekuphyllum sandoense gen. et sp. nov. from the northeastern Kuiu

Island area and nearby islets, part of Alexander terrane in

southeastern Alaska, and Heritschioides separatus sp. nov. from the

Brooks Range, Alaska, are described and illustrated. The three new

fasciculate colonial coral species from the Kuiu Island area, collected

from the Moscovian Saginaw Bay Formation, are phylogenetically

related to those of probable Bashkirian age in the Brooks Range in

northern Alaska as shown by the presence of morphologically similar

species of Heritschioides. These corals from both areas also are

related to one species in the Quesnel terrane in western Canada.

Kekuphyllum sandoense from the Saginaw Bay Formation of the

Kuiu Island area is the only cerioid-aphroid species within the

Subfamily Heritschioidinae described so far. The complete early

ontogeny of a protocorallite is for the first time described here on a

basis of H. kuiuensis sp. nov. and compared to the hystero-ontogeny

in order to show similarities and differences in those processes.

38

LIAO Wei-hua, JI Zhan-sheng, WU Gui-chun 2014. A Devonian

cerioid coral from Coqen, Tibet, China. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica

53, 3: 308-314.

[keywords: Rugose Corals; Argutastrea; Devonian; Coqen; Xizang

(Tibet)]

The well known Qinghai-Tibetan plateau is the largest, youngest and

highest plateau on Earth with an average height of over 4000m.The

highest of several peaks on the plateau of over 8000 m elevation is Mt

Qomolangma (formerly known as Mt. Everest), has an elevation of

8848m. Although the widespread Mesozoic marine deposits and

Upper Palaeozoic Carboniferous-Permian beds of Tibet have been

known for sometime, the more restricted Devonian strata have been

much less studied. Most of the material described here was collected

by Dr. Ji Zhan-sheng from Coqen County [Marzle (Coll. No. 081114)

and from the west flank of the Zongdui section (Coll. No. 081116)]. It

comprises only one genus and one species, namely Argutastrea

darwini (Frech). Formerly, many Devonian cerioid corals were

attributed to Hexagonaria Gürich, 1896. However, following restudy

of the neotype of the genus, which is a specimen of Hexagonaria

hexagona from Bensberg, Germany (probably upper Givetian or

lower Frasnian), many species of "Hexagonaria" are now assigned to

Argutastrea. Hexagonaria is mainly distinguished from Argutastrea

by its septa with spindle-shaped dilatation and weak carination. The

genus Prismatophyllum Simpson, 1900 differs from Argutastrea

Crickmay, 1960, by having thinner septa and yardarm carinae.

Argutastrea darwini has been reported from Germany (Sötenich,

Eifel), Austria (Hochlantsch, Graz), Russia (the Urals) and China

(Coqen, Tibet). It indicates a Middle-Upper Devonian (Givetian-

Frasnian) age. Although the material from Tibet is meagre, it provides

important information concerning its age and suggests a close

relationship with faunas from Germany, Austria and the Urals,

Russia. Since Devonian rugose corals have rarely been reported in

Tibet, a brief description of new discoveries is desirable.

39

RODRIGUEZ S., KOPASKA-MERKEL D. 2014. Mississippian

Rugose Corals from Alabama: A Review. Journal of Paleontology

88, 5: 829-850.

The Mississippian rugose corals from Alabama housed in several

museums in that state are revised on the basis of current knowledge of

this subclass. Fifteen species belonging to 10 genera have been

identified; three species are new, including Zaphrentites lacefieldi,

Palastraea cullmanense, and Siphonophyllia alabamaense. Four coral

assemblages characterize four stratigraphic subdivisions of the

Mississippian in Alabama: Osagean, Meramecian, lower Chesterian,

and upper Chesterian. Corals are abundant in some units but diversity

is quite low in all assemblages. The level of endemism is very high,

except for the lower Chesterian assemblage, which contains some

western Paleotethyan forms. Two possible coral evolutionary lineages

have been identified.

ROZHNOV S.V. 2014. Bilateral Symmetry in Ontogeny and

Regeneration of Solitary Rugosa (Cnidaria, Paleozoic).

Paleontological Journal 48, 11: 1183-1193; Austin/Texas (Pleiades

Publishing).

[keywords: Rugosa, corals, planula, regeneration, morphallaxis,

mesenteries, ontogenesis, comparative morphology, Carboniferous]

The widespread lateral attachment in solitary Rugosa (tetracorals) is

evidence that their planula settled down and became attached by its

ventral side. The symmetry plane of Rugosa corallites, which is

marked by the cardinal and counter septa, coincides with the larval

plane of symmetry, which is marked by the position of the cardinal

septum and attachment scar on the same side of the corallite. This

strongly suggests that rugose coral larvae had paired mesenteries at

least on the ventral side. Direct or remote soft-bodied rugose coral

ancestors had a planula-like body shape and paired ventral and,

probably, dorsal mesenteries. They were benthic, crawling on the

ventral side, and fed on bottom semi-decomposed organic matter. The

study of regeneration in rugose corals has shown that all of three

ways of regeneration occur in their skeletons (epimorphosis,

morphallaxis, and compensatory regeneration). The morphallaxis is

40

manifested in small buds on dead parent corallites. The study of the

development of these buds has shown that their septa were formed

under the influence of the surface relief of the parent corallite bearing

the bud. At the early stages of bud development, mesenteries were

probably absent. [original abstract; May]

WRIGHT A.J. 2013. First occurrence and biogeographical

significance of the operculate tetracoral Goniophyllum from the

Wenlock (Silurian) of Baillie-Hamilton Island, Canadian Arctic.

Memoir of the Association of Australasian Palaeontologists 44: 143-

148.

[keywords: Goniophyllum, Rhizophyllum, tetracoral, operculum,

biogeography, Wenlock, Silurian, Arctic, Baillie-Hamilton Island]

Opercula of the Silurian tetracoral genera Goniophyllum and

Rhizophyllum are described from early Wenlock (Sheinwoodian)

strata of the Cape Phillips Formation, Baillie-Hamilton Island,

Canadian Arctic. This is the first record of Goniophyllum in northern

Laurentia, emphasising previously recognised faunal connections of

this region with Baltica and Avalonia. As the opercula of

Goniophyllum belong mostly to very early juveniles, which have not

previously been documented, specific identification is impossible.

[original abstract; May]

41

Bibliography / Scleractinia

ALVAREZ-PEREZ A., ALVAREZ-PEREZ G. 2014. Preservation

of original aragonite structure in Desmophyllum castellolense

(Scleractinia) from the Eocene Igualada Basin (NE Spain).

Palaeoworld 23, 3/4: 327-335.

Scleractinian corals produce an aragonite skeleton that is usually

converted to calcite by diagenetic processes after death. However,

examples that have preserved the original aragonite skeleton and its

original microstructure have been found in the Igualada Basin (NE

Spain). The species Desmophyllum castellolense is described and

analyzed. X-ray diffraction was used to confirm the skeletal aragonite

and analyze the associated elements. The microstructure of the

skeleton is described using polished and thin sections with the aid of

scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. The

description of this species is taken from Alvarez Perez (1993, 1997).

[original abstract; Löser]

BARON-SZABO R.C. 2014. Scleractinian Corals from the

Cretaceous of the Alps and N Dinarides (Helvetic Unit; Austro-

Alpine Units; Rhenodanubian Unit; N Dinaric Platform; Inner

Dinarides), with remarks on related taxa. Abhandlungen der

Geologischen Bundesanstalt Wien 68: 1-297, 88 Plates, 22 Text-Figs.

This study represents a compilation and revision as well as the

documentation of new material of the scleractinian coral genera and

species from the Cretaceous of the 1) Helvetic Unit (Berriasian-

Albian of western Austria; Berriasian-Lower Aptian of central and

eastern Switzerland; Upper Barremian-Lower Aptian of southern

Germany); 2) Austro-Alpine Unit (Cenomanian-Maastrichtian of

Austria; Santonian-Campanian of Slovenia); 3) Rhenodanubian Unit

(Upper Cretaceous of Austria); 4) Northern Dinaric Platform

(Valanginian-Albian of Slovenia); and 5) Inner Dinarides (Santonian-

Campanian of Croatia). It deals with over 130 genera and subgenera,

including over 600 species. A diagnosis is provided for each genus, as

well as for each higher level taxonomic category, and issues

42

concerning taxonomic assignments are discussed in detail. The

descriptions are accompanied by illustrations (88 Pls. and 22 Text-

Figs.) of representatives of nearly all genera and include illustrations

of type or original material of the taxa concerned. Also included is an

update of the stratigraphical and geographical ranges of the included

species within the Cretaceous. For the first time, the following species

are recorded from the geographic areas covered in this report:

Actinastrea tendagurensis (Dietrich, 1926), A. infundibulum

Alloiteau, 1954a, Calamophylliopsis compressa (d’Orbigny, 1850),

Columnocoenia cf. girodi (Etallon, 1859), Podoseris elongata

Duncan, 1869, Turbinaria cf. cyathiformis (Blainville, 1830),

Fungiastrea cotteaui (De Fromentel, 1857), Pleurophyllia minuscula

Roniewicz, 1976, and Cladophyllia crenata (Blanckenhorn, 1890).

Lectotypes are designated for the species Acrosmilia clavata (Reuss,

1854), Mesomorpha mammillata (Reuss, 1854), and Synastrea

procera (Reuss, 1854). Furthermore, scleractinian corals are

taxonomically documented for the first time or new material is

reported from the following Gosau localities: Tyrol: Ludoi Alp

(=Pletzach Alp) (Coniacian); Lower Austria: Stollhof and Neue Welt

at Grunbach (Upper Santonian-Lower Campanian), Neue Welt at

Netting (Upper Santonian-Campanian), Ramsau at Hainfeld

(Coniacian-Santonian), Neue Welt at Schneckengarten (Lower

Campanian); Upper Austria: Brennetgraben at Bad Ischl (Coniacian-

Santonian), Windischgarsten (Coniacian-Santonian), Tiefengraben

(=Tauerngraben at Grabenbach, Pass Gschutt)(Santonian); Carinthia:

Ettendorf at St. Paul (Weinberger homestead) (Lower Campanian);

Salzburg: Fahrenberg at Strobl-Bad Ischl (Schmalnau Formation:

Coniacian), Untersberg at Veitlbruch ([?Coniacian-] Santonian) and

at Gaistischl (Upper Santonian). In addition, the first detailed records

of Berriasian-Albian scleractinian corals from the Austrian state of

Vorarlberg as well as Cenomanian coral material from the Northern

Calcareous Alps ("Randcenoman") of the Austrian state of Tyrol are

presented. A glossary and index to the genera and species are

provided. [original abstract; Baron-Szabo]

43

BARON-SZABO R.C. 2015. On the Cretaceous genus Nefophyllia

Wells, 1937 (pro Platysmilia Felix, 1899, non Toula, 1889). Jahrbuch

der Geologischen Bundesanstalt Wien 154, 1-4: 155-163 (for 2014).

The scleractinian genus Nefophyllia Wells is revised on the basis of

the study of type and original material as well as original descriptions.

Representatives of this genus have been known from Upper

Cretaceous sediments of central Europe (especially the Austrian

Gosau Group), as well as from southern and southeastern European

localities, and include the species: N. angusta (Reuss, 1854), N.

inaequalis (De Fromentel, 1873), N. martiniana (d'Orbigny, 1850),

and N. multicincta (Reuss, 1854). New material belonging to the type

species of Nefophyllia (N. angusta) is described from the Campanian

of northern Spain (Torallola, Lerida). [original abstract; Baron-Szabo]

BARON-SZABO R. C. 2015. Paraclausastrea vorarlbergensis sp.

nov.; a new coral from the Lower Cretaceous of western Austria

(Scleractinia; upper Barremian-lower Aptian; Schrattenkalk Fm.;

Vorarlberg). Zootaxa 4032, 3: 327-332.

The new taxon Paraclausastrea vorarlbergensis sp. nov. is described

from the upper Barremian-lower Aptian (Schrattenkalk Fm.) of

western Austria (Vorarlberg). It belongs to the montlivaltiids and is

characterized by thamnasterioid to submeandroid corallite integration,

diameters of corallites ranging between 3 and 6.5 mm, and septa that

are generally developed in 4 incomplete cycles in 6 generally

irregular systems. In a small number of corallites that are around 6

mm in diameter, 4 complete cycles are present. In corallites that are

around 2 mm in diameter, usually between 12 and 18 septa are

present. The new species differs from all other forms of

Paraclausastrea in having the largest number of septa. This is the

first report of this genus for the Schrattenkalk Formation. [original

abstract; Baron-Szabo]

44

BARON-SZABO R. C., CAIRNS S. D. 2015. A new rhizangiid

genus from the Miocene of North America (Sclerangia n. gen.;

Florida, USA). Paleontological Contributions, The University of

Kansas Press 13: 1-3.

The colonial rhizangiid genus Sclerangia n. gen. is described from the

Miocene of the USA (Chipola Formation, Florida). The new genus is

characterized by plocoid to subcerioid polyp integration, cylindrical

to subcylindrical or tympanoid corallites, and an endotheca that is

generally absent or made of a very small number of vesicular

dissepiments. Compared to other rhizangiid genera, the new taxon is

characterized by rather weakly dentate septa. In addition, the new

genus differs from all the rhizangiid genera by its consistent

encrustation of dead gastropod shells that are inhabited by sipunculid

worms. [original abstract; Baron-Szabo]

BOLTON A., GOODKIN N. F., HUGHEN K., OSTERMANN D.

R., VO S. T., PHAN H. K. 2014. Paired Porites coral Sr/Ca and

δ18O from the western South China Sea: Proxy calibration of sea

surface temperature and precipitation. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 410: 233-243.

[keywords: Porites; South China Sea; Strontium/calcium; Stable

oxygen isotopes; Precipitation; Monsoon]

Paired strontium-to-calcium (Sr/Ca) and δ18O measurements for two

Porites lutea corals recovered from Hon Tre Island, Vietnam, are

strongly correlated to sea surface temperature (SST) and precipitation

at monthly to interannual time-scales. Least squares linear regression

of monthly Sr/Ca to SST shows a strong, significant correlation (r2 =

0.77, p< .0001), with root mean square residualsof 0.9 °C. 3-year

averaged (binned) Sr/Ca for wet (Sep-Nov) and dry (Jan-Mar)

seasons separately captures SST variability at interannual time scales

(Sr/Ca RMSR = 0.42 °C and 0.70 °C for wet and dry seasons,

respectively). Coral δ18O correlates weakly to SST at seasonal and

interannual time scales for wet and dry seasons, with significant

anomalies (δ18O RMSR = 2.4 °C and 1.65 °C, respectively).

Correcting the SST influence on coral δ18O using paired Sr/Ca

values provides estimates of δ18O of seawater (δ18OSW). 3-year

45

averaged δ18OSW during the wet season shows a significant

correlation to local precipitation (r2 = 0.54, p = 0.01). These results

show that coral Sr/Ca in this location accurately reflects SST at a

number of timescales, and that seawater δ18O composition in the wet

season is controlled by local precipitation, largely unmodified by

ocean circulation during the winter monsoon. This study highlights

the sensitivity and utility of coral geochemistry in this region for

reliably reconstructing SST and monsoonal precipitation.

DASSIE E., LINSLEY B. K. 2015. Refining the sampling approach

for the massive coral Diploastrea heliopora for δ18O-based

paleoclimate applications. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,

Palaeoecology 440: 274-282.

[keywords: Coral; Diploastrea; Oxygen isotope; Sampling resolution;

Paleoclimatology reconstructions]

Studies on the Indo-Pacific coral Diploastrea have demonstrated that

this genus can potentially be used to generate multi-century length

climate reconstructions, however some concerns remain regarding

sampling protocols. This study further explores the utility of

Diploastrea heliopora for paleoclimatic reconstructions by

examining δ18O along short coral cores of D. heliopora and Porites

lutea from Kandavu, Fiji. These results indicate that sampling of the

columellar part of the corallite in D. heliopora is optimal to capture

the full annual δ18O cycle and that bi-monthly (0.5 mm) sampling

resolution is the optimal temporal resolution for the Kandavu D.

heliopora. Results from Kandavu D. heliopora show high intra-core

reproducibility as well as a significant correlation to a δ18O record

from a nearby Porites colony (monthly resolution: r = 0.71, n = 186,

df = 54, p = 0.01; annual resolution: r = 0.59, n = 16, df= 16, p =

0.01). At our Fiji study site, D. heliopora and Porites skeletal δ18O

have similar sensitivities to sea surface temperature and sea surface

salinity, validating the approach of using both coral species to create

robust climate reconstructions. These results indicate that

microanalyses of the columellar portion of D. heliopora skeleton

produce time-series δ18O results similar in quality to that extracted

from Porites.

46

FILKORN H. F., PANTOJA-ALOR J. 2015. Mexican Cretaceous

coral species (Cnidaria, Anthozoa, Scleractinia) described as new by

Filkorn & Pantoja-Alor (2009), but deemed 'unpublished' under the

International Code of Zoological Nomenclature: republication of data

necessary for nomenclatural availability. Bulletin of Zoological

Nomenclature 72, 1 (March 2015): 91-101.

The names of the Mexican Cretaceous coral species described as new

by Filkorn & Pantoja-Alor (2009) are not available for taxonomic

purposes because that work is deemed 'unpublished' under the criteria

of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (the Code;

ICZN, 1999, 2012). The following species are thus 'republished':

Actinastrea chumbitaroensis Filkorn && Pantoja-Alor, 2009 as an

unavailable name is republished and becomes available as Actinastrea

chumbitaroensis sp. n. Filkorn & Pantoja-Alor, 2015, and,

analogously the other species: Saltocyathus cumburindioensis,

Preverastraea coatlicueae, Preverastraea tociae, Latiphyllia

mexicana, Thecosmilia guerreroensis, Mycetophyllopsis azteca,

Orbignygyra? incognita, Actinaraea michoacanensis, Thamnarea

hornosensis, Thalamocaeniopsis mexicanensis, Thamnasteria

tonantzinae, Paracycloseris effrenatus, and Ovalastrea malpaso get

'republished' as new species with 'n. sp. Filkorn & Pantoja-Alor, 2015'

in their names.

GRETZ M., LATHUILIERE B., MARTINI R. 2015. A new coral

with simplified morphology from the oldest known Hettangian (Early

Jurassic) reef in southern France. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 60,

2: 277-286; doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.00012.2013

[keywords: Anthozoa, Pachythecaliina, T-J boundary crisis, survival,

evolution, Jurassic, Hettangian, France, Ardeche]

The family Zardinophyllidae (Pachythecaliina) represents one of the

most enigmatic coral groups known from the beginning of Mesozoic

record of stony corals. They share some features with Paleozoic

rugosans (overall architecture of the corallite) but also modern-day

scleractinians (aragonite mineralogy). Fossil record of

zardinophyllids was up to now restricted to the Triassic. Here we

describe a new coral genus Cryptosepta collected in the oldest known

47

Jurassic (Hettangian) reef in the Ardeche department in southern

France. Cryptosepta gen. nov. has poorly developed (cryptic) septa,

which is a peculiarity that extends the boundaries used to distinguish

post-Palaeozoic corals and an oversimplification that could support

reinitialisation of the evolutionary clock during extinction events or

that support an adaptation to specific environmental conditions.

Occurrence of Cryptosepta gen. nov. in Jurassic suggests

zardinophyllid survival through the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, and

may represent (possibly with Sinemurian genus Pachysmilia) a

missing link to Amphiastreidae.

HIGUCHI T., FUJIMURA H., YUYAMA I., HARII S.,

AGOSTINI S., OOMORI T. 2014. Biotic Control of Skeletal

Growth by Scleractinian Corals in Aragonite-Calcite Seas. PLoS

ONE9, 3: e91021. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0091021

Modern scleractinian coral skeletons are commonly composed of

aragonite, the orthorhombic form of CaCO3. Under certain

conditions, modern corals produce calcite as a secondary precipitate

to fill pore space. However, coral construction of primary skeletons

from calcite has yet to be demonstrated. We report a calcitic primary

skeleton produced by the modern scleractinian coralAcropora tenuis.

When uncalcified juveniles were incubated from the larval stage in

seawater with low mMg/Ca levels, the juveniles constructed calcitic

crystals in parts of the primary skeleton such as the septa; the deposits

were observable under Raman microscopy. Using scanning electron

microscopy, we observed different crystal morphologies of aragonite

and calcite in a single juvenile skeleton. Quantitative analysis using

X-ray diffraction showed that the majority of the skeleton was

composed of aragonite even though we had exposed the juveniles to

manipulated seawater before their initial crystal nucleation and

growth processes. Our results indicate that the modern scleractinian

coral Acropora mainly produces aragonite skeletons in both aragonite

and calcite seas, but also has the ability to use calcite for part of its

skeletal growth when incubated in calcite seas.

48

HONGO C., MONTAGGIONI L. F. 2015. Biogeography of

Holocene coral species in the western Indian Ocean.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 438: 51-69.

[keywords: Coral; Paleoecology; Biogeography; Indo-Pacific;

Holocene]

Understanding the relationship between coral biogeography and reef

development is a key topic in sedimentology and paleoecology.

Although the knowledge of coral reef growth and internal facies

patterns during the Holocene has increased since the 1970s, the

biogeography of Holocene coral species in the Indo-Pacific regions

remains poorly constrained. In this study, we examined quantitative

records of coral species based on data from five cores retrieved from

two Holocene reefs in the western Indian Ocean: La Pointe-au-Sable

reef on Mauritius Island and Toliara reef on Madagascar. Our results

indicate that the dominant reef-building corals on both reefs were

Isopora palifera, Acropora robusta/abrotanoides complex. Some

corals (e.g., the A. robusta/abrotanoides complex and Acropora

digitifera) from 6 ka were found in Mauritius, whereas these were not

identified in the cores from Madagascar before 1.5-1 ka. This delay

may have been controlled by ocean currents and/or the competency

period of the coral larvae. A comparison of these coral assemblages

with those in other regions (Seychelles, Mayotte, Ryukyu Islands,

Palau Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef, New

Caledonia, and Vanuatu) showed that I. palifera was common in all

of the studied regions, whereas Goniastrea retiformis probably

migrated recently to Mauritius and Madagascar in response to

prevailing biogeography.

JANISZEWSKA K., JAROSZEWICZ J., STOLARSKI J. 2013. Skeletal ontogeny in basal Scleractinian Micrabaciid corals. Journal

of Morphology 274: 243-257.

The skeletal ontogeny of the Micrabaciidae, one of two modern basal

scleractinian lineages, is herein reconstructed based on serial micro-

computed tomography sections and scanning electron micrographs.

Similar to other scleractinians, skeletal growth of micrabaciids starts

from the simultaneous formation of six primary septa. New septa of

49

consecutive cycles arise between septa of the preceding cycles from

unique wedge-shaped invaginations of the wall. The invagination of

wall and formation of septa are accompanied by development of

costae alternating in position with septa. During corallite growth,

deepening invagination of the wall results in elevation of septa above

the level of a horizontal base. The corallite wall is regularly

perforated thus invaginated regions consist of pillars inclined

downwardly and outwardly from the lower septal margins. Shortly

after formation of septa (S2 and higher cycles) their upper margins

bend and fuse with the neighboring members of a previous cycle,

resulting in a unique septal pattern, formerly misinterpreted as "septal

bifurcation." Septa as in other Scleractinia are hexamerally arranged

in cycles. However, starting from the quaternaries, septa within single

cycles do not appear simultaneously but are inserted in pairs and

successively flank the members of a preceding cycle, invariably

starting from those in the outermost parts of the septal system. In each

pair, the septum adjacent to older septa arises first (e.g., the quinaries

between S2 and S4 before quinaries between S3 and S4). Unique

features of micrabaciid skeletal ontogeny are congruent with their

basal position in scleractinian phylogeny, which was previously

supported by microstructural and molecular data. [original abstract;

Löser]

JANISZEWSKA K., STOLARSKI J., KITAHARA M. V.,

NEUSER R. D., MAZUR M. 2015. Microstructural disparity

between basal micrabaciids and other Scleractinia: new evidence

from Neogene Stephanophyllia. Lethaia 48, 3: 417-428.

[keywords: Diagenesis; Micrabaciidae; microstructures; Miocene;

Neogene; Pliocene; Scleractinia]

Recent molecular analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear

markers place the Micrabaciidae in the basal clade of scleractinian

corals. The molecular distinctiveness of micrabaciids is supported by

a set of unique morphological characters, among which the

microstructure of thickening deposits is the most characteristic one. In

all extant and well-preserved Mesozoic micrabaciids (extinct

Micrabacia, and still living Letepsammia, Rhombopsammia,

50

Stephanophyllia, Leptopenus), thickening deposits consist of irregular

meshwork of small chip-like bundles of fibres. Here, we document

Neogene (Miocene and Pliocene) forms identified as Stephanophyllia

whose thickening deposits consist of long and thin parallel fibres that,

instead of bundles (like in majority of Scleractinia), form layers of

thatch-like structures that thicken the septa. This microstructural

pattern distinguishes Neogene Stephanophyllia from all examined so

far micrabaciids and suggests that mechanisms of biologically

controlled mineralization within this clade were more diverse.

Nonetheless, the group as a whole is still clearly separated

microstructurally from other scleractinians. Despite their basal

position in scleractinian phylogeny, the fossil record of Micrabaciidae

starts only in the Lower Cretaceous. No Palaeozoic, Triassic or

Jurassic forms that could be considered ancestral to micrabaciids and

would share some microstructural or morphological (e.g. septal

insertion pattern) characters have yet been found. Possible

explanations of such morphological disparity of micrabaciids from

other scleractinians are either sudden emergence by skeletonization of

long evolved, soft-bodied group of basal hexacorallians or migration

of their skeletonized, deep-water ancestors to shallow-waters.

JOHNSON K. G., RENEMA W., ROSEN B. R.,

SANTODOMINGO N. 2015. Old data for old questions: what can

the historical collections really tell us about the Neogene origins of

reef-coral diversity in the Coral Triangle? Palaios 30, 1: 94-108.

Study of the extinct and extant biota of the Coral Triangle region has

not yet provided answers to questions about mechanisms controlling

the origins and maintenance of this marine biodiversity hotspot. We

present an updated stratigraphy and revise the taxonomic

determinations for important historical collections from Indonesia

that have been the basis of our knowledge of the history of the region

for the past 150 years. Revision of the stratigraphy increases the

resolution of ages assigned to most of the collections, and shifts a

significant number of coral occurrences from the Pliocene to the late

Miocene revealing a new Pliocene sampling gap. The previously

recognized Paleogene sampling gap remains open. Analysis of

51

taxonomic turnover with unrevised and revised data show similar

overall patterns, with an early Miocene increase in richness followed

by a plateau of relatively high richness. Overall, the observed pattern

of taxonomic turnover is highly correlated with sample size,

suggesting that uneven sampling may be a more important control on

the data pattern than processes of speciation and extinction. Highly

correlated turnover patterns of zooxanthellate and azooxanthellate

taxa are also consistent with this interpretation. The paucity of

Paleogene data in the historical collections means that the prevailing

paradigm of Neogene origins of high richness in the modern Coral

Triangle remains a tautological default hypothesis. New collections

are required to adequately estimate rates of taxonomic turnover in the

region, and to reconstruct the structure and functioning of ancient

ecosystems during the origins of the Coral Triangle biodiversity

hotspot.

LÖSER H. 2014. The genus Brachyseris Alloiteau 1946/47 and

remarks on Latimaeandraraea felixi Angelis d'Ossat, 1905

(Scleractinia; Cretaceous). Treballs del Museu de Geologia de

Barcelona 20: 15-20.

The Early Albian coral species Latimaeandraraea felixi is

investigated on the basis of thin sections obtained from the holotype.

Its fine skeletal structure and systematic position are elucidated, but

its generic position remains questionable. It is most closely related to

the genus Brachyseris from which it differs by lacking the typical

pattern (forming tholiform walls in two different levels) of this genus.

The genus Brachyseris is considered in greater detail on the basis of

the holotype and topotypical material of the type species. It is related

to other Leptophyllid genera such as Microphyllia,

Thalamocaeniopsis, Trigerastraea and Vallimeandra, but is very

probably restricted to the Late Cretaceous. [original abstract; Löser]

LÖSER H. 2014. Nomenclatural note about the fossil coral genus

Coelosmilia (Cretaceous). Palaeodiversity 7: 129-132.

The coral genus name Coelosmilia is generally applied to small

solitary corals of the Late Cretaceous. The genus was established

52

twice: Coelosmilia Orbigny, 1850 is a solitary coral related to

Trochoidomeandra Morycowa, 1971, known from the Late Albian to

early Late Cenomanian. Stelloria Orbigny, 1849 may be a senior

synonym. Coelosmilia Milne Edwards & Haime, 1851 is a nomen

dubium because the provenance and age of the type of its type species

is unknown. [original abstract; Löser]

LÖSER H., ARIAS C., VILAS L. 2015. Aptian-Albian coral faunas

from the Sierra del Carche (Prebetic, Murcia, Southern Spain).

Spanish Journal of Palaeontology 30, 1: 43-63.

Three small coral faunas from the Early Aptian, Latest Aptian and

Late Albian from a sedimentary section in the Sierra del Carche are

described. A total of 17 species in 15 genera of the suborders

Amphiastraeina, Archeocaeniina, Faviina, Fungiina, Heteroceniina,

Microsolenina, and Stylinina are reported. One species in the genus

Heteropistophyllum is described as new. The Early Aptian fauna

encompasses six species, the Late Aptian fauna three species and the

Late Albian fauna ten species. The three faunas do almost not share

species. There are only colonial corals. [original abstract; Löser]

LÖSER H., ZELL P. 2015. Revision of the family Columastraeidae

(Scleractinia; Cretaceous). Neues Jahrbuch fur Geologie und

Palaontologie, Abhandlungen 277, 2: 153-166.

The coral family Columastraeidae (suborder Faviina) is revised on the

basis of its type genus and respective type species. The family

encompasses colonial plocoid forms with compact radial elements

that are arranged in a regular hexameral symmetry. The radial

elements are composed of medium-sized trabeculae. Together with

the name-giving genus Columastrea Orbigny, 1849, the genera

Brachyphyllia Reuss, 1854, Placocolumastrea Reig Oriol, 1989, and

Proplesiastraea Oppenheim, 1930 are assigned to the family. Two

genera – Eocolumastrea and Nudacolumastrea – are established as

new. Eocolumastrea is established for mainly Early Cretaceous

species that were formerly assigned to Columnocoenia and afterwards

preliminarily to Placocolumastrea. Nudacolumastrea is the only

genus in the family that lacks a columella, but presents paliform lobes

53

at the first septal cycle. All genera are revised on the basis of the

types of their respective type species, except for Proplesiastraea.

Possible species of all genera are listed. Ranges and evolution of the

genera are discussed. The family occurs wolrdwide from the

Valanginian to Maastrichtian. In particular, the genera Columastrea

and Eocolumastrea are very abundant faunal elements. [original

abstract; Löser]

REUTER M., WIEDL T., PILLER W. E.

2015. Parascolymia (Scleractinia: Lobophylliidae) in the Central

Paratethys Sea (Vienna Basin, Austria) and its possible biogeographic

implications.PLoS ONE 10, 7:

e0132243. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0132243

Palaeobiogeographical and palaeodiversity patterns of scleractinian

reef corals are generally biased due to uncertain taxonomy and a loss

of taxonomic characters through dissolution and recrystallization of

the skeletal aragonite in shallow marine limestones. Herein, we

describe a fossil lobophylliid coral in mouldic preservation from the

early middle Miocene Leitha Limestone of the Central Paratethys Sea

(Vienna Basin, Austria). By using grey-scale image inversion and

silicone rubber casts for the visualization of the original skeletal

anatomy and the detection of distinct micromorphological characters

(i.e. shape of septal teeth, granulation of septocostae) Parascolymia

bracherti has been identified as a new species in spite of the dissolved

skeleton. In the recent era, Parascolymia like all Lobophylliidae is

restricted to the Indo-Pacific region, where it is represented by a

single species. The new species proves the genus also in the Miocene

Mediterranean reef coral province. A review of the spatio-temporal

relationships of fossil corals related to Parascolymia indicates that the

genus was probably rooted in the Eastern Atlantic - Western Tethys

region during the Paleocene to Eocene and reached the Indo-Pacific

region not before the Oligocene. The revealed palaeobiogeographical

pattern shows an obvious congruence with that of Acropora and

tridacnine bivalves reflecting a gradual equatorwards retreat of the

marine biodiversity center parallel to the Cenozoic climate

deterioration.

54

RODRIGUEZ E., BARBEITOS M. S., BRUGLER M. R.,

CROWLEY L. M., GRAJALES A., GUSMAO L., et al.

2014. Hidden among Sea Anemones: The First Comprehensive

Phylogenetic Reconstruction of the Order Actiniaria (Cnidaria,

Anthozoa, Hexacorallia) Reveals a Novel Group of Hexacorals. PLoS

ONE 9, 5: e96998. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0096998

Sea anemones (order Actiniaria) are among the most diverse and

successful members of the anthozoan subclass Hexacorallia,

occupying benthic marine habitats across all depths and latitudes.

Actiniaria comprises approximately 1,200 species of solitary and

skeleton-less polyps and lacks any anatomical synapomorphy.

Although monophyly is anticipated based on higher-level molecular

phylogenies of Cnidaria, to date, monophyly has not been explicitly

tested and at least some hypotheses on the diversification of

Hexacorallia have suggested that actiniarians are para- or poly-

phyletic. Published phylogenies have demonstrated the inadequacy of

existing morphological-based classifications within Actiniaria.

Superfamilial groups and most families and genera that have been

rigorously studied are not monophyletic, indicating conflict with the

current hierarchical classification. We test the monophyly of

Actiniaria using two nuclear and three mitochondrial genes with

multiple analytical methods. These analyses are the first to include

representatives of all three currently-recognized suborders within

Actiniaria. We do not recover Actiniaria as a monophyletic clade: the

deep-sea anemone Boloceroides daphneae, previously included

within the infraorder Boloceroidaria, is resolved outside of Actiniaria

in several of the analyses. We erect a new genus and family for B.

daphneae, and rank this taxon incerti ordinis. Based on our

comprehensive phylogeny, we propose a new formal higher-level

classification for Actiniaria composed of only two suborders,

Anenthemonae and Enthemonae. Suborder Anenthemonae includes

actiniarians with a unique arrangement of mesenteries (members of

Edwardsiidae and former suborder Endocoelantheae). Suborder

Enthemonae includes actiniarians with the typical arrangement of

mesenteries for actiniarians (members of former suborders

Protantheae, Ptychodacteae, and Nynantheae and subgroups therein).

55

We also erect subgroups within these two newly-erected suborders.

Although some relationships among these newly-defined groups are

still ambiguous, morphological and molecular results are consistent

enough to proceed with a new higher-level classification and to

discuss the putative functional and evolutionary significance of

several morphological attributes within Actiniaria.

ROYLE S. H., ANDREWS J. E., TURNER P., KRUZIC P. 2015. Environmental and diagenetic records from trace elements in the

Mediterranean coral Cladocora caespitosa. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 440: 734-749.

[keywords: Palaeoclimate; Corals; Trace elements; LA-ICP-MS;

Pleistocene; Mediterranean]

Trace element contents in coralline aragonite have long been used as

proxies to record environmental growth conditions such as sea

surface temperature (SST). In this study we explored whether trace

element contents in modern and fossil corals (Cladocora caespitosa)

from the Mediterranean could help constrain SST temperature and

seasonality of climate in late Pleistocene interglacials. In modern

Adriatic C. caespitosa, the individual corallite Sr/Ca signal captures

seasonal variation with up to 68% of the variance related to SST. A

similar but weaker relationship is shown by Mg/Ca. However.

published equations to quantify absolute water temperature from Sr

and Mg contents in modern C. caespitosa did not yield consistent or

credible results, because each corallite exerts a strong, non-

predictable 'vital effect', With no constant species-specific offset from

equilibrium, temperature-trace element relationships become, at best,

colony specific and unsuitable for absolute palaeotemperature

reconstruction. Despite this, temperature-related cyclicity in Sr and

Mg is preserved in corallites up to at least MIS 7 age, allowing

identification of seasonality in SST. In addition, unusual trace

element anomalies in modern C. caespitosa can inform on events

such as sediment discharge into the coastal zone. Partial diagenetic

alteration of fossil C. caespitosa skeletons from aragonite to calcite

destroys original SST driven cyclic trace element signals and is an

effective indicator of corallite preservation quality.

56

STANLEY G. D. jr, ONOUE T. 2015. Upper Triassic reef corals

from the Sambosan Accretionary Complex, Kyushu, Japan. Facies

61, 2: pp?

[keywords: Upper Triassic; Japan; Corals; Scleractinia; Carbonate

rocks; Reefs]

Reef-building and dwelling scleractinian corals attained worldwide

distribution in the Late Triassic and are best known from the former

Tethys but some taxa also occur in the collage of displaced terranes

now comprising the circum-Pacific rim. Among these are Upper

Triassic corals from Japan, which have received little systematic

study during the past 40 years but hold keys for resolving crucial

questions about the depositional history and paleogeography of this

region. Ten Upper Triassic coral taxa are here described from

limestone rocks of the Sambosan Accretionary Complex, of Japan - a

tectonically mobile belt extending from the Okinawa Islands to south

of Tokyo on the island of Honshu. This belt contains the remains of

reefs and carbonate sediment deposited on volcanic atolls formed at

unknown tropical paleogeographic positions. The paleogeographic

relationship of the Sambosan Accretionary Complex (SAC) relative

to the Tethys and terranes of the circum-Pacific is not well

constrained. The Upper Triassic corals of Japan occur within isolated

carbonate blocks and extensive breccia deposits of the SAC. Corals

and other organisms contain mixed Carnian and Norian taxa, many of

which are known to build reefs and appear to have been derived from

reef facies. Here we describe and discuss solitary and colonial,

potentially reef-building corals from the SAC that come from the

island of Kyushu and from Nara and Kochi Prefectures. Three new

species described for the first time are: Retiophyllia tosaensis n. sp.,

Margarosmilia mizukamia n. sp., and Guembelastraea kanmerae n.

sp. Other corals are taxonomically reevaluated from previous work:

Craspedophyllia japonica n. sp., Thamnasteriamorpha okudai n. sp.,

Khytrastrea ominensis (Okuda and Yamagiwa), Craspedophyllia

ramosa Roniewicz, Protoheterastraea konosensis (Kanmera), and

Seriastraea furukawai (Kanmera). Two additional taxa, Retiophyllia

cf. R. frechi Roniewicz and Volzeia cf. V. badiotica (Volz) show

relationships with Carnian to Norian corals of the former Tethys.

57

Results, when compared with previous taxa, increase knowledge of

the composition of Upper Triassic corals of Japan. It shows a high

degree of endemism among the Triassic corals of the SAC with some

paleogeographic connection to the western Tethys and Pamir

Mountains and Timor. The presence of many reef-building coral taxa

and reef-type carbonate microfacies along with their paleogeographic

distribution suggests a location in the southwestem Panthalassa.

WALLACE C., BOSELLINI F. R. 2015. Acropora (Scleractinia)

from the Oligocene and Miocene of Europe: species longevity,

origination and turnover following the Eocene–Oligocene transition.

Journal of Systematic Palaeontology 13, 6: 447-469.

Four new species and new records for six species of the highly

successful reef-building coral genus Acropora are described from

Oligocene and Early Miocene (Rupelian to Burdigalian) localities in

Europe. Acropora slovenica sp. nov. is described from Slovenia

(Gornji Grad beds); A. piedmontensis sp. nov. and A. macrocalyx sp.

nov. from the Torino Hills (Piedmont), and A. salentinasp. nov. from

the Salento Peninsula (Apulia) of Italy. The remaining six species

have an Eocene lineage. From south-west France, A. anglica and A.

bartonensis, previously known from England (Priabonian and

Bartonian), are recorded: A. anglica in Oligocene (Chattian) and both

in Miocene (Aquitanian) deposits, indicating their persistence in the

western Tethys for up to 17 and 20 million years respectively. Also

recorded from Aquitaine is A. wilsonae (type locality Eocene Paris

Basin), indicating persistence in western France for up to 28 million

years. Italian material includes A. proteacea, also known from the

Lower Bartonian of France and A. lavandulina, already known from

Italy and the Eocene of France. From Slovenia (Oligocene, Rupelian),

A. haidingeri is recorded, including from the type locality. The

species are interpreted as representing seven extant species groups

previously documented from the Eocene of Europe and the first

records for two further extant groups. These results complement a

previous finding of Eocene diversification of Acropora into the

beginnings of up to 10 of the 20 recognized modern species groups in

England and France. They indicate that the longevity of some Eocene

58

taxa was extended into the Oligocene to Early Miocene of Europe and

allowed some turnover, probably associated with changes in

configuration of the western Tethys Sea. This information is

important for interpreting molecular phylogenies and the evolution of

modern Acropora diversity, by providing extended stratigraphical

ranges for species groups with Eocene origins and dates of origination

for two groups previously unrecorded in the early fossil record.

[original abstract; Löser]

WU H. C., MOREAU M., LINSLEY B. K., SCHRAG D. P.,

CORREGE T. 2014. Investigation of sea surface temperature

changes from replicated coral Sr/Ca variations in the eastern

equatorial Pacific (Clipperton Atoll) since 1874. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 412: 208-222.

[keywords: Sea surface temperature; Sea surface salinity; Porites

lobata; El Nino/Southern Oscillation]

Sub-seasonally resolved and replicated coral Sr/Ca time series at

Clipperton Atoll (10°18'N, 109°13'W) in the eastern Pacific are

assessed as a sea surface temperature (SST) proxy in this region with

small seasonal SST variability. The composite coral Sr/Ca time series

is a partially replicated record of three live and one sub-modern

colony of Porites lobata extending back to 1874. Large inter-colony

coral Sr/Ca offsets equate to relative SST differences of 0.6 to 4.3 °C

and limit the ability to reconstruct absolute SST changes. Moreover,

the replication method revealed a 12-year section of growth in one

colony where mean Sr/Ca was anomalously low (~ 1 °C higher SST)

relative to the other colonies without evidence of diagenesis or other

significant skeletal alterations. The presence of this anomalous

interval supports the need for multi-coral Sr/Ca replication in specific

sites or regions. The Clipperton Composite Sr/Ca anomaly record is

significantiy coherent (r = 0.71-0.76, p < 0.001) with gridded

instrumental SSTs but with larger amplitude decadal variance that

appears to more accurately represent actual SST variability at

Clipperton. The amplitude of the secular warming trend during the

last century at Clipperton is 0.3 to 0.6 °C larger (~ twice as large)

than the trend in the poorly "ground-truthed" instrumental SST

59

records for the region. The interannual and decadal variability in

Clipperton coral Sr/Ca demonstrates strong coherence to the Pacific

Decadal Oscillation and the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

with reduced ENSO variability from 1920 to late 1930s and enhanced

variability in the late twentieth century.

XU Y.-Y., PEARSON S., KILBOURNE K. H. 2015. Assessing

coral Sr/Ca-SST calibration techniques using the species Diploria

strigosa. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 440:

353-362.

[keywords: Diploria strigosa, Sr/Ca; Calibration; Weighted least

squares]

The coral species Diploria strigosa is a promising archive for

paleoclimate reconstruction in the tropical Atlantic, but limited work

has been accomplished thus far to quantify the relationship between

strontium to calcium ratios and sea surface temperatures in this

species. In this study, we collected three modern D. strigosa coral

colonies from Anegada, British Virgin Islands to refine the use of this

species as a paleoclimate archive. Three regression techniques

including ordinary least squares, reduced major axis, and weighted

least squares were used to assess how assumptions implicit in these

regression methods influence the calibration. Our analysis

demonstrated that regression slopes were strongly impacted by the

assumptions about data uncertainty. We recommend using the

unbiased weighted least squares regression technique for calibrating

the Sr/Ca paleothermometer, especially when precise local sea

surface temperature data are unavailable. Combining our Sr/Ca data

with previously published data from this species results in a multi-

site, multi-colony temperature sensitivity of ~ 0.046(± < 0.001)

mmol/mol/°C for mean-centered monthly data, ~ 0.059(± 0.001)

mmol/mol/°C for monthly anomalies, and ~ 0.063(± 0.004) for annual

anomalies. We suggest these relationships are the best available

characterization of the temperature dependence of Sr/Ca in

D. strigosa, and can be utilized in future paleoclimate reconstructions.

60

ZAMAN S., LATHUILIERE B. 2014. A lectotype for Cyathophora

richardi Michelin 1843. Zootaxa 3795, 2: 198-200.

The figured syntype of Cyathophora richardi Michelin 1843, type

species of the genus Cyathophora Michelin 1843, was recovered from

the collection of the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN,

Paris, France). It is herein designated as a lectotype in order to keep

the traditional usage of the widely used genus Cyathophora. [original

abstract; Löser]

Bibliography / various fossils

ANDERSON K. D., BEAUCHAMP B. 2014. Paleobiology and

Paleoecology of Palaeoaplysina and Eopalaeoaplysina New Genus in

Arctic Canada. Journal of Paleontology 88, 5: 1056-1071.

Palaeoaplysina is an enigmatic platy macrofossil with a cellular

skeleton and internal canal system common to upper Carboniferous-

lower Permian reefs of the northern hemisphere. Its rapid flourishing

from the Moscovian and subsequent extinction near the end of the

Sakmarian, as well as its unique combination of physical features, are

poorly understood. In addition to Palaeoaplysina reefs forming major

petroleum exploration targets in Russia, Palaeoaplysina is abundant

and well preserved in the Sverdrup Basin in the Canadian Arctic

Archipelago. A new genus of Palaeoaplysinaceae, Eopalaeoaplysina

n. gen., is also widespread in the Sverdrup Basin and identified based

on a simple morphology with broad canals distributed in roughly even

rows. The distribution of paleoaplysinids in strata from the

Moscovian to the Sakmarian in the Sverdrup Basin reveals

Eopalaeoaplysina and Palaeoaplysina represent two distinct reef-

building forms with an increase in complexity over time. The

aragonitic composition of Palaeoaplysina, in addition to its

distribution within the photic zone and differentiated cellular

61

skeleton, suggests paleoaplysinids were ancestral red algae.

Palaeoaplysina occurs in both low-energy back-reef and higher-

energy reef front facies. Preserved thin edges of Palaeoaplysina

plates indicate it was encrusting, at least in low-energy conditions.

The exclusion of Palaeoaplysina from the late Paleozoic tropics and

the southem hemisphere, its rapid appearance and proliferation, and

its eventual extinction may point towards an evolutionary niche

optimized for warm-water conditions at unusually high latitudes

along the western margin of Pangea.

ASTIBIA H., ELORZA J., PISERA A., ALVAREZ PEREZ G.,

PAYROS A., ORTIZ S. 2014. Sponges and corals from the Middle

Eocene (Bartonian) marly formations of the Pamplona Basin

(Navarre, western Pyrenees): taphonomy, taxonomy, and

paleoenvironments. Facies 60, 1: 91-110.

[keywords: Sponges; Corals; Marls; Bartonian; Pamplona Basin;

Western Pyrenees]

Sponges and corals from the Bartonian marly formations of the

Pamplona Basin (South Pyrenean area, Navarre) are described for the

first time. The fossiliferous levels correspond respectively to flood-

influenced delta-front (Ardanatz Sandstone) and restricted outer-

platform (Ilundain Marls Fm.) environments. The fossil sponges

exhibit diagenetic fragmentation, but they are often complete

specimens. The skeleton appears partially or totally replaced by

calcite and/or in some cases large crystals of celestite. Celestite forms

relatively early during diagenesis in a dysoxic environment.

Neomorphic fibrous quartzine-lutecine spherulites are also present.

Hexactinellids and lithistids occur, but the former predominate. The

associations include the species Laocoetis samueli, Guettardiscyphia

thiolati and/or Pleuroguettardia iberica, cf. Rhizocheton robustus,

and two lithistids indet. Corals are present only in the Ardanatz

Sandstone. The fossil skeletons are composed of large neomorphic

sparry calcite crystals. The assigned species are Stylocoenia

taurinensis, Astrocoenia octopartita, Ceratotrochus bodellei,

Placosmiliopsis bilobatus, andDesmophyllum castellolense. The

sponge and coral taxa are similar to those previously described from

62

other contemporaneous geological formations of the Pyrenean realm.

The Pamplona Basin assemblages appear less diverse than those of

the Bartonian of the eastern South Pyrenean area, more similar to that

of the Eocene of Biarritz (Aquitanian Basin). This lower diversity is

not due to a lower-resolution sampling but to taphonomic bias and/or

paleoecological differences. The dominance of hexactinellids, erect

morphologies, and sedimentological and micro-paleontological data

show that the sponge communities lived in deep shelfal waters. The

corals, mainly associated with levels with high terrigenous content,

seem reworked from shallower and more proximal environments.

[original abstract; Löser]

CARTWRIGHT P., HALGEDAHL S. L., HENDRICKS J. R.,

JARRARD R. D., MARQUES A. C., COLLINS A. G., et al.

2007. Exceptionally Preserved Jellyfishes from the Middle

Cambrian. PLoS ONE 2, 10:

e1121. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0001121

Cnidarians represent an early diverging animal group and thus insight

into their origin and diversification is key to understanding metazoan

evolution. Further, cnidarian jellyfish comprise an important

component of modern marine planktonic ecosystems. Here we report

on exceptionally preserved cnidarian jellyfish fossils from the Middle

Cambrian (~505 million years old) Marjum Formation of Utah. These

are the first described Cambrian jellyfish fossils to display exquisite

preservation of soft part anatomy including detailed features of

structures interpreted as trailing tentacles and subumbrellar and

exumbrellar surfaces. If the interpretation of these preserved

characters is correct, their presence is diagnostic of modern jellyfish

taxa. These new discoveries may provide insight into the scope of

cnidarian diversity shortly after the Cambrian radiation, and would

reinforce the notion that important taxonomic components of the

modern planktonic realm were in place by the Cambrian period.

63

CARRERA M.G., MONTOYA E., RUSTAN J.J., HALPERN K.

2013. Silurian-Devonian coral associations across a sequence

stratigraphic boundary in the Argentine Precordillera.Geological

Journal 48: 256-269.

[keywords: Silurian, Devonian, corals, Argentina, Precordillera,

palaeoecology, palaeobiogeography]

Silurian and Devonian corals occur abundantly in siliciclastic rocks of

the Argentine Precordillera. They are distributed along a Silurian

storm dominated shallow-water platform, a transitional restricted

nearshore environment, and a Devonian muddy platform setting. Four

main associations of rugose and tabulate corals have been recorded: a

Silurian association, a lowermost Devonian and two associations in

Lower Devonian rocks. The Silurian shallow-water platform coral

association shows abundant colonies of a tabulate pleurodictyform

coral. The type and the domical form of corals indicate high-energy

environments. The lowermost Devonian coral association shows the

abundance of the tabulate coral Argentinella argentina, which could

have formed patches in protected low-energy environments. The

Lower Devonian coral associations correspond to a muddy platform

environment. The first one includes rugose and hemispherical

tabulate corals and the second is composed of tabulate corals assigned

to Parastriatopora sanjuanina, and Parastriatopora sp. They are long

stick-like, fasciculate forms, grouped in apparently life position.

Rugose and tabulate corals in the Upper Silurian and Lower Devonian

of Argentina constitute low diversity associations of western

Gondwana, developed in mid- to high-latitudes. The morphologies

acquired by corals are related to water energy. Laminar or encrusting

forms were more competitive in the Silurian shallow-water, high-

energy environments. Slender branching forms with a high profile

typically inhabited Devonian relatively deeper water or protected

settings. The stratigraphic distribution observed, partially followed

the well-known pattern in which shallow-water faunas disappeared

during regressive events and are replaced by new forms in the

subsequent transgressive sequence. The turnover pattern detected

across the Silurian-Devonian transitional interval is in agreement with

that previously recognized on the basis of the accompanying fauna.

64

[original abstract; May]

El SOROGY A. S., Al KAHTANI K. M., El ASMAR H. M. 2014. Marine benthic invertebrates of the upper Jurassic Tuwaiq Mountain

Limestone, Khashm Al-Qaddiyah, central Saudi Arabia.Journal of

African Earth Sciences 97: 161-172.

26 species belonging to 24 genera and 16 families have been

described and illustrated from the Callovian Tuwaiq Mountain

Limestone, Khashm Al-Qaddiyah, central Saudi Arabia. 10 of the

identified species belong to scleractinian corals, 7 to brachiopods, 4 to

bivalves, 4 to gastropods and one to cephalopods. Actinastraea

pseudominima, Thamnasteria nicoleti, Enallocoenia crassoramosa,

Collignonastraea cf. grossouvrei, Burmirhynchia jirbaensis,

Pholadomya (Bucardiomya) somaliensis, Pseudomelania

(Rhabdoconcha) raabi and Nautilus giganteus are believed to be

recorded for the first time from the Jurassic rocks of central Arabia.

The identified species have close affinity to Tethyan faunas known

from parts in Asia, Africa and Europe. They indicated shoaling of the

sea floor persisted throughout the deposition of the Tuwaiq Mountain

Limestone, in water depth ranging from 20 to 30 m. The low diversity

of invertebrates in the studied section may attribute to

paleoenvironmental conditions prevailed during the Callovian age as

high rate of sedimentation. [original abstract; Löser]

JAKUBOWICZ M., BELKA Z., BERKOWSKI B. 2014. Frutexites encrustations on rugose corals (Middle Devonian, southern

Morocco): complex growth of microbial microstromatolites. Facies

60, 2: 631-650.

[keywords: Frutexites; Microstromatolites; Microbialites; Iron

oxides; Authigenic carbonates; Devonian;Morocco]

Microbially induced Frutexites microstromatolites developed on

corallites of the Givetian rugose coral "Amplexus" in the sedimentary

cover of a submarine volcanic intrusion in the eastern Anti-Atlas of

southern Morocco. The corals lived in proximity to submarine

hydrothermal fluid emissions. Frutexites form irregular shrubs

encrusting external walls of corallites. The shrubs, consisting of

65

alternations of calcitic and hematitic laminae, grew predominantly on

abandoned corallites. Some Frutexites grew within the sediment,

whereas others developed entirely above the seafloor, or started their

accretion in water and continued to grow during burial. Three types of

Frutexites encrustations have been distinguished. They look similar

macroscopically, but differ significantly in their microstructure and

mineralogical characteristics, resulting primarily from spatial and

temporal variations in redox conditions. Both hematitic and calcitic

laminae are primary features of Frutexites. The shrubs accreted as a

result of mineralization of microbial biofilms under fluctuating

environmental conditions, caused by changes in pH. Fe2+ supply

and/or oxygenation, presumably related to discharges of reducing

hydrothermal fluids. The calcitic laminae are interpreted to have

formed due to activity of heterotrophic (mainly sulphate-reducing)

microbes, whereas the hematitic laminae developed as a result of

enhanced activity of nitrate-reducers or due to periodical passive

mineralization of biofilms with iron. Cathodoluminescence data

provide evidence that the nitrate and sulphate reduction preceded the

Mn(IV) and Fe(III) reduction, presumably due to increased

accumulation of organic matter and a high stability of the iron oxides

present.

KALISHEVICH T. G. 2015. Early Paleogene Thermophilic

Invertebrates from the Eastern Coast of Kamchatka and Sakhalin.

Paleontologicheskiy Zhurnal 49, 7: 337-341.

[keywords: Early Paleogene, thermophilic invertebrates, Kamchatka,

Sakhalin]

Thermophilic marine invertebrates appeared on the eastern coast of

Kamchatka in the Early Paleogene and on the island of Sakhalin in

the Paleocene. Some mollusks and solitary corals probably migrated

from the coast of North America to the far eastern coast of Russia by

a warm marine current as the faunal assemblages of these areas

contain some genera and even species in common. The warm marine

current was protected from cold northern waters by the Bering Land,

which was located between the Chukot Peninsula and Alaska. A new

bivalve species, Gastrochaena beringiana sp. nov., is described.

66

KOSEVICH I. A. 2014. Symmetry in colonies of thecate Hydroids

(Cnidaria, Hydroidomedusa, Leptomedusae): Transition from radial

to bilateral symmetry. Paleontological Journal 48, 11: 1172-1182.

Hydroid polyps (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) are characterized by

predominantly radial symmetry. On the basis of the Berking's model

(Berking 2003, 2006), which is based on the positional information

and "self-activation and lateral inhibition" hypotheses, transition from

radial symmetry of the primary module to bilateral symmetry or

glide-reflection symmetry of compound shoots of thecate hydroids

(subclass Leptomedusae) is analyzed. It is shown that ordering of

three-dimensional structure and changes in the symmetry type are by-

product of mechanisms regulating the developemnt of modular

organisms based on the cyclic morphogenesis. [original abstract;

Löser]

KOUCHINSKY A., BENGTSON S., CLAUSEN S.,

VENDRASCO M. J. 2015. An early Cambrian fauna of skeletal

fossils from the Emyaksin Formation, northern Siberia. Acta

Palaeontologica Polonica 60, 2: 421-512 doi:

http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.2012.0004

[keywords: Skeletal fossils, Echinodermata, stratigraphy, Cambrian,

Siberia]

An assemblage of mineralised skeletal fossils containing molluscs,

hyoliths, halkieriids, chancelloriids, tommotiids, lobopodians,

paleoscolecids, bradoriids, echinoderms, anabaritids, hyolithelminths,

hexactinellid, and heteractinid sponges is described from the early

Cambrian Emyaksin Formation exposed along the Malaya Kuonamka

and Bol'shaya Kuonamka rivers, eastern flanks of the Anabar Uplift,

northern Siberian Platform. [initial part of an extensive abstract]

KRZYKAWSKI T., WRZOLEK T., SZOPA K. 2015. Mineralization of Emsian corals as a result of hydrothermal processes

in the Bukowa Gora Formation - preliminary results. Mineralogia,

Special Papers 44: 115; Cracow.

[...] 20 specimens of corals [Rugosa and Tabulata] containing a cavity

in the central part of the skeleton were analyzed by means of

67

Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and powder

diffraction (XRD). [...] The primary low-Mg of the coral skeleton was

completely replaced by dolomite, what is surprising in the light of

apparently good preservation of originally calcitic dissepiments,

septa, and other skeletal elements of the corals. [extracted from an

abstract of a poster; full text is at

http://www.ptmin.agh.edu.pl/mpsp30/Vol44_2015.pdf]

LANDING E., ANTCLIFFE J. B., BRASIER M. D., ENGLISH

A. B. 2015. Distinguishing Earth's oldest known bryozoan (Pywackia,

late Cambrian) from pennatulacean octocorals (Mesozoic-

Recent). Journal of Paleontology 89, 2: 292-317.

Bryozoans and all biomineralized metazoan phyla extend back into

the Cambrian. Pywackia Landing, 2010 is confirmed as a secondarily

phosphatized, late Cambrian stenolaemate bryozoan with colonial

habit; mineralized zooarium (originally calcareous); granular/rarely

granular-prismatic histology of its trilamellar walls; and

polymorphism shown by deep autozooecia with diaphragms and

hemiphragms, axial zooecia with diaphragms, and probable

nanozooecia. The irregular form of Pywackia reflects growth as a 14-

hedron that could not branch and a lack of structures such as

thickened walls or styles that maintain regular autozooecial spacing in

later stenolaemates. Pywackia is a stem group stenolaemate with a

stolon modified into a budding axial zooid and autozooid budding. It

is morphologically simpler than the highly evolved late Tremadocian

bryozoans of South China with features such as styles, cystiphragms,

thickened zooecial walls, and massive or branching colonies. As with

some bryozoans, Pywackia lacks holdfasts but has lineated living

chambers and variably sized autozooecia. The late Cambrian origin of

bryozoans, euconodonts, polyplacophorans, and cephalopods set the

stage for the Ordovician Radiation's complex communities. Pywackia

is not a pennatulacean octocoral. It lacks both a pennatulacean axial

rod histology and a budding zooid that remains confluent with

daughter autozooids. Indeed, Pywackia walled off its axial zooid.

Similarity of the 6- and 12-sided Pywackia zooarium with circular to

4-sided pennatulacean axes only includes calcareous composition and

68

the general shapes of Pywackia zooaria and some Lituaria axial rods.

The pennatulacean record does not extend from the Mesozoic into the

Cambrian, and early cnidarians were not phosphatic. The diagnosis of

Pywackia is modified.

LANDING E., ANTCLIFFE J. B., BRASIER M. D., ENGLISH

A. B. 2015. Distinguishing Earth's oldest known bryozoan (Pywackia,

late Cambrian) from pennatulacean octocorals (Mesozoic-Recent) -

Erratum. Journal of Paleontology 89, 3: 532-534.

Figure 1 (p. 293) and Figure 2 (p. 294) in the above article were

erroneously produced in black and white in the printed version of the

issue originally published on 4 June 2015 by Cambridge University

Press in the Journal of Paleontology, volume 89, issue 2, pages 293-

317. Figures 1 and 2 are produced here in the intended full color for

both digital and printed versions of this article.

LAURIDSEN B. W., BJERAGER M. 2014. Danian cold-water

corals from the Baunekule facies, Faxe Formation, Denmark: a rare

taphonomic window of a coral mound flank habitat. Lethaia 47, 4:

437-455.

[keywords: Cold-water scleractinian corals; flank habitat; octocorals;

stylasterine corals; taphonomy]

Well-preserved cold-water corals are comparatively rare in the fossil

record. This is partly due to the very low fossilization potential of the

predominantly aragonitic corals but also due to the fact that coral

ecosystems of deep water are a geologically young development. A

Middle Danian cold-water coral mound complex is well exposed in

Faxe Quarry. Denmark. The coral mounds are intercalated with

bryozoan mounds of various sizes and form the Faxe Formation. The

coral limestone displays large variations in diagenesis, and this

complicates the palaeoecological reconstructions. However, the

Baunekule facies from the Faxe Formation contain a well-preserved

originally aragonitic and calcitic fauna. The aragonitic skeletons have

been recrystallized to calcite during early diagenesis and the excellent

preservation makes taxonomic identifications straightforward. A

diverse fauna of ten scleractinian coral species, nine stylasterine coral

69

species and seven octocoral species has been described from the

Baunekule facies. The fossil fauna represents an ecological niche

between the dead coral framework and coral rubble on a flank of a

growing Dendrophyllia coral mound with multiple colonization

events. The diversity and relative abundance of the fossil scleractinian

corals are comparable to the modern settings in the NE Atlantic and

Mediterranean. The distribution and diversity of the octocorals and

the stylasterine corals are suggested to represent coral gardens as

described from modern setting in the NE Pacific. The presence of a

diverse and abundant stylasterine fauna suggests a stable

palaeoenvironment, probably in a bathymetric depth range of 200-400

metre.

LIAO Wei-hua 2015. Two major faunal turnover events of Middle

Devonian corals in South China. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 2015,

3: 305-315.

[keywords: Corals; extinction event; faunal turnover; Middle

Devonian; South China]

Five major extinction bio-events have taken place during the

Phanerozoic. Among them the Frasnian-Famennian (abbreviation: F-

F) mass extinction event of the Late Devonian is one of the greatest

extinctions and is referred to as the "Kellwasser Event" in Europe.

The F-F mass extinction event killed most of the shelly benthos living

in the shallow platform of the Late Devonian seas, resulting in the

sudden disappearance of reefs, tentaculites, the characteristic

Devonian corals, stromatoporoids, bryozoa, two superfamilies of

brachiopods (Atrypacea and Pentameracea), a few families (or

subfamily) of trilobites (Scutelluidae, Odontopleuridae,

Tropidocoryphidae and Asteropyginae) and some important goniatites

(such as Manticoceras etc.). Among the 47 genera of Frasnian

shallow water rugose corals, only two or three genera survived, and

none of the 151 species escaped this crisis. The microstructure of

corals belongs to the Devonian-type before the F-F event and to the

Carboniferous-like after the F-F event. The second significance

extinction in the Devonian is the Lochkovian-Pragian event (or L-P

changeover), in which there was a transition from Silurian families

70

and genera to typical Devonian coral assemblages. The Pragian

extinction peak marks the end of the "Silurian" fauna. The third

position of the Devonian extinction events is the Devonian-

Carboniferous (D-C) bioevent (=Hangenberg event in Europe), where

the Devonian Famennian faunas were replaced by typical

Carboniferous taxa. The regional extinctions are also referred to as

faunal turnovers. There are two major faunal turnover events during

the Middle Devonian in South China. The first is the Mid-Eifelian

event, in which all the favositids and heliolitids, such as Favosites,

Palaeofavosites, Mesofavosites, Squameofavosites, Dictyofavosites,

Heliolites and Pachycanalicula disappeared suddenly. Many

favositids are found in the Lower Devonian Yujiang Formation,

Ertang Formation and Dale Formation as well as the Middle

Devonian Yingtang Formation from Guangxi, but after the Mid-

Eifelian event they were replaced in the overlying Middle Devonian

Changcun Formation and Tungkangling Formation by other tabulate

corals such as Thamnopora, Alveolites, Alveolitella, Crassialveolites,

Caliapora, Cladopora, Striatopora, Coenites, Scoliopora,

Syringopora, etc. The second regional extinction is the late Givetian

event (= Taghanic event in Europe). There are many cystimorph

corals in the Lower and Middle Devonian in South China, but all

genera such as Cystiphylloides, Mesophyllum, Calceola etc.

disappeared quickly in this event.

LINAN-CABELLO M.A. ed. 2013. Corals: Classification, Habitat

and Ecological Significance. Nova Science Publishers, New York;

161 pp; ISBN 978-1-62257-048-5.

This book displays various topics related to knowledge, preservation

and diagnosis of coral ecosystems. It shows different practical case

studies, within them, the use of corals as indicators of geochemical

thermal anomalies and the use of biochemical and molecular frontier

tools to diagnose the coral population. It also analyzes several aspects

of diversity, ecology and distribution of black coral, as well as

addresses the ecological significance of bacteria in the community

structure of a coral reef. This book presents studies that may be

understood from the septogenesis principles to the study of the

71

interconnection of coral ecosystems with artificial reefs, and a deep

review about the methodological instruments supported by the

molecular knowledge to make decisions on the coral ecosystems

management. [original book description at publisher's page:

https://www.novapublishers.com/]

LÖSER H. 2014. 3. Korallen / 3. Corals. In: Niebuhr, B., Wilmsen,

M. (Eds.), Kreide-Fossilien in Sachsen, Teil 1. Geologica

Saxonica 60, 1: 17-56.

From the Cenomanian of the Saxonian Cretaceous 61 coral species in

33 genera are reported that belong to the Hexacorallia (suborders

Archeocaeniina, Caryophylliida, Faviina, Fungiina, Heterocoeniina,

Meandrinina, Microsolenina and Stylinina) and Octocorallia (orders

Alcyonacea and Coenothecalia). Colonial corals dominate against

solitary forms, hermatypic against ahermatypic. The majority of the

species derives from two outcrop areas: Meissen-Zscheila with an

Early Cenomanian age, and the Ratssteinbruch of Dresden-Dolzschen

with a Late Cenomanian age. Some Late Cenomanian material from

Dresden-Plauen, Dresden-Coschutz, Dresden-Leubnitz, Dohna and

Tharandt as well as solitary corals from Dresden-Strehlen is also

described. The corals of the Cretaceous of Saxony present a high rate

of endemism, more in the Late than the Early Cenomanian faunas.

[original abstract; Löser]

MOTTEQUIN B., POTY E., PRESTIANNI C. 2015. Catalogue of

the types and illustrated specimens recovered from the 'black marble'

of Denee, a marine conservation-Lagerstatte from the Mississippian

of southern Belgium. Geologica Belgica 18, 1: 1-14.

[keywords: Carboniferous; Lower Visean; Molignee Formation;

conservation Lagerstatte; fishes; invertebrates]

The Visean 'black marble' of Denee is one of the best preserved

Mississippian fossil assemblages. This Lagerstatte is famous for the

exceptional preservation of several groups of macro-organisms

(fishes, echinoids, graptolites). However, only a part of the fauna has

received attention from specialists and most of the phyla may benefit

from a modern revision based on new investigative techniques such

72

as 3D imagery and CT-scanning. Almost all the specimens illustrated

in the literature have been traced and we present here a

comprehensive catalogue of this material. Representatives of several

minor groups are photographically illustrated for the first time as well

as five emblematic specimens of the styracopterid genus Benedenius

(Pisces). For purposes of nomenclatural formality, the lectotypes

Benedenius deneensis Traquair (in de Koninck, 1878), B. soreili

Fraipont, 1890, Oligoporus soreili Fraipont, 1904, Taeniaster?

fournieri Fraipont, 1904, and Scaphiocrinus longicaudatus Fraipont,

1904 are here selected. [listed are also corals, conularids and sponges]

MUSCENTE A. D., XIAO S.-H. 2015. New occurrences of

Sphenothallus in the lower Cambrian of South China: Implications

for its affinities and taphonomic demineralization of shelly fossils.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 437: 141-164.

[keywords: Biomineralization; Cambrian explosion; Carbonaceous

fossils; Small shelly fossils; Taphonomy]

Sphenothallus, a tubular fossil that occurs in Paleozoic strata around

the world, may be related to cnidarians or 'worms', but its affinities

remain controversial due to preservational variations among

localities. Here, to test hypotheses regarding Sphenothallus

taphonomy and affinities, we investigate the preservation of new

fossils from the lower Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation at Heziao and

Jijiapo (Hubei Province) and the equivalent Niutitang Formation at

Siduping (Hunan Province) in South China. Morphology and

allometry suggest that the fossils represent a single species, and their

biostratinomy and authigenic mineralization indicate that they

underwent similar pre-burial and early diagenetic processes,

particularly transport and focused degradation via microbial sulfate

reduction. However, the compositions and microstructures of the tests

vary among localities. The Heziao tests consist of lamellar phosphatic

material covered interiorly and exteriorly by layers of carbonaceous

material. In contrast, the Siduping tests consist of non-lamellar

phosphatic material associated with carbonaceous material, and the

Jijiapo tests consist entirely of carbonaceous material. Based on these

observations and experimental taphonomic data - which show that

73

hydrochloric acid treatment of Heziao samples produces fossils that

compositionally and microstructurally resemble the Jijiapo specimens

- we propose that the new tests constitute a taphonomic continuum

between shelly and carbonaceous preservation. This taphonomic

model suggests that the preservation of shells as carbonaceous fossils

results from kerogenization of the organic matrixes and subsequent or

concomitant demineralization of the biomineralized microstructures

of the shells. Hence, variations in Sphenothallus test composition and

microstructure among localities may reflect varying extents of test

demineralization, and the carbonaceous layers in Heziao specimens

may have formed via demineralization of the tests' exterior and

interior phosphatic lamellae. Our reconstruction based on this model

indicates that pristine Sphenothallus tests consist of exteriorly

sculptured and interiorly unsculptured organophosphatic lamellae.

Thus, Sphenothallus microstructurally resembles and may be related

to conulariids. and potentially, cnidarians.

OSPANOVA N.K. 2008. Evolution and individuality. Report 1. Data

on the individuality of Paleozoic corals. Izvestia Akademii Nauk of

the Republic of Tajikistan, Otdelenie fiziko-matematicheskikh,

khimicheskikh, geologicheskikh i tekhnicheskikh nauk 2 (131): 63-

68. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2013. Remarks on the septogenesis of Palaeozoic

corals. In: M.A. Linan-Cabello (ed.): Corals: Classification, Habitat

and Ecological Significance: 123-132; Nova Science Publishers, New

York; https://www.novapublishers.com/

PONOMARENKO E. S., STATSENKO E. O., URAZAEVA M.

N. 2014. A Hydrozoan Interpretation of Palaeoaplysina (Enigmatic

Organisms) Based on the Canal Arrangement and Structure.

Paleontologicheskiy Zhurnal 48, 2: pp? DOI:

10.1134/S0031030114020117

[keywords: Palaeoaplysina, enigmatic organisms, hydrozoans,

channel system, functional importance]

The study of the canal system of the enigmatic organism

74

Palaeoaplysina Krotov, 1888 suggests a hydrozoan origin for these

fossils. It is shown that the Palaeoaplysina canal system consists of

three zones and can be interpreted as hydrorhizae that had their own

function and morphology in each zone. In the basal part of the colony,

the hydrorhizae consist of disconnected parallel stolons. It is possible

that a soft body was attached to the substrate in the event of adverse

environmental conditions to survive a diapause. In the central zone of

the colony the hydrorhizae are strongly branched. That was the zone

responsible for feeding. The terminal part of the colony has a

characteristic reticulum of hydrorhizae and strongly branched

dendritic shoots with hydrants. Hydrorhizae worked as a distributary

system transporting nutrients between zooids.

RONG Jia-yu, JOHNSON M.E., DENG Zhan-qiu, DONG De-

yuan, XUE Yao-song, BAARLI B.G., WANG Guang-xu 2013. Coral-stromatoporoid faunas from the shores of a late Silurian island,

Inner Mongolia, North China. Memoir of the Association of

Australasian Palaeontologists 44: 95-105.

Previous research on a small continental island called Bater Island in

south-central Inner Mongolia focused on palaeogeographic

relationships in the context of the North China Block, and on the

prevailing pattern of atmospheric and oceanic circulation interpreted

from Ludlow (upper Silurian) strata surrounding an Ordovician

diorite inlier. Preliminary information initially available regarding the

palaeontology of a rare rocky-shore environment preserved around

this ancient island is revised and expanded based on study of the

dominant fossil fauna of corals and stromatoporoid sponges. The

fauna, here described and illustrated for the first time, includes seven

genera of tabulate corals (Mesoculipora, Thamnopora, Striatopora,

Cladopora, Taxopora, Planocoenites and Okopites) and two genera

of stromatoporoids (Clathrodictyon and Actinostromella). Compared

to other rocky-shore faunas from North America, the diversity of the

tabulate corals from the more sheltered, leeward side of Bater Island

is high (AFR19), whereas no tabulates have been discovered on the

windward, rough-water side of the island where only stromatoporoids

were found. Bater Island is the only known locality worldwide to

75

feature stromatoporoids in a rocky-shore setting. [original abstract;

May]

VAN ITEN H., MARQUES A.C., De MORALES LEME J.,

FORANCELLI PACHECO M.L.A., GUIMARAESOE M. 2014. Origin and early diversification of the phylum Cnidaria Verrill: major

developments in the analysis of the taxon's Proterozoic-Cambrian

history. Palaeontology 57, 4: 677-690.

[keywords: Cnidaria, evolution, Neoproterozoic, Ediacaran,

Cambrian, molecular phylogenetics]

Diploblastic eumetazoans of the phylum Cnidaria originated during

the Neoproterozoic Era, possibly during the Cryogenian Period. The

oldest known fossil cnidarians occur in strata of Ediacaran age and

consist of polypoid forms that were either nonbiomineralizing or

weakly so. The oldest possible anthozoans, including the genus

Ramitubus, may be related to tabulate corals and occur in the

Doushantuo Lagerstatte (upper Doushantuo Formation, South China),

the age of which is poorly constrained (approximately 585 Ma?).

Conulariid scyphozoans may first appear as early as 635-577 Ma

(Lantian Formation, South China). A definite conulariid, most similar

to Palaeozoic species assigned to the genus Paraconularia, occurs in

association with the possible scyphozoan, Corumbella werneri, in the

latest Ediacaran (c. 543 Ma) Tamengo Formation of Brazil. Basal

Cambrian (c. 540 Ma) phosphorites in the upper Kuanchuanpu

Formation (South China) yield solitary polyps of the oldest probable

anthozoan (Eolympia pediculata), which appears to have been a stem

hexacorallian. This same formation contains fossils interpreted by

some authors as pentaradial cubozoan polyps, however, both the

oldest known cubozoans and the oldest hydrozoans, all medusae, may

actually occur in the Cambrian (Series 3, c. 505 Ma) Marjum

Formation (Utah, USA). Although these recently published

palaeontological data tend to corroborate the hypothesis that Cnidaria

has a relatively deep Neoproterozoic history, the timing of major

internal branching events remains poorly constrained, with, for

example, the results of some molecular clock analyses indicating that

the two cnidarian subphyla (Anthozoaria and Medusozoa) may have

76

originated as many as one billion years ago. Further progress towards

elucidating the evolution and early fossil record of cnidarians may

accrue from: (1) an intensive search for phosphatized soft parts in

possible anthozoans from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation, (2)

an expanded search for Ediacaran conulariids, and (3) additional

detailed analyses of the taphonomy and preservation of Ediacaran and

Cambrian cnidarians, including possible pentaradial cubozoan polyps

from the Fortunian upper Kuanchuanpu Formation. [original abstract;

May]

VINN O., KIRISMAE K. 2015. Alleged cnidarian Sphenothallus in

the Late Ordovician of Baltica, its mineral composition and

microstructure. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 60, 4: 1001-1008

doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.00049.2013

[keywords: Cnidaria?, Sphenothallus, apatite, microstructure,

Ordovician, Sandbian, Katian, Estonia]

Sphenothallus is a problematic fossil with possible cnidarian

affinities. Two species of Sphenothallus, S. aff. longissimus and

S. kukersianus, occur in the normal marine sediments of the Late

Ordovician of Estonia. S. longissimus is more common than

S. kukersianus and has a range from early Sandbian to middle Katian.

Sphenothallus had a wide paleo-biogeographic distribution in the Late

Ordovician. The tubes of Sphenothallus are composed of lamellae

with a homogeneous microstructure. The homogeneous

microstructure could represent a diagenetic fabric, based on the

similarity to diagenetic structures in Torellella (Cnidaria?,

Hyolithelminthes). Tubes of Sphenothallus have an apatitic

composition, but one tube contains lamellae of diagenetic calcite

within the apatitic structure. Sphenothallus presumably had originally

biomineralized apatitic tubes. Different lattice parameters of the

apatite indicate that biomineralization systems of phosphatic

cnidarians Sphenothallus and Conularia sp. may have been different.

VINN O., WILSON M. A., TOOM U., MOTUS M.-A. 2015. Earliest known rugosan-stromatoporoid symbiosis from the

Llandovery of Estonia (Baltica). Palaeogeography,

77

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 431: 1-5.

[keywords: Symbiosis; Bioclaustrations; Stromatoporoids; Rugosans;

Baltica; Silurian]

A stromatoporoid, Petridiostroma simplex, from the Llandovery of

Estonia was infested by numerous rugosan endobiotic symbionts of

the species Petrozium losseni (Dybowski, 1874). These rugosans

presumably benefitted from the stable growth substrate provided by

the stromatoporoid. The effects of the endobiotic rugosans on the

stromatoporoid are not known, but it is possible that they reduced its

feeding efficiency. The relatively thick skeletons of the rugosans

could indicate a short evolutionary history for this symbiotic

association. The elevation of the symbionts' apertures above the host

stromatoporoid may have been to achieve a feeding advantage if the

host stromatoporoid and rugosans competed for nutrients. This record

and others suggest that complex ecological interactions such as

symbiosis were common among the macroscopic invertebrates of the

Ordovician-Silurian mass extinction recovery fauna.

WANG Guang-xu, ZHAN Ren-bin, DENG Zhan-qiu, LIU Jian-

bo 2013. Paleoecological associations of middle Llandovery

(Silurian) corals from Huaying Mountain, eastern Sichuan

Province. Science China Earth Sciences 56, 4: 640-646.

[keywords: coral associations, Baiyun'an Formation, Llandovery

(Silurian), Huaying Mountain, eastern Sichuan]

Corals are comparatively abundant in the upper member of the

Baiyun'an Formation (upper Aeronian to lowerest Telychian,

Llandovery, Silurian) of Huaying, eastern Sichuan Province,

Southwest China. Three coral associations have been recognized, i.e.,

in ascending order, the Mesofavosites Association, the Dentilasma

Association, and the Paraceriaster Association. The Mesofavosites

Association occurs at horizons indicating a shallow and high-energy

environment. It is dominated by large favositids accompanied by a

few broken pieces of halysitids and small solitary rugose corals. The

Dentilasma Association has a pretty high coral diversity, dominated

by the solitary rugose coral Dentilasma meitanense, together with

some subordinative heliolitids and favositids. The sedimentary

78

evidence shows that this association might live in a quiet and nutritive

shallow water environment. The Paraceriaster Association yields in

the grayish green calcareous mudstone indicating a comparatively

deep water environment. Systematically it contains abundant

fasciculate Paraceriaster micropora and a few favositids. The

distinction among these three coral associations shows that corals

could adopt different adaptive strategies under different

environments, which provide some new data for the investigation on

the ecology of Silurian corals and further study on the "Lower Red

Beds". [original abstract; May]

ZAPALSKI M. K., CLARKSON E. N. K. 2015. Enigmatic Fossils

from the Lower Carboniferous Shrimp Bed, Granton, Scotland. PLoS

ONE 10, 12: e0144220.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144220

The Lower Carboniferous (Visean) Granton Lagerstätte (Edinburgh,

Scotland) is principally known for the discovery of the conodont

animal, but has also yielded numerous crustaceans and other faunas.

Here we report on small branching colonies, reaching 10 mm in

length. They are small, erect, arborescent, and irregularly branched

with predominant monopodial and dichotomous growth. They bud in

a single plane. In one specimen the wall microstructure is well

preserved and it is composed of evenly spaced, linear fibers, running

parallel to the axis of the stems, and connected by transverse bars. We

discuss possible biological affinities of these organisms; we consider

algal, poriferan, hydrozoan and bryozoan affinities. The general

pattern of branching, presence of fan-like structures (interpreted here

as possible gonophores) and microstructure suggests affinity to

Hydrozoa, affinity to non-calcifying algae is less likely. Assuming

hydrozoan nature; the microstructure might suggest affinities with the

extant family Solanderiidae Marshall, 1892 that possess an internal

chitinous skeleton. The EDS analysis shows that fossils discussed

here are preserved as phosphates. The skeletons were probably not

mineralized, the presence of phosphorus suggests that the colonies

were originally composed of chitin. We describe these organisms as

Caledonicratis caridum gen. et sp. nov. (Solanderiidae?, Capitata?).

Colonies of C. caridum gen et. sp. nov. sometimes encrust the

79

exuviae of crustaceans, which very probably lived in fresh to brackish

water thus indicating a likely habitat of Caledonicratis.

Bibliography / reefs

ADACHI N., EZAKI Y., LIU J. B. 2014. The late early Cambrian

microbial reefs immediately after the demise of archaeocyathan reefs,

Hunan Province, South China. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,

Palaeoecology 407: 45-55.

[keywords: Archaeocyaths; Late early Cambrian; Extinction;

Microbial reefs]

The archaeocyath-bearing reefs that first appeared in South China in

the Atdabanian were last seen in the lower Toyonian (e.g., in the

Tianheban and Jindingshan formations). The upper Toyonian-lower

Amgan Qingxudong Formation of Hunan Province examined in this

study includes large-sized reefs formed solely by calcimicrobes of

Epiphyton, Kordephyton, Girvanella, Hedstroemia, and Renalcis.

During the middle and upper Cambrian, small-scale stromatolite reefs

were formed. The Qingxudong reefs are therefore interpreted to be

the most well-developed microbial reefs of the post archaeocyath-

bearing reefs in the late early Cambrian. The transition from

archaeocyath-bearing to purely microbial reefs was caused by a

decline in the diversity of metazoans, and was accompanied by a

reduction in the abundance of reefs, possibly related in part to late

early Cambrian regression. The late early Cambrian reefs of South

China contain a well-preserved record of reef succession, and provide

important insights into the factors that led to the demise of

archaeocyath-bearing reefs and the subsequent long-lasting

hindrances to the development of skeletal-dominated reefs during the

middle and late Cambrian.

80

ADACHI N., KOTANI A., EZAKI Y., LIU J.-B. 2015. Cambrian

Series 3 lithistid sponge-microbial reefs in Shandong Province, North

China: reef development after the disappearance of archaeocyaths.

Lethaia 48, 3: 405-416.

[keywords: Cambrian; lithistid sponge; microbialite; North China;

reef]

The Cambrian Series 3 Zhangxia Formation in Shandong Province,

North China, includes small-scale lithistid sponge-microbial reefs.

The lithistid sponges grew on oolitic and bioclastic sediments, which

were stabilized by microbial activities. The relative abundances of

microbial components e.g. calcimicrobe Epiphyton and stromatolites)

vary among the reefs. However, the microbial components commonly

encrusted or bound the lithistid sponges, formed remarkable

encrustations on the surfaces of the sponges. Epiphyton especially

grew upward and downward. The lithistid sponges thus provided

substrates for the attachment and development of microbes, and the

microbes played essential roles as consolidators, by encrusting reef-

building sponges. Additionally, the lithistid sponges were prone to

degradation via microbial activities and diagenetic processes, and

were thus preserved as micritic bodies, showing faint spicular

networks or abundant spicules. Such low preservation potential

within the reef environment obscured the presence of the sponges and

their widespread contribution as reef-building organisms during the

Cambrian. During the prolonged interval after the demise of

archaeocyaths, purely microbial reefs, such as stromatolites and

thrombolites have been considered to be the principal reef builders, in

association with rare lithistid sponge-microbial associations.

However. recent findings, including those from Shandong Province

and Korea, suggest that the lithistid sponge-bearing reefs were more

extensive during the Epoch 3 to the Furongian than previously

thought. These lithistid sponge-microbial reefs were precursors of the

sponge-microbial reefs that dominated worldwide in the Early

Ordovician.

81

ADACHI N., NAKAI T., EZAKI Y., LIU J. 2014. Late Early

Cambrian archaeocyath reefs in Hubei Province, South China: modes

of construction during their period of demise. Facies 60, 2: 703-717.

[keywords: Archaeocyath; Calcimicrobe; Cambrian; Reef; South

China]

The Lower Cambrian (lower Toyonian) Tianheban Formation of

Hubei Province, South China, includes small archaeocyath-

calcimicrobial reefs that formed by combinations of archaeocyaths

(e.g. Archaeocyathus yichangensis) and calcimicrobes (including

Epiphyton, Renalcis, and Girvanella). The archaeocyaths provided

substrates onto which the calcimicrobes became attached. In

particular, Girvanella encrusts directly upon the surfaces of

archaeocyaths, and bush-shaped aggregations of Epiphyton, growing

downward, spread over the Girvanella. The remaining spaces among

these reef framework-builders are infilled by chambered forms of

Epiphyton and/or Renalcis. These calcimicrobes made a strong

contribution to reinforcement of the reef frameworks. The

archaeocyath-bearing reefs in South China first appeared during the

Atdabanian and are last seen in the early Toyonian Tianheban

Formation in Hubei Province. Subsequent reefs are purely microbial

reefs without archaeocyaths. The Tianheban reefs are therefore the

last representatives of archaeocyath-bearing reefs in South China.

These reefs, reported herein, record the transition from archaeocyath-

calcimicrobial reefs to purely microbial reefs during the Toyonian.

Further studies involving integrated geobiological and geochemical

analyses are needed to identify the factors that led to the demise of

archaeocyath-bearing reefs and that subsequently hindered the

development of skeletal-dominated reefs for 40 million years.

BERNASCONI M. P., CEFALA M., PERRI E. 2015. Mid-latitude

coralgal bioconstruction and endolithic microbialites: environmental

significance during Quaternary climate variations.Facies 61, 4: pp?

[keywords: Coralgal bioconstruction; Paleoenvironment evolution;

Pleistocene; Endolithic microbialite]

A mid-latitude coralgal bioconstruction (Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria,

southern Italy) and associated sedimentary facies record climate and

82

sea-level changes of this coastal area during the Pleistocene. The

coralgal bioconstruction, characterized by Cladocora caespitosa

bafflestone and red algae bindstone, associated with Spondylus

gaederopus sp.-rich boundstone, formed as a result of submergence

during Marine Isotope Stage 9 in a moderate shallow-marine

environment at a depth of 6-20 m. The coast was affected by

moderate to high-energy currents and occasional storms: the annual

temperature was 12-18 °C. The lower part of the coralgal body is

dominated by Cladocora and the upper part by Lithophylloid algae.

The change was likely the result of the occasional influx of coarse

clastic material partially buried the C. caespitosa colonies, but

provided a suitable substrate for the pioneer encrusting organisms.

During a subsequent glacial stage, sea-level fall combined with

tectonic uplift induced the partial emergence of the coralgal body, and

deposition of an overlying subaerial deposited breccia. A later

resubmergence of the area, likely during the last interglacial period

(MIS 5), is recorded as testified by the presence of endolithic

microbialites in cavities within the coralgal bioconstruction and the

breccia deposit. Microbialite formation took place in a marine

environment with cooler water, with respect to the previous

submergence phase, possibly during a time of early deglaciation. The

low temperature, possibly combined with very shallow depths and an

excess of nutrients, could have played a role in preventing further

growth of C. caespitosa while favoring the precipitation of microbial

carbonate.

CHEN J.-T., LEE Jeong-Hyun, WOO Jusun 2014. Formative

mechanisms, depositional processes, and geological implications of

Furongian (late Cambrian) reefs in the North China

Platform. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 414:

246-259.

[keywords: Microbial-metazoan reef; Calcified microbe; Siliceous

sponge; Furongian; North China Platform]

The Cambrian Series 3-Furongian successions of the North China

Platform contain various microbial-metazoan and microbial reefs.

This study focuses on Furongian reefs of the platform in order to

83

understand formative processes and the evolution of the reefs during

Cambrian Epoch 3 and the Furongian. Three types of Furongian reefs

were differentiated in the Shandong region, China: maceriate reefs,

columnar stromatolitic reefs, and small-scale microbial reefs.

Maceriate reefs show dm- to m-scale domal or flat-bedded geometry,

and consist of cm-scale maze-like maceria structures made of

siliceous sponges and microbial components (microstromatolites,

Girvanella, and Tarthinia). Columnar stromatolitic reefs are

characterized by stromatolite columns of 10-100 cm in height and 5-

50 cm in diameter. They consist dominantly of Girvanella, with less

conspicuous, poorly preserved sponge spicule networks. Small-scale

microbial reefs commonly show cm- to dm-scale, domal

macrostructures, and were constructed mainly by calcimicrobes,

Girvanella and Renalcis. These three types of Furongian reefs were

deposited in various shallow-marine settings in response to relative

sea-level changes. * The Furongian reefs are markedly different, in

terms of macro- and micro-fabrics, from the Cambrian Series 3 reefs

that are dominated by thrombolites and dendrolites and were

constructed mainly by Epiphyton in the Shandong region. This

difference is also recognized in the Beijing region, ca. 500 km away.

The abrupt transition from the Cambrian Series 3-type to Furongian-

type reefs, coincidently with a decrease in calcified microbe diversity,

was most likely due to global euxinic oceanic conditions and a

possible eustatic sea-level drop, rather than the highly diachronous,

platform-wide drowning event (i.e., drowning of the Cambrian Series

3 carbonate platform). The abundant occurrence of sponge spicule

networks in the Furongian reefs suggests that metazoan reef builders

(i.e., sponges) resurged and became actively involved in the reefal

systems prior to the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event. This

study may provide an important basis for further investigation into the

evolution of reefal systems during the middle to late Cambrian when

metazoan reef-builders were known to be scarce.

84

COLE S. R., HAYNES J. T., LUCAS P. C., LAMBERT R. A.

2015. Faunal and sedimentological analysis of a latest Silurian

stromatoporoid biostrome from the central Appalachian Basin.

Facies 61, 3: pp?

[keywords: Carbonate sedimentology; Reef paleoecology; Facies

analysis; Silurian-Devonian boundary; Eastem Laurentia;

Appalachian Basin]

A period of reduced reefal abundance and size occurred around the

time of the Silurian-Devonian boundary, between the middle Silurian

and Middle Devonian reef building peaks. In southeastern Laurentia,

stromatoporoid and coral reefs became especially rare during this

time, and very few buildups have been reported from the region. This

paper reports on the sedimentological, faunal, and

paleoenvironmental characteristics of a newly discovered latest

Silurian stromatoporoid-dominated buildup in the Keyser Limestone

of the Virginia Appalachians. The buildup is classified as a

parabiostrome, because over 95 % of the stromatoporoids in the

buildup have been disturbed. Based on qualitative and statistical

comparisons of facies characteristics, the buildup most likely formed

from a stromatoporoid-tabulate buildup that was repeatedly damaged

by high-energy events. Multivariate analyses of point count data

reveal a decrease in stromatoporoids and an increase in tabulate corals

and matrix moving vertically upward through the buildup, indicating

changes in faunal composition as the buildup grew. The results of this

study provide unique insight into reef development in one of the

oldest Silurian reefal buildups from the central Appalachian Basin

during a time interval when reefal buildups were poorly represented.

COPPER P., JIN Ji-suo 2015. Tracking the Early Silurian post-

extinction faunal recovery in the Jupiter Formation of Anticosti

Island, eastern Canada: A stratigraphic revision. Newsletters on

Stratigraphy 48, 2: 221-240.

[keywords: Early Silurian; Anticosti Island; revised stratigraphy;

post-extinction faunal radiation; Jupiter Formation]

Refinement of the 105-115 m thick Llandovery Jupiter Formation

provides a more precise view of the tropical faunal recovery and

85

radiation on the eastern margins of Laurentia. The formation spans

the late Aeronian through mid-Telychian (438-434 Ma) and preserves

an 'experimental laboratory' for evolution of tropical benthic

communities in Laurentia, with a mixture of endemic and immigrant

genera. Brachiopod communities, for the first time during the

Llandovery, differentiated into those that became firmly ensconced as

deeper-water inhabitants, and those that inhabited shallower depths.

Following deposition of the Aeronian coral patch reef complex (East

Point Member, Menier Formation) on Anticosti Island, sealevel rise

resulted in the deposition of the Richardson Member shales (basal

Jupiter Formation). This featured relatively deep-water, locally rich

assemblages dominated variously by Dicoelosia, Triplesia,

Striispirifer, Gotatrypa, Lissatrypa or Zygatrypa, accompanied by

common graptolites. Progressive shallowing marked the overlying

Cybele Member, characterised by diverse suites of pentamerides (e.g.

Phricoclorinda, Chiastodoca, Microcardinalia, Ehlersella) and

abundant atrypides ('Gotatrypa', Zygatrypa, Clintonella, Lissatrypa).

In the Jupiter Formation, spiriferides appeared in pulses, beginning

with Striispirifer in the Richardson Member, Eospirifer in the Cybele

Member, and Cyrtia in the Pavillon Member. Corals are generally

rare, locally with small favositids, heliolitids and solitary rugosans.

The succeeding lower Ferrum Member reflects a shallow, quiet-

water, possibly lagoonal setting, with a less diverse benthic shelly

assemblage dominated by shellbeds of large Gotatrypa. The upper

Ferrum Member features the recurrence of Pentamerus, abundant

Eocoelia, common crinoids, rare tabulate corals and small solitary

rugosans, and common hardgrounds. The Pavillon Member at the top

of the formation is marked by the first appearance of Pentameroides

and Costistricklandia, indicating a mid-Telychian age. It has diverse

stromatoporoids, solitary and colonial rugose corals, including the

first Telychian coral-sponge patch reefs at South Point, a precursor to

the reef-crinoid meadow ecosystem preserved in the overlying

Chicotte Formation (mid-?late Telychian).

86

FAN Guanghui, WANG Yongbiao, KERSHAW S., LI Guoshan,

MENG Zheng, LIN Qixiang, YUAN Zaiming 2014. Recurrent

breakdown of Late Permian reef communities in response to episodic

volcanic activities: evidence from southern Guizhou in South China.

Facies 60, 2: 603-613.

[keywords: Reef; Sedimentary facies; Volcanism; Late Permian;

South China]

Reefs, both living and ancient, are extremely sensitive to

environmental change. Recurrent breakdown of reef communities

implies episodic occurrence of unfavorable marine conditions. An

alternating succession of reef limestone with algal-foraminiferal

grainstone records frequent change of Late Permian shallow-marine

ecology in the Ziyun area of Guizhou Province, South China. The

algal-foraminiferal grainstone interbedded in the marginal platform

reef succession there has long been regarded as back-reef, lagoonal

deposits, indicating lateral facies changes as the succession

developed. However, our research reveals, for the first time, abundant

pristine quartz crystals and volcanic glass scattered in the interbedded

algal-foraminiferal layers but not in reef facies, suggesting temporal

environmental changes and not a simple facies shift. Many quartz

crystals form overgrowths nucleated on smaller quartz crystals: the

overgrowths are diagenetic, but the nuclei are good evidence of a

volcanic source. Therefore, the alternating formation of reef

limestone and algal-foraminiferal limestone is interpreted as the result

of episodic volcanic activity during the Late Permian. Temporary

punctuations by nearby volcanic eruptions are suggested to have

caused recurrent breakdown of reef communities and the occupation

of reef ecological space by an algal-foraminiferal fauna. The quartz

crystals are evidence that this interpretation is more likely than other

controls such as sea-level changes. Cement-rich encrusted framestone

(comprised of Archaeolithoporella encrusting sponge) at the top of

the reef succession, as well as abundant volcanic quartz, implies that

both volcanism and increased temperature may be involved in leading

to the complete collapse of the reef ecosystem flourishing in

Changhsingian time in South China.

87

HUANG Dan-wei 2012. Threatened Reef Corals of the World. PLoS

ONE 7, 3: e34459. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034459

A substantial proportion of the world's living species, including one-

third of the reef-building corals, are threatened with extinction and in

pressing need of conservation action. In order to reduce biodiversity

loss, it is important to consider species' contribution to evolutionary

diversity along with their risk of extinction for the purpose of setting

conservation priorities. Here I reconstruct the most comprehensive

tree of life for the order Scleractinia (1,293 species) that includes all

837 living reef species, and employ a composite measure of

phylogenetic distinctiveness and extinction risk to identify the most

endangered lineages that would not be given top priority on the basis

of risk alone. The preservation of these lineages, not just the

threatened species, is vital for safeguarding evolutionary diversity.

Tests for phylogeny-associated patterns show that corals facing

elevated extinction risk are not clustered on the tree, but species that

are susceptible, resistant or resilient to impacts such as bleaching and

disease tend to be close relatives. Intensification of these threats or

extirpation of the endangered lineages could therefore result in

disproportionate pruning of the coral tree of life.

JIN X., JI G.-F., SHI Z.-Q., WANG Y.-Y. 2015. Siliceous sponge

reefs of the Ma'antang Formation (Upper Triassic) in Northwestern

Sichuan. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 2015, 3: 396-403.

[keywords: siliceous sponge reefs; subfacies; Ma'antang Formation;

Late Triassic; northwestern Sichuan]

In the northwestern area of Sichuan such as Qingyanggou section and

Guanyinya section in Hanwang and Jushui section in Anxian, the

Ma'antang siliceous sponge reefs in the Upper Triassic Carnian,

whose subfacies can be divided into reef base, reef core, reef flank

and inter-reef deposits etc., mainly appear in carbonate ramp slopes.

And the lithofacies and community characteristics can be determined

on the basis of the concentration of intraclasts, taphonomy

characteristics and the ratio of marls in siliceous sponge reefs. Reef

limestones usually include a sponge framework rock and calcareous

microbialite clotted limestone, and accessory reef organisms mainly

88

involves foraminifera, bivalves, echinoderms and ostracodes,

brachiopods, dasycladales and calcareous sponge etc. After the

extinction of siliceous sponge reefs in Ma'antang, the overlying black

shales were deposited. Carnian extreme climate events in Triassic

have exerted an extensive influence on the global biosphere, which

means that the global sea-level fluctuation rate in Upper Triassic

Carnian that is higher than the growth rate of sponge reefs, coupled

with the frequent plate tectonics during this period, the concentrated

outbreak in fire rock provinces and prevalence of monsoon climate,

led to the extinction of siliceous sponge reefs.

KERSHAW S., MOTUS M.-A. 2016, in press. Palaeoecology of

corals and stromatoporoids in a late Silurian biostrome in

Estonia. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 61.

A middle Ludlow biostrome at Katri, western Estonia, the richest

accumulation of corals and stromatoporoids in Estonia, is partly

exposed in a coastal section. The fully marine biostrome consists of 5

fossiliferous layers of carbonate skeletons, grouped into Facies 1

(grainstone-packstone, layers 1, 3, 5) and Facies 2 (wackestone,

interbedded layers 2, 4). Pressure solution degraded original

sedimentary relationships and morphologies of stromatoporoids,

tabulates and rugosans which constructed the biostrome, but the two

facies have major faunal differences. Facies 1 is rich in

stromatoporoids "Stromatopora" bekkeri and Plectostroma

scaniense (low to high domical up to ca. 30 cm in basal length); and

tabulate Favosites forbesi (bulbous to high domical up to ca. 25 cm

wide). In Facies 2, all three taxa are less common and much smaller.

Instead, the most abundant stromatoporoid is laminar

Syringostromella borealis up to 30 cm basal length; the most

abundant coral is erect branching Laceripora cribrosa, as scattered

fragments up to 24 cm long. Neither occurs in Facies 1. Six other

stromatoporoid taxa, 5 other tabulate and 5 rugosan taxa occur

uncommonly in the biostrome, mostly in both facies. The Katri

biostrome is slightly younger than, but facially similar to biostromes

in the middle Ludlow Hemse Group on Gotland ca. 250 km WSW,

with well-known stromatoporoid faunas. Corals are abundant in

89

Hemse biostromes. Several key stromatoporoids occur in both the

Hemse biostromes and Katri, but two abundant taxa in Hemse

biostromes are absent in Katri and two tabulate corals abundant in

Katri are missing in Hemse biostromes. Thus there was a wide

distribution of such biostromes in the central Baltic large shallow

marine carbonate platform, but with previously unreported variable

assemblages presumed due to facies features not recognised in the

sediments.

MENG Z., WANG Y. B., WOODS A., LIAO W., LI G. S. 2014. Deep shelf biostrome of Late Permian in South China and its

implications for the adaptability of calcisponges to water depth.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 401: 132-141.

[keywords: Late Permian; Sponge; Biostrome; Paleoecology; South

China]

The Yangtze platform of South China was an area of extensive

carbonate accumulation during the Late Permian, with abundant

benthic fossils and reef buildups. Its northern margin has long been

considered to be bordered by deep shelf sediments rich in radiolarians

and ammonoids. However, recent investigations found a sponge

biostrome in deeper shelf settings in the uppermost Permian. The

biostrome is about 0.45 m thick with an organic framework formed

by autochthonous calcisponges. In contrast to more diverse shallow

marine reef communities at this time, the biostrome was almost

entirely constructed by the sponge genus Peronidella as the only

frame-building organism. This low biodiversity reflects a relatively

deep-water environment. Peronidella individuals in the biostrome are

apparently larger than the same genus in shallow platform settings,

including the diameters of both the sponge bodies and the central

tubular spongocoel as well as the thicknesses of the body walls. This

increased size may be related to the low biodiversity and therefore to

reduced competition, with sponge individuals having increased space

in which to develop. Biostrome development was terminated by

volcanic clay deposition.

90

LEE Jeong-Hyun, CHEN Jitao, CHOH Suk-Joo, LEE Dong-Jin,

HAN Zuozhen, CHOUGH Sung Kwun 2014. Furongian (Late

Cambrian) sponge-microbial maze-like reefs in the North China

Platform. Palaios 29, 1: 27-37.

During the Furongian (late Cambrian) and Early Ordovician, maze-

like (maceriate) microbialites flourished in both Laurentia and

Gondwana. The maze-like microbialites are characterized by

centimeter- to decimeter-scale branching, complex structures.

However, organisms responsible for the formation of maze-like

structures are poorly known. In order to understand formational

processes of maze-like microbialites, this study focuses on the

Furongian microbialites of the North China Platform in which

microbial components and siliceous sponges co-occur. The maze-like

structures consist of microbial components such as

microstromatolites, Girvanella and Renalcis-like forms, as well as

sponge spicule networks, whereas lime mud and bioclasts occupy the

space between the structures. The maze-like structures developed on a

relatively flat seafloor, forming low synoptic relief (<1 cm) above the

sediment surface. Continuous growth of maze-like structures with

balanced deposition of sediments led to meter-scale bioherms and

biostromes, under the control of both microbes and siliceous sponges.

This study suggests that siliceous sponges may have played an

important role in the construction of maze-like structures between the

end-Cambrian Series 2 extinction and the Great Ordovician

Biodiversification Event.

LI Q., KIESSLING W. 2015. The first sphinctozoan-bearing reef

from an Ordovician back-arc basin. Facies 61, 3: pp?

[keywords: Sphinctozoans; Microbialites; Stromatactis; Late Katian;

Back-arc basin; South China]

Although sphinctozoans, multi-chambered hypercalcified sponges can

be traced from the Cambrian, their reef-building capacity in the Early

Paleozoic appears limited. The oldest sphinctozoan-coral-microbial

reef is documented here, from the Upper Sanqushan Formation (Late

Katian) of southeast China. This is also the first report of Ordovician

sphinctozoans from South China. The sponges occur in a >120-m-

91

thick reef that is mainly constructed by calcimicrobes (Kordephyton,

Renalcis, and Epiphyton) with a low abundance of in situ metazoans,

predominantly sphinctozoan sponges (Corymbospongia) and rugose

corals (mostly Palaeophyllum and Streptelasma). Tetradium is the

only tabulate coral preserved in growth position. Crinoids and

brachiopods are common reef dwellers. Dasycladacean algae are rare

and probably transported and stromatactis is abundant. Bio- and litho-

facies in this area as well as the characteristics of the microbialite

suggest that the reef developed in a deeper subtidal setting that was

unfavorable for most metazoan reef builders. In contrast to the high-

energy stromatolite-sphinctozoan reefs from the Late Silurian, this

case represents a low-energy community, indicating that the first reef-

building sphinctozoans might have originated in a relatively deep-

water environment on seamounts of a back-arc basin during the Late

Ordovician.

LI Q.-J., LI Yue, WANG J.-P., KIESSLING W. 2015. Early

Ordovician lithistid sponge-Calathium reefs on the Yangtze Platform

and their paleoceanographic implications. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 425: 84-96.

[keywords: Reefs; Yangtze Platform; Calathium; Lithistid sponges;

Global cooling]

Lithistid sponge-Calathium-microbial reefs were widespread on the

Yangtze Platform during the Early Ordovician and are well studied.

However, the biological affinity and the role ofCalathium in these

reefs have remained unclear up to now. We document lithistid

sponge-Calathium reefs from the Upper Hunghuayuan Formation

(Early Floian) at Huanghuachang in Hubei, South China. These reefs

have a three-dimensional skeletal framework that is mostly produced

by Calathium and lithistid sponges. Calathium had a critical role in

reef construction, as demonstrated by well-developed lateral

outgrowths, which connected individuals of the same species and

with lithistid sponges. Bryozoans, stromatoporoids and microbial

components were secondary reef builders. Morphological

constructional and functional analyses provide evidence that

Calathium was a sponge-grade metazoan rather than a receptaculitid

92

alga as previously thought. At the dawn of the Ordovician Radiation,

these small-scaled patch reefs thus represent the initial rebound of

metazoan-dominated reefs after the Late-Early Cambrian

archaeocyath reef crisis. Gradual global cooling through the Early

Ordovician may have been a key driver for the return of metazoan

reefs.

LIU W.-J., ZENG B.-C., YANG F.-J., LIANG H.-F., WANG T.-

R., LIU W.-M. 2015. Research on the type of Precambrian

stromatolite and its prospecting significance in Dongchuan ore fields,

Yunnan. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 2015, 3: 387-395.

[keywords: Stromatolite; naming scheme; ore-body distribution;

Dongchuan; Yunnan]

According to the morphologies of stromatolites in the Precambrian

outcrops of the Dongchuan mining area, Yunnan, a new three-level

nomenclature, namely class, type and body is put forward in

accordance with general appearance, main classification features and

fine structures, which is easier to identify in the field. Some relevant

information about Precambrian stromatolites are analyzed in

Dongchuan mining area as follows: the formation environment, its

ore-body characteristics, the lithofacies features related to

Dongchuan-type copper mine in Dongchuan area, and the

corresponding change of rules of stromatolite combinations and

sedimentary facies in different sedimentary environments, etc. It is

shown clearly that the intertidal environment and shallow lagoon

environment are important favourable metallogenic zones. Thus, the

stromatolite assemblages and lithofacies exert serious impact on the

spatial distribution of Dongchuan-type copper mine.

NAKAZAWA T., IGAWA T., UENO K., FUJIKAWA M. 2015. Middle Permian sponge-microencruster reefal facies in the mid-

Panthalassan Akiyoshi atoll carbonates: observations on a limestone

slab. Facies 61, 3: pp?

[keywords: Middle Permian; Sponge; Microencruster; Reefal facies;

Akiyoshi atoll; Mid-Panthalassa]

A Murgabian (Middle Permian) reef-core facies in the Akiyoshi

93

Limestone, southwest Japan, which is of mid-Panthalassan atoll

origin, is here described from a limestone slab. The reef-core facies is

composed mainly of boundstone with submarine cement and matrix.

The reef-building community is characterized by a high-diversity

biota, including sponges (sphinctozoans, inozoans, and chaetetids),

bryozoans (fistuliporids and cryptostomates), crinoids and various

microencrusters (Tubiphytes, Archaeolithoporella, reticular and

laminar microbialites, encrusting foraminifers and problematic

laminar red algae). Among them, sphinctozoan sponges and

microencrusters such as Tubiphytes and microbialites are the most

abundant. This community is similar to a time-equivalent lagoonal

mound (patch-reef) biota on the Akiyoshi atoll in terms of the

dominant sponges, Tubiphytes and microbialites, but differs in the

additional occurrence of bryozoans, Archaeolithoporella and

encrusting foraminifers, which probably preferred higher-energy

conditions in the reef-core environment. Among temporally changing

reef-building communities on the Carboniferous-Permian Akiyoshi

atolls, the sponge-dominated reefal community described here

flourished on mid-Panthalassan atolls in a relatively stable warm-

water environment during a Middle Permian post-deglacial period.

PASSLER J.-F., JAROCHOWSKA E., RAY D.C., MUNNECKE

A., WORTON G. 2014. Aphanitic buildup from the onset of the

Mulde Event (Homerian, middle Silurian) at Whitman's Hill,

Herefordshire, UK: ultrastructural insights into proposed microbial

fabrics. Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences 63, 4: 287-292.

[keywords: Midland Platform, Much Wenlock Limestone Formation,

Lower Quarried Limestone Member, oncoids, automicrite, Wenlock

Series]

A microbial origin has been proposed for matrix-supported, low-

diversity buildups reported from different palaeocontinents during the

onset of the Mulde positive carbon isotope excursion. We have

investigated a small aphanitic buildup from the Lower Quarried

Limestone Member of the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation,

exposed at Whitman's Hill (Herefordshire), corresponding to the

central part of the Midland Platform (UK). Up to 50% of the rock

94

volume in this buildup consists of mottled micrite. The SEM studies

revealed that the micrite is largely detrital and does not show features

characteristic of calcareous cyanobacteria or leiolites. The aphanitic

character of the buildup is suggested to be controlled by the

depositional rate, and the widespread occurrence of matrix-supported

reefs in this interval to be driven by a mid-Homerian rapid eustatic

transgression. [original abstract; May]

PEYBERNES C., CHABLAIS J., MARTINI R. 2015. Upper

Triassic (Ladinian?-Carnian) reef biota from the Sambosan

Accretionary Complex, Shikoku, Japan. Facies 61, 4: pp?

[keywords: Upper Triassic; Ladinian-Carnian; Reef; Japan; Calcified

sponges; Foraminifers; Microproblematica]

The Middle and Late Triassic was a time of important reef

development. This evolution, which is primarily documented in the

Tethys realm, comprised several phases from the Anisian to the

Rhaetian. To help elucidate the less constrained reef evolution in the

Panthalassa domain, samples of reef limestone were collected from

several localities along the Sambosan Accretionary Complex in

Shikoku Island, southwest Japan. In this paper, we report a well-

preserved and comprehensive reef biota, including several taxonomic

groups, such as scleractinian corals, calcified sponges, calcareous

algae, foraminifers, and microproblematica. Seventeen species are

described for the first time in Japan among the 33 that are identified

in this study. The assemblage-based biostratigraphy and index taxa

indicate a Ladinian?-Carnian age. This new finding corresponds to an

older reef limestone than has been previously identified in the

Sambosan Accretionary Complex and may represent the initiation of

shallow-water carbonate deposition on western Panthalassa

seamounts. This work also provides valuable insights on reef

ecosystem biodiversity in the Panthalassa domain during the Middle?

to Late Triassic.

95

PLAISANCE L., CALEY M. J., BRAINARD R. E.,

KNOWLTON N. 2011. The Diversity of Coral Reefs: What Are We

Missing? PLoS ONE 6, 10:

e25026.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0025026

Tropical reefs shelter one quarter to one third of all marine species

but one third of the coral species that construct reefs are now at risk

of extinction. Because traditional methods for assessing reef diversity

are extremely time consuming, taxonomic expertise for many groups

is lacking, and marine organisms are thought to be less vulnerable to

extinction, most discussions of reef conservation focus on

maintenance of ecosystem services rather than biodiversity loss. In

this study involving the three major oceans with reef growth, we

provide new biodiversity estimates based on quantitative sampling

and DNA barcoding. We focus on crustaceans, which are the second

most diverse group of marine metazoans. We show exceptionally

high numbers of crustacean species associated with coral reefs

relative to sampling effort (525 species from a combined, globally

distributed sample area of 6.3 m2). The high prevalence of rare

species (38% encountered only once), the low level of spatial overlap

(81% found in only one locality) and the biogeographic patterns of

diversity detected (Indo-West Pacific > Central Pacific > Caribbean)

are consistent with results from traditional survey methods, making

this approach a reliable and efficient method for assessing and

monitoring biodiversity. The finding of such large numbers of species

in a small total area suggests that coral reef diversity is seriously

under-detected using traditional survey methods, and by implication,

underestimated.

REOLID J., BETZLER C., BRAGA J. C., MARTIN J. M.,

LINDHORST S., REIJMER J. J. G. 2014. Reef slope geometries

and facies distribution: controlling factors (Messinian, SE Spain).

Facies 60, 3: 737-753.

[keywords: Carbonate platform; Microfacies ; Halimeda; Organic

binding; Miocene; Clinoform]

Sea-level fluctuations and changes in sediment grain size are widely

thought to be the main factors controlling carbonate platform slope

96

geometries. Two successive clinoform bodies from the Upper

Miocene Cariatiz carbonate platform (SE Spain) were selected to

analyze geometry and facies distribution in relation to sea-level

oscillations. Facies occurring in these clinoform bodies are from top

to bottom reef-framework, reef-framework debris, Halimeda breccia,

Halimeda rudstone, and bioclastic packstone, as well as siltstone and

marl. Slope geometry and facies, composition, and distribution, are

significantly different in each clinoform body. These differences are

the result of the interaction of several factors such as coral growth, in

situ slope carbonate production, rockfalls and sediment gravity flows,

hemipelagic rain, reworking of reef-slope facies and siliciclastic

input. Changes in accommodation were related to sea-level

fluctuations and controlled the relative impact of these factors. A sea-

level fall took place in the time between deposition of the selected

clinoform bodies and changed the hydrographical conditions of the

basin. These changes influenced the presence of Halimeda and the

grain-size distribution. and consequently the slope geometries. Reef-

slope geometry is not exclusively controlled by changes in grain size.

The stabilization by organic binding is proposed to be a significant

factor controlling the slope deposition.

REOLID M., DUARTE L. V. 2014. Sponge-microbialite buildups

from the Toarcian of the Coimbra region (Northern Lusitanian Basin,

Portugal): paleoecological and paleoenvironmental significance.

Facies 60, 2: 561-580.

[keywords: Microbes; Siliceous sponges; Paleoecology; Toarcian;

Lower Jurassic; Iberia]

Small-scale siliceous sponge-microbialite buildups are recorded in the

Middle-Upper Toarcian hemipelagic succession (marl-limestone

alternations) of the Lusitanian Basin A detailed study of these

buildups from different outcrops recorded in the eastern area of the

basin (Zambujal, Ordem, and Roca Cu) made it possible to

characterize the typology of these buildups, identify the different

components and facies, and discuss the controlling factors involved.

The studied buildups developed in three growth stages: (I) a

colonization stage of the muddy bottom by epibenthic

97

macroinvertebrates, resulting in bioclastic patches providing a hard

substrate, functioning as benthic islands; (II) a growth stage

dominated by dish-shaped siliceous sponges encrusted by thin

microbial crusts; (III) a growth stage dominated by thick microbial

growth (thrombolites and minority leiolites) on siliceous sponges.

This sequence is repeated in more complex buildups with cycles of

growth, interruption, and resumption. The competition for available

hard substrates among sessile benthic organisms, including microbial

communities, reinforced the buildup growth with respect to the

surrounding unfavorable soft substrate and controlled the high

variability of the accompanying fauna. The installation of these

buildups in the outer homoclinal ramp was favored by a low

sedimentation rate, water depth, and type and availability of nutrients.

Changes in the composition of sponge assemblages indicate

decreasing dissolved organic carbon and colloidal substances along

with increasing particulate organic matter, probably related with a

shallowing-upward trend and a regressive phase.

RIBBERT K.-H., PIECHA M. 2014. Stromatolites from a near-

shore Late Devonian carbonate platform in the northwestern part of

the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge (Velbert Anticline, Germany).

Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments 94, 3: 411-423.

[keywords: Late Devonian, stromatolites, carbonate facies, clastic

influx, calcimicrobes, conodont biofacies, Rheinisches

Schiefergebirge]

During the Frasnian the carbonate platform of the Rhenish

Massenkalk reef development was affected by (1) the decline of the

stromatoporoid-coral community during the rhenana conodont zone

and its replacement by a crinoid-brachiopod-calcimicrobialite facies

capping the reef and (2) repeated flooding of the carbonate platform

by coarse siliciclastic debris from a local fan delta along the coast not

far to the northwest of the present Velbert Anticline. During this time,

in an interval of very slow sedimentation represented by phosphatic

hardgrounds, calcimicrobes developed upright columnar structures

(stromatolites) of Rothpletzella and Wetheredella. Conodont biofacies

of this short time interval of autochthonous stromatolite growth

98

indicates a regressive phase following the Early/Late rhenana

conodont zone transition. [original abstract; May]

SANTODOMINGO N., NOVAK V., PRETKOVIC V.,

MARSHALL N., DI MARTINO E., LO GIUDICE CAPELLI E.,

ROSLER A., REICH S., BRAGA J. C., RENEMA W.,

JOHNSON K. G. 2015. A diverse patch reef from turbid habitats in

the Middle Miocene (East Kalimantan, Indonesia). Palaios 30, 1:

128-149.

The Kutai Basin (East Kalimantan, Indonesia) contains a rich and

well-preserved Miocene fossil record of small patch reefs that

developed under the influence of high siliciclastic input associated

with the progradation of the Mahakam Delta. In this study, we

reconstruct the biodiversity and paleoenvironments on one of these

delta-front, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic systems that developed at

the Serravallian-Tortonian boundary near the city of Samarinda. In

two newly exposed sections, we analyzed the sedimentology and

distribution of the main fossil biota including corals, foraminifers,

coralline algae, and bryozoans. Seven facies are herein defined,

including two dominated by platy corals and two by larger benthic

foraminifera. Facies distributions were driven by changes in depth

and variations in terrigenous input within a range of delta-front

habitats. Despite the turbid conditions, fossil assemblages are highly

diverse, including 69 coral species and 28 bryozoan species that occur

in coral-dominated facies. Crustose coralline algae were mainly

associated with the coral-dominated facies. Larger benthic

foraminifera showed broader ecological tolerance within the range

represented in the studied sections and thus are common in most

facies. These diverse patch reef ecosystems were able to cope with

high siliciclastic input during the early development of the Miocene

coral reef biota.

99

TOMASETTI L., BOSELLINI F.R., BRANDANO M. 2013. Growth and demise of a Burdigalian coral bioconstruction on a

granite rocky substrate (Bonifacio Basin, southeastern Corsica).

Facies 59: 703-716.

During the Early Miocene, coincident with the Sardinia-Corsica block

rotation, mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sediments of the Cala di Labra

Formation were deposited on the southern margin of the Bonifacio

Basin (southeastern Corsica, France). The Burdigalian marine

transgression is spectacularly represented by a peculiar coral

bioconstruction, unconformably lying on the eroded Variscan granitic

basement. Superb exposures allowed detailed, three-dimensional field

mapping, lithofacies analysis, and characterization of the Cala di

Labra coral bioconstruction. As a result of the extremely irregular and

articulated substrate, the coral buildup appears as an organized lens-

shaped structure, and its core is constituted by a relatively dense coral

domestone with a moderate increase of platy corals in the upper part.

A coral rubble associated with granitic cobbles and pebbles is locally

present at the base. The inter-coral sediment consists of poorly sorted

bioclastic wackestone to packstone. Results from this study clearly

show evidence for the occurrence of a former submerged granitic

substrate that, as very rarely documented in the geological record, is

here interpreted as the subtidal substrate for growth of a small

bioconstruction under relatively high energy and clear water

conditions. The Cala di Labra bioconstruction is overlain by a fining-

upward quartzose conglomerate and sandstone succession interpreted

as deposited in a coastal setting near fluvial point sources. The demise

of coral growth was caused by a regressive event and by the

consequent quite-sudden burial and related changes of trophic

conditions. [original abstract; Löser]

WANG Jian-po, LI Yue, CHENG Long, ZENG Xiong-wei,

WANG Guan, 2014. Paleozoic reefs and their paleogeological

controls in South China Block. Acta Palaeontologica Sinica 2014, 1:

121-131.

[keywords: Reef types; palaeogeography; Palaeozoic; South China

Block]

100

South China Block was mostly located within middle-low latitude

belt during the Paleozoic time. Reef types with temporal and spatial

differentiations are abundant in distribution from diverse carbonate

facies.The community structures basically matched the global

macroevolutionary patterns especially the essential changeover from

the Cambrian Fauna and Paleozoic Fauna.The origin, radiation,

extinction and recovery events are enhanced as the mechanisms and

historically configured profiles of reef successions. Archaeocyaths-

microbial reefs of the Early Cambrian and onward microbial reefs

extended limitedly. Bryozoanal, microbial and Calathium-lithistid

sponge reefs diversified in ecological components at the Early-Middle

Ordovician. Coral-stromatoporoid-algal and microbial reefs of the

Late Ordovician reefs occurred from the limited platform as well as

its margin of the Zhe-Gan border region. Growth of the Llandovery

reef in the Yangtze Platform was frequently covered by terrigenous

debris. Ecological associations of the reefs were relatively stable with

duration from the Middle Devonian to early Late Devonian.

Microbial, bryozoan-coral reefs from the Famennian, Late Devonian

to Mississippian, bryozoan-sponge-algal reefs of the Pennsylvanian to

the Early Permian, coral-bryozoan-sponge-algal reefs of the Middle-

Late Permian show dramatic replacement of the reef-building biota

triggered by mass extinction events. Regional tectonic movements

and sea level fluctuations significantly restricted temporal and spatial

distributions of the reefs. High sea-level of the Middle-Late

Ordovician and uplifting of the whole Yangtze region from the

Llandovery to the early Early Devonian shrank habitation realms of

the reefs palaeogeographically. Long-term greenhouse of the

Devonian promoted the development of the reef-building. However,

cool marine water condition constrained the reef magnitude from the

Pennsylvanian to the Early Permian. Carbonates are dominated in

value throughout the Palaeozoic sequences of the South China Block

indicating that the marine water was mostly maintained with high

clarity. Terrigenous debris was viewed as the key roles for the

constraining of reef forming within specified time intervals. Sea-level

changes are limited in magnitude and thus more likely considered as

impact factors for reef growth vertically and migrations horizontally.

101

Furthermore, subsidence of the basement with sedimentary

compensation was generally balanced in carbonate depositional

regions, and shallow marine facies were commonly spread out with

variation in magnitudes. Depth changes of marine floor in some

regions aren't enhanced in controlling of reef growth of the whole

block. Large-scale dolostones as proxies of the abnormality in

particular episodes remarkably excluded reefs.

WALLACE M. W., HOOD A. v. S., WOON E. M. S., GIDDINGS

J. A., FROMHOLD T. A. 2015. The Cryogenian Balcanoona reef

complexes of the Northern Flinders Ranges: Implications for

Neoproterozoic ocean chemistry. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 417: 320-336.

[keywords: Cryogenian; Reefs; Neoproterozoic; Calcimicrobial;

Boundstone]

The Cryogenian Balcanoona reef complexes of South Australia

consist of several dolomite platforms with well-defined backreef, reef

margin and slope/basinal facies. The mature platforms have

prograded large distances into the basin (> 15 km) and have high

relief margins (over 1 km of relief at the platform margin). Backreef

facies are dominantly ooidal-peloidal grainstones with abundant

tepees and marine cemented sheet cavities. The reef margin facies

consists of upper stromatolitic boundstones and, where present deeper

water non-stromatolitic chambered and clotted boundstones. The

deepwater chambered and clotted boundstones grew on near vertical

escarpments below 150 m paleo-water depths and consist of a

complex array of marine cemented cavernous and calcimicrobial

material. The strongly prograding platforms range from accretionary

low-angle stromatolitic boundstone margins, through to more mature

escarpment margins. The mature escarpment margins (> 200 m high

escarpment) are characterized by the development of both

stromatolitic and non-stromatolitic boundstones. The slope/basin

facies of the mature escarpment margins consists of coarse debris

deposits (talus, debrites and allochthonous blocks) proximal to the

platforms and calcareous/dolomitic mudrocks distal to the platforms.

The development of an accretionary escarpment margin, together

102

with the large proportion of deepwater boundstone suggests that these

Cryogenian reefs were fundamentally different from Phanerozoic

reefal systems. The enormous volume of deepwater boundstone in

these reefs may be due to a severely anoxic water column that

prevailed during this period of the Cryogenian. Anoxia led to greater

degrees of carbonate saturation at depth that enabled the development

of deepwater boundstones with escarpment margins. A community of

anoxic-adapted non-photosynthetic organisms that were perhaps

similar in their ecology to Phanerozoic coelobiontic reefal

communities may have constructed the enigmatic deepwater

boundstone. * Just prior to the final termination of the reef the system

was subject to large-scale erosion and margin collapse, producing a

major regional unconformity. Following this, the reefs briefly re-

grew: before final and complete cessation of the reef complexes. The

large-scale margin collapse event may have been triggered by sea

level fluctuation, and/or changes in ocean chemistry associated with

Late Cryogenian oxygenation.

WEIJERMAN M., FULTON E. A., KAPLAN I. C., GORTON R.,

LEEMANS R., MOOIJ W. M. et al. 2015. An Integrated Coral

Reef Ecosystem Model to Support Resource Management under a

Changing Climate. PLoS ONE 10, 12:

e0144165. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144165

YUCEL K. M., ALTINER D. 2015. Microencrusters from the

Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Inalti Formation (Central Pontides,

Turkey): remarks on the development of reefal/peri-reefal facies.

Facies 61, 4: pp?

[keywords: Encrusters; Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous; Reefal

carbonates; Inalti Formation; Pontides]

A detailed taxonomical study was carried out for the Identification of

encrusting microorganisms. Among these microencrusters,

Perturbatacrusta leini, Iberopora bodeuri, Calcistella

jachenhausenensis, and Pseudorothpletzella schmidi have been

taxonomically revealed for the first time in Turkey. Within the

biostratigraphic frame of the Inalti Formation consisting of

103

Mesoendothyra izjumiana zone (Kimmeridgian), Calcistella

jachenhausenensis zone (Lower Tithonian-Upper Tithonian) and

Protopeneroplis ultragranulata zone (Upper Tithonian-Berriasian),

carbonate sedimentation occurred in five depositional environments

comprising slope, fore-reef, reef, back-reef and lagoonal

environments. The majority of the reefal deposits of the Inalti

carbonates can be classified as coral-microbial-microencruster

boundstones, which frequently occur in association with back-reef

and fore-reef deposits within the Kimmeridgian-Berriasian interval. A

shallowing and a subsequent deepening of water depth in the

Berriasian have been revealed by the examination of stacking patterns

and vertical evolution of the microfacies. Based on the observed

microfacies and general features of microencrusting organisms, it is

concluded that Inalti carbonates share many similarities with the

reefal carbonate deposits of Intra-Tethyan domain in terms of

microfacies types and microencruster content.

ZATON M., BORSZCZ T., BERKOWSKI B., RAKOCINSKI

M., ZAPALSKI M.K., ZHURAVLEV A.V. 2015. Paleoecology

and sedimentary environment of the Late Devonian coral biostrome

from the Central Devonian Field, Russia. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 424: 61-75.

The upper Frasnian coral biostrome, well-exposed in the Russkiy

Brod quarry, Central Devonian Field, Russia, has been studied in

detail with respect to paleoecology and sedimentary environment.

The biostrome, formed by auloporid tabulates and solitary and

colonial rugose corals, originated in an offshore environment

characterized by calmer periods with slow or halted sedimentation,

and more energetic periods when sedimentation rate increased. The

episodic, higher sediment influx and stronger hydrodynamic regime

are not only well expressed in the microfacies, but also in the

variability of colony integration of the rugose corals observed even

within single coralla. Distinct development of constrictions,

rejuvenescences and deflection of growth directions in rugose

corallites may also indicate unstable sedimentary conditions. The

latter features, however, may have, in part, also resulted from syn vivo

104

biotic interaction with the associated auloporids. Both the facies and

paleontological observations suggest that the biostrome originated by

the colonization of deposited bioclasts by pioneering auloporids,

creating the framework for settlement of later generations of

auloporids and rugose corals. Apart from abundant auloporids

representing a single species and associated rugose corals, the other

encrusters are not numerous and poorly diversified, represented by

dominating foraminifers, followed by single species of productid

brachiopods, stromatoporoids, microconchids and cornulitids. The

coral-associated macrobenthos has similarly a low diversity, being

represented by single species of spiriferid and rhynchonellid

brachiopods, and gastropods. Being developed in an offshore

carbonate sedimentary system devoid of any organic-rich deposits,

and characterized by extremely low abundance and diversity of

suspension-feeding organisms, the biostrome is considered to have

originated in a low productivity, oligotrophic environment strictly

dominated by heterozoan coral communities. Its development in a

well-oxygenated, oligotrophic environment during the time when

organic-rich, black Kellwasser facies developed elsewhere,

additionally attests for multi-causal scenarios for the Frasnian-

Famennian event, during which other factors were responsible in

different paleogeographic and facies settings. [original abstract;

Wrzolek; the studied and illustrated corals are: Aulopora cf.

verticellata Sokolov, 1952, Mictophyllum heckeri (Bulvanker in

Soshkina, 1952), M. pseudosociale (Soshkina, 1952) and Disphyllia

russiensis (Soshkina, 1952)]

ZHANG Yuan-yuan, LI Yue, MUNNECKE A. 2014. Late

Ordovician microbial reefs in the Lianglitag Formation (Bachu,

Tarim, NW China). Facies 60, 2: 663-684.

[keywords: biotic structures, microbial reefs, Katian, Late

Ordovician, Tarim, NW China]

Reefs in the Late Ordovician are usually built up by metazoans,

whereas in the Early and Middle Ordovician microbial reefs are

dominating. In the Late Ordovician (Katian) Lianglitag Formation, at

Bachu, Tarim, NW China, however, three distinct stages of

105

thrombolithic microbial reefs are exposed. The lower and upper reef

intervals are characterized by widespread microbial carbonates with

almost constant thicknesses (biostromes). The middle reef interval

exposes dome-like mounds, and shows a higher diversity of reef-

building and reef-dwelling organisms. Calcareous algae such as

Vermiporella are abundant, but also other components such as

fragments of Halysis, brachiopods, molluscs, echinoderms,

bryozoans, and trilobites have been found in the microbial reef units.

The purpose of this study is to describe for the first time the

composition and microfacies of the reefs in this remote area.

Especially the question of whether or not these Late Ordovician reefs

represent remnants of the Early/Middle Ordovician microbial-

dominated reef type just lacking Calathium and lithistid sponge is

addressed. The results indicate that the local conditions on the

leeward side of the carbonate platform, where waters are less well

agitated and thus less well oxygenated, and probably also

characterized by temporarily elevated water temperatures hampering

the growth of metazoan reefs, were responsible for the proliferation

of the Late Ordovician microbial reefs in the Bachu area. [original

abstract; May]

106

Bibliography / various topics

ABDELHADY A. A., FURSICH F. T. 2014. Macroinvertebrate

palaeocommunities from the Jurassic succession of Gebel Maghara

(Sinai, Egypt). Journal of African Earth Sciences 97: 173-193.

Macrobenthic palaeocommunities of the Middle and Upper Jurassic

strata of G. Maghara, Egypt, were investigated to identify

relationships with environmental parameters and to trace the temporal

changes of the ecosystem associated with sea-level fluctuations. The

quantitative analysis of a data matrix comprising 198 macrobenthic

taxa in 138 samples collected from four sections identified nine

associations and three assemblages, interpreted to be representative of

their original environment. Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling

(NMDS) delineated the same degree of habitat partitioning as

hierarchical clusters with very little overlap. Detrended

Correspondence Analysis (DCA) identified water depth as the

primary environmental gradient controlling the distribution of the

fauna, while Axis 2 reflects substrate consistency. Community

structure is related to the various ramp environments. Based on

diversities, the associations and assemblages have been divided into

two major groups, low-stress polyspecific associations and high-stress

paucispecific associations. The low-stress polyspecific associations

were interpreted to represent two different habitats, a high-energy,

firm substrate habitat, in which epifaunal bivalves and brachiopods in

addition to solitary corals dominated during advanced stages of

transgression, and a low-energy, soft substrate habitat dominated by

infaunal bivalves during the maximum flooding. The high-stress

paucispecific associations are dominated by one or few taxa and

occurred (1) in an oligotrophic setting that developed during episodes

of sediment starvation in restricted inner ramp environments or

during early transgression, (2) in a setting characterized by high

sedimentation rates which developed during advanced regression, (3)

in a distal prodelta setting with soft substrate and dysoxia during sea-

level lowstand, and (4) in a high-energy shoal environment during

peak regression. A combined stress involving a shortage in food

107

supply, episodic dysoxia, in addition to a soupy substrate may have

developed during maximum flooding episodes. Hydrodynamic

conditions were most likely the main factor controlling the benthic

communities. Hydrodynamic conditions influenced the substrate type,

redistributed nutrients and were responsible for stratified water

masses and hypoxia. Animal-sediment relationships in addition to

replacement between bivalves and brachiopods are also discussed.

Middle ramp settings were found to provide the best conditions for

macrobenthos. [original abstract; Löser]

ASHUROV A.A., BARDASHEV I.A., OSPANOVA N.K. et al.

2012. Stratigraphic dictionary of Phanerozoic of Tajikistan (North,

Central and South-West Tajikistan). Nedra, Dushanbe; 460 pp. [in

Russian; Ospanova]

COPPER P., JIN Ji-suo 2014. The revised Lower Silurian

(Rhuddanian) Becscie Formation, Anticosti Island, eastern Canada

records the tropical marine recovery from the end-Ordovician Mass

Extinction. Newsletters on Stratigraphy 47: 61-83. [Copper]

Inner to mid-shelf, shallow marine carbonates of the 80–85 m thick

Becscie Formation conformably overlie the Ordovician/Silurian

(Hirnantian/Rhuddanian) boundary. The carbonates were deposited

on the eastern side of the Laurentia paleoplate, located at about 25° S

latitude, within the tropical cyclone belt in the Early Silurian. The

section is tectonically undeformed, largely retaining its original

paleoslope depositional surface, and records marine carbonate

sedimentation that apparently never reached intertidal or supratidal

facies. The carbonates were commonly interrupted by shale partings,

storm-disturbed shell beds, ripple-marked bedding planes, micritic

hardgrounds and intraformational conglomerates of rip-up clasts. The

Becscie Formation is marked by a clearly defined base and top,

characterized by a distinct earliest Silurian (early Rhuddanian)

brachiopod fauna similar to that of the Estonian Juuru regional

substage. Beginning with a relatively low diversity, and generally

small-sized shells, and a lack of colonial rugose corals and

stromatoporoid sponges in the lower 35 m, the upper part of the

108

formation begins to attain nearly standard marine tropical diversity in

its shelly and coralline elements, with non-reefal coral patches and

meadows near the top. The formation is herein formally divided into a

lower Fox Point Member (spanning the Viridita lenticularis Biozone),

and an upper Chabot Member (spanning the Virgiana barrandei

Biozone). The Becscie Formation marks the initial stage of post-

extinction Early Silurian faunal recovery, typified by the

diversification of invaders from the east to form pentameride,

rhynchonellide, atrypide and athyridide brachiopod assemblages, that

came to dominate the shallow tropical Early Silurian seas.

GEORGE A.D., CHOW N., TRINAJSTIC K.M. 2014. Oxic facies

and the Late Devonian mass extinction, Canning Basin, Australia.

Geology 42, 4: 327-330.

The close association of anoxic or dysoxic sedimentary rocks and the

major Late Devonian (Frasnian–Famennian) mass extinction has

focused considerable attention on anoxia as the major cause or as a

major factor in a multicausal scenario. The record of the Late

Devonian biotic crisis in the well-known reef complexes of

northwestern Australia (Canning Basin), in contrast to many localities

elsewhere, does not display sedimentological evidence of anoxia

through the Frasnian-Famennian boundary interval. Analysis of

continuous drill core through this interval has yielded three positive

δ13C isotopic excursions, only one of which coincides with total

organic carbon (TOC) maxima in our data. Multielement geochemical

proxies suggest that TOC maxima preceding positive shifts in δ13C

most likely resulted from higher productivity caused by nutrient

influx from continental weathering, given the close association

between TOC maxima and regional relative sea-level falls. Our

interpretation supports the view that anoxia was not a fundamental

driver of mass extinction and stresses the importance of integrated

data sets and understanding regional controls on environmental

changes and/or stresses. [original abstract; May]

109

HANSEN T., SURLYK F. 2014. Marine macrofossil communities in

the uppermost Maastrichtian chalk of Stevns Klint, Denmark.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 399: 323-344.

Three successive marine habitats and their benthic macrofossil

communities have been recognised and assessed in the uppermost

Maastrichtian chalk of Stevns Klint, Denmark. The mound-bedded

lower Sigerslev Member was deposited below the photic zone under

the influence of persistent, non-erosive bottom currents. It is draped

by the upper Sigerslev Member, which was laid down in deeper water

than any other chalk known from onshore Denmark. Deposition took

place under quiet conditions, apparently not influenced by bottom

currents. The sparse level-bottom community lived on a seafloor with

low nutrient supply. It was characterised by recumbent brachiopods

and bivalves, sponges and some spatulate, long-spined echinoids,

which were able to traverse the soft substrate. The top part of the

Maastrichtian assigned to the Hojerup Member, consists of low

biogenic chalk mounds formed mainly by profuse growth of small-

sized bryozoans governed by nutrient-rich currents from the south.

The macrofauna of this member is of very high density and richness,

yet species composition is similar to that of the mound-bedded lower

Sigerslev Member. The bryozoan thickets of the two members are

accompanied by a rich fauna of bivalves, echinoids, polychaetes,

gastropods and brachiopods. Attached forms were dependent on hard,

mainly small substrates provided largely by dead bryozoans, and on a

steady nutrient supply. The bivalve fauna is richer and occurs in

slightly higher densities in the Hojerup Member than in the similarly

mound-bedded lower Sigerslev Member. The number of polychaete

species is also greater in the Hojerup Member. The faunal differences

reflect the shallower-water setting and a higher influx of food during

deposition of the latter unit. The final Maastrichtian benthic

macrofossil community at Stevns Klint represented by the Hojerup

Member thus shows the greatest faunal richness and density in the

Upper Cretaceous chalk in the Danish Basin. There is no evidence of

faunal impoverishment at the end of the Cretaceous in the Stevns

Klint succession, which is complete across the Cretaceous-Paleogene

boundary, and the study thereby corroborates the increasingly

110

dominant view of a very abrupt faunal turnover at the K/Pg boundary.

[original abstract; Löser]

JAKUBOWICZ M., BERKOWSKI B., LOPEZ CORREA M.,

JAROCHOWSKA E., JOACHIMSKI M., BELKA Z.

2015. Stable Isotope Signatures of Middle Palaeozoic Ahermatypic

Rugose Corals - Deciphering Secondary Alteration, Vital

Fractionation Effects, and Palaeoecological Implications. PLoS

ONE 10, 9: e0136289. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0136289

This study investigates stable isotope signatures of five species of

Silurian and Devonian deep-water, ahermatypic rugose corals,

providing new insights into isotopic fractionation effects exhibited by

Palaeozoic rugosans, and possible role of diagenetic processes in

modifying their original isotopic signals. To minimize the influence

of intraskeletal cements on the observed signatures, the analysed

specimens included unusual species either devoid of large

intraskeletal open spaces ('button corals': Microcyclus, Palaeocyclus),

or typified by particularly thick corallite walls (Calceola). The corals

were collected at four localities in the Holy Cross Mountains

(Poland), Mader Basin (Morocco) and on Gotland (Sweden),

representing distinct diagenetic histories and different styles of

diagenetic alteration. To evaluate the resistance of the corallites to

diagenesis, we applied various microscopic and trace element

preservation tests. Distinct differences between isotopic compositions

of the least-altered and most-altered skeleton portions emphasise a

critical role of material selection for geochemical studies of

Palaeozoic corals. The least-altered parts of the specimens show

marine or near-marine stable isotope signals and lack positive

correlation between δ13C and δ18O. In terms of isotopic fractionation

mechanisms, Palaeozoic rugosans must have differed considerably

from modern deep-water scleractinians, typified by significant

depletion in both 18O and 13C, and pronounced δ13C-δ18O co-

variance. The fractionation effects exhibited by rugosans seem similar

rather to the minor isotopic effects typical of modern non-

scleractinian corals (octocorals and hydrocorals). The results of the

present study add to growing evidence for significant differences

111

between Scleractinia and Rugosa, and agree with recent studies

indicating that calcification mechanisms developed independently in

these two groups of cnidarians. Consequently, particular caution is

needed in using scleractinians as analogues in isotopic studies of

extinct coral lineages. Answering some of the pertinent

palaeoecological questions, such as that of the possibility of

photosymbiosis in Palaeozoic corals, may not be possible based on

stable isotope data. [for correction tp this paper see PLOS ONEStaff

(2015) 10, 10: e0140199. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0140199]

LINDNER A., CAIRNS S. D., CUNNINGHAM C. W. 2008. From

Offshore to Onshore: Multiple Origins of Shallow-Water Corals from

Deep-Sea Ancestors. PLoS ONE 3, 6:

e2429.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002429

Shallow-water tropical reefs and the deep sea represent the two most

diverse marine environments. Understanding the origin and

diversification of this biodiversity is a major quest in ecology and

evolution. The most prominent and well-supported explanation,

articulated since the first explorations of the deep sea, holds that

benthic marine fauna originated in shallow, onshore environments,

and diversified into deeper waters. In contrast, evidence that groups

of marine organisms originated in the deep sea is limited, and the

possibility that deep-water taxa have contributed to the formation of

shallow-water communities remains untested with phylogenetic

methods. Here we show that stylasterid corals (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa:

Stylasteridae) - the second most diverse group of hard corals -

originated and diversified extensively in the deep sea, and

subsequently invaded shallow waters. Our phylogenetic results show

that deep-water stylasterid corals have invaded the shallow-water

tropics three times, with one additional invasion of the shallow-water

temperate zone. Our results also show that anti-predatory innovations

arose in the deep sea, but were not involved in the shallow-water

invasions. These findings are the first robust evidence that an

important group of tropical shallow-water marine animals evolved

from deep-water ancestors.

112

LIU E.-T., ZHAO J.-X., CLARK T. R., FENG Y.-X., LEONARD

N. D., MARKHAM H. L., PANDOLFI J. M. 2014. High-precision

U-Th dating of storm-transported coral blocks on Frankland Islands,

northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 414: 68-78.

[keywords: Storm activity; U-Th dating; Coral blocks; Great Barrier

Reef]

High-energy storm-transported coral blocks are widespread on the

reef flats of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and have the

potential to be used as proxies for reconstructing past storm/cyclone

events prior to historical or instrumental records. In this study,

samples from 42 individual transported coral blocks were collected

from the inshore Frankland Islands, northern GBR, for high-precision

MC-ICPMS U-Th dating, with their surface mortality ages recording

the timing of individual storms or cyclones responsible for their uplift

from their original growth position. The dated mortality ages were

found to match well with known historical storm/cyclone events in

the last century, with 80% of them falling within episodes of

increased storm activity (1910-1915, 1945-1950, 1955-1960, 1975-

1990, 1995-2000AD) captured by instrumental/historic records,

confirming that transported coral blocks on inshore reefs can be used

as proxies for past storm/cyclone occurrences. Using this approach,

this study also identified 17 additional storm/cyclone events that

occurred before European settlement in the 1850s, including three

oldest events at 758.4 ± 3.7, 777.9 ± 4.9, and 985.2 ± 4.8 AD,

respectively. Our results, despite still preliminary, suggest that the

storm/cyclone activity in this region tends to broadly correlate with

the positive modes of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) during

the last millennium. In addition, there appears to be a decreasing age

trend from the shore to the reef edge (from 758.4 ± 3.7 AD to 1988.3

± 1.6 AD), which can be attributed to sea-level fall and/or reef/island

progradation over the last 2000 years.

113

LUCZYNSKI P., SKOMPSKI S., KOZLOWSKI W. 2014. Stromatoporoid beds and flat-pebble conglomerates interpreted as

tsunami deposits in the Upper Silurian of Podolia, Ukraine. Acta

Geologica Polonica 64, 3: 261-280.

[keywords: Palaeotsunami; Silurian; Podolia; Stromatoporoid beds;

Flat-pebble conglomerates]

Tsunami deposits are currently a subject of intensive studies.

Tsunamis must have occurred in the geological past in the same

frequency as nowadays, yet their identified depositional record is

surprisingly scarce. Here we describe a hitherto unrecognized

example of probable palaeotsunamites. * The Upper Silurian (Pridoli)

carbonate succession of Podolia (southwestern Ukraine) contains

variously developed event beds forming intercalations within peritidal

deposits (shallow water limestones, nodular marls and dolomites).

The event beds are represented by stromatoporoid and fine-grained

bioclastic limestones, in some places accompanied by flat-pebble

conglomerates. The interval with event beds can be traced along the

Zbruch River in separate outcrops over a distance of more than 20 km

along a transect oblique to the palaeoshoreline. The stromatoporoid

beds have erosional bottom surfaces and are composed of overturned

and often fragmented massive skeletons. The material has been

transported landward from their offshore habitats and deposited in

lagoonal settings. The flat-pebble conglomerates are composed of

sub-angular micritic clasts that are lithologically identical to the

sediments forming the underlying beds. ** Large-scale landward

transport of the biogenic material has to be attributed to phenomena

with very high energy levels, such as tropical hurricanes or tsunamis.

This paper presents a tsunamigenic interpretation. Morphometric

features of redeposited stromatoporoids point to a calm original

growth environment at depths well below storm wave base. Tsunami

waves are the most probable factor that could cause their redeposition

from such a setting. The vastness of the area covered by

parabiostromal stromatoporoid beds resembles the distribution of

modern tsunami deposits in offshore settings. The stromatoporoid

beds with unsorted stromatoporoids of various dimensions evenly

distributed throughout the thickness of the beds and with clast-

114

supported textures most probably represent deposition by traction. In

some sections, the stromatoporoids are restricted to the lowermost

parts of the beds, which pass upwards into bioclastic limestones. In

this case, the finer material was deposited from suspension. The

coexistence of stromatoporoid beds and flat-pebble conglomerates

also allows presenting a tsunami interpretation of the latter. The

propagating tsunami waves, led to erosion of partly lithified thin-

layered mudstones, their fragmentation into flat clasts and

redeposition as flat-pebble conglomerates.

MALLELA J. 2013. Calcification by Reef-Building

Sclerobionts. PLoS ONE 8, 3:

e60010. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060010

It is widely accepted that deteriorating water quality associated with

increased sediment stress has reduced calcification rates on coral

reefs. However, there is limited information regarding the growth and

development of reef building organisms, aside from the corals

themselves. This study investigated encruster calcification on five

fore-reefs in Tobago subjected to a range of sedimentation rates (1.2

to 15.9 mg cm-2 d-1). Experimental substrates were used to assess

rates of calcification in sclerobionts (e.g. crustose coralline algae,

bryozoans and barnacles) across key reef microhabitats: cryptic (low-

light), exposed (open-horizontal) and vertical topographic settings.

Sedimentation negatively impacted calcification by photosynthesising

crustose coralline algae in exposed microhabitats and encrusting

foram cover (%) in exposed and cryptic substrates. Heterotrophs were

not affected by sedimentation. Fore-reef, turbid water encruster

assemblages calcified at a mean rate of 757 (SD ±317) g m-2 y-1.

Different microhabitats were characterised by distinct calcareous

encruster assemblages with different rates of calcification. Taxa with

rapid lateral growth dominated areal cover but were not responsible

for the majority of CaCO3 production. Cryptobiont assemblages were

composed of a suite of calcifying taxa which included sciaphilic

cheilostome bryozoans and suspension feeding barnacles. These

calcified at mean rates of 20.1 (SD ±27) and 4.0 (SD ±3.6) g m-2 y-1

respectively. Encruster cover (%) on exposed and vertical substrates

115

was dominated by crustose coralline algae which calcified at rates of

105.3 (SD ±67.7) g m-2 y-1 and 56.3 (SD ±8.3) g m-2 y-1

respectively. Globally, encrusting organisms contribute significant

amounts of carbonate to the reef framework. These results provide

experimental evidence that calcification rates, and the importance of

different encrusting organisms, vary significantly according to

topography and sediment impacts. These findings also highlight the

need for caution when modelling reef framework accretion and

interpreting results which extrapolate information from limited data.

MAY A. 2015. MayLib - a textifile-based bibliographic database for

geosciences and a list of reference on Devonian matters. Carnets de

Geologie 15, 6: 59-62.

[keywords: Java; bibliographic database; Devonian; corals; fossils]

Scientists need to manage their own collections of bibliographic data

as well as exchange these data easily with colleagues. One solution

for this need is MayLib, a bibliographic database that runs on many

different operating systems and does not require pre-installation of

any software. MayLib is a very small, efficient and comprehensive

JAVA program that handles references to publications in any

Unicode-compatible language. It is user-friendly and not only

contains the basic functions of a bibliographic database, but also has

some advanced features. Using MayLib the author has been able to

create a list of references, which contains 500 periodicals and 4206

literature references. Of these 4206 references 3191 deal with

Devonian matters and 1594 references deal with corals. [original

abstract; Wrzolek; earlier versions of MayLib database were

published on-line by its author at the IASFCP page]

MUHS D. R., SIMMONS K. R., MECO J., PORAT N. 2015. Uranium-series ages of fossil corals from Mallorca, Spain: The

"Neotyrrhenian" high stand of the Mediterranean Sea revisited.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 438: 408-424.

[keywords: Mediterranean; Sea level history; Uranium-series dating;

Coral; Last interglacial period; Paleozoogeography]

The emergent marine deposits of the Mediterranean basin have been

116

recognized as an important record of Quaternary sea level history for

more than a century. Previous workers identified what have been

interpreted to be two separate high stands of sea in the late

Quaternary, namely the "Eutyrrhenian" (thought to be - 120 ka) and

the "Neotyrrhenian" (thought to be either- 100 ka or - 80 ka). On

Mallorca, Spain, both of these named deposits lie close to present sea

level, implying paleo-sea levels slightly above present during both

marine isotope stages (MIS) 5.5/5e and either 5.3/5c or 5.1/5a. If

these interpretations are correct, they conflict, at least in part, with sea

level records from far-field localities. * We analyzed corals from the

Neotyrrhenian beds on Mallorca, which gave U-series ages from

~126 ka to ~118 ka. These ages are consistent with previously

published amino acid data that show that the Neotyrrhenian and

Eutyrrhenian deposits are not significantly different in age. A fossil

molluscan fauna from the Neotyrrhenian deposits on Mallorca has a

warm-water paleozoogeographic aspect, with nine southward-ranging

species and four extralimital southern species. When compared with

sea surface temperatures obtained from planktonic foraminifera and

alkenones from ODP core 977 in the nearby Alboran Sea, the only

time period that shows comparable warmth is MIS 5.5/5e, consistent

with the U-series ages of corals from the Neotyrrhenian deposits. We

propose that the Neotyrrhenian deposits are a beachrock facies of the

same age as the Eutyrrhenian deposits. This interpretation is

consistent with the differences in physical sedimentology of the two

deposits, explains the U-series and amino acid data indicating the

same age, is consistent with the very slight elevation difference of the

Neotyrrhenian and Eutyrrhenian beds, and explains the similar,

though not identical paleozoogeographic aspects of their fossil

faunas.

OSPANOVA N.K. 2004. Neutralism as condition that is sufficient

for support of life diversity. Proceedings of the Institute of Geology

of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, new series

3: 81-91; Polycomp, Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

117

OSPANOVA N.K. 2004. Skeletonization as one of the types of

biomineragenesis. Deposited with NPIcentre of the Republic of

Tajikistan 34 (1655); 29 pp; Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2005. About ambiguous interpretation of age of

stratigraphic subdivisions of Ordovician in the Zeravshan-Gissar

mountains. Proceedings of the Institute of Geology of the Academy

of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, new series 4: 44-53;

Polycomp, Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2006. The explanatory report of stratigraphic

scheme of Ordovician of Tajikistan. Deposited with NPIcentre of the

Republic of Tajikistan 14 (1731); 20 pp; Dushanbe. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2008. X International Congress on Fossil

Cnidaria and Porifera. Izvestia Akademii Nauk of the Republic of

Tajikistan, Otdelenie fiziko-matematicheskikh, khimicheskikh,

geologicheskikh i tekhnicheskikh nauk 1 (130): 82-83. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2008. Evolution and individuality. Report 2.

Individuality and its characteristics. Izvestia Akademii Nauk of the

Republic of Tajikistan, Otdelenie fiziko-matematicheskikh,

khimicheskikh, geologicheskikh i tekhnicheskikh nauk 3 (132): 72-

79. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2009. Antropic principle from the position of

paleontological and biological data. Proceedings of the Institute of

Geology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan

new series 8: 24-41; Donish, Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2011. Geology of XXI century: some tendencies

of the development. In: Geology of XXI century: Materials of the

International scientific-practical conference "Catpaev’s readings",

dedicated to 20 years of independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan

118

(Almaty, April 14-15, 2011). Almaty, IP Volkov, N.A., 51-55. [in

Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2011. Evolutional significance of adaptations

connected with manifestation of Principle of obviousness or

implicity. In: Actual problems of geology and seismology of

Tajikistan: Materials of scientific conference, dedicated to 20 years of

State independence of the Republic and 60 years of foundation of the

Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan: 19-26; Donish,

Dushanbe. [in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2011. 11th International symposium on fossil

Cnidaria and Porifera. Izvestia Akademii Nauk of the Republic of

Tajikistan, Otdelenie fiziko-matematicheskikh, khimicheskikh,

geologicheskikh i tekhnicheskikh nauk 3 (144): 121-123. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2012. Dismemberment of Upper Ordovician of

the Zeravshan-Gissar mountains (the South Tien-Shan) and boundary

of Ordovician and Silurian on the Heliolitida. In: Paleontology and

stratigraphic boundaries: Materials of LVIII session of

Paleontological society at Russian Academy of Sciences (Sankt-

Petersburg, April 2-6, 2012): 106-107; ??? ElekSis, Sankt-Peterburg.

[in Russian; Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K. 2013. Catastrophes as imprescriptible

characteristic of geodynamic development of Earth. In: Geodynamics,

mineralization and geoecological problems of the Tien-Shan:

Materials of International conference, dedicated to 70 years of

Institute of geology of National Academy of Sciences of Kirghiz

Republic (September, 2013): 167-172; Ilim, Bishkek. [in Russian;

Ospanova]

OSPANOVA N.K., LELESHUS V.L. 2006. A regional stratigraphic

scheme of Silurian deposits of Tajikistan. Dushanbe. Deposited with

NPIcentre of the Republic of Tajikistan 15 (1732); 33 pp. [in Russian;

119

Ospanova]

PAS D., Da SILVA A.-C., SUTTNER T., KIDO E., BULTYNCK

P., PONDRELLI M., CORRADINI C., De VLEESCHOUWER

D., DOJEN C., BOULVAIN F. 2014. Insight into the development

of a carbonate platform through a multi-disciplinary approach: a case

study from the Upper Devonian slope deposits of Mount Freikofel

(Carnic Alps, Austria/Italy). International Journal of Earth Sciences

103, 2: 519-538.

The development and behavior of million year scaled depositional

sequences recorded within Palaeozoic carbonate platform has

remained poorly examined. Therefore, the understanding of

palaeoenvironmental changes that occur in geological past is still

limited. We herein undertake a multi-disciplinary approach

(sedimentology, conodont biostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility

(MS), and geochemistry) of a long-term succession in the Carnic

Alps, which offers new insights into the peculiar evolution of one of

the best examples of Palaeozoic carbonate platforms in Europe. The

Freikofel section, located in the central part of the Carnic Alps,

represents an outstanding succession in a fore-reef setting, extending

from the Latest Givetian (indet. falsiovalis conodont zones) to the

Early Famennian (Lower crepida conodont zone). Sedimentological

analysis allowed to propose a sedimentary model dominated by distal

slope and fore-reef-slope deposits. The most distal setting is

characterized by an autochthonous pelagic sedimentation showing

local occurrence of thin-bedded turbiditic deposits. In the fore-reef

slope, in a more proximal setting, there is an accumulation of various

autochthonous and allochthonous fine- to coarse-grained sediments

originated from the interplay of gravity-flow currents derived from

the shallow-water and deepwater area. The temporal evolution of

microfacies in the Freikofel section evolves in two main steps

corresponding to the Freikofel (Unit 1) and the Pal (Unit 2)

limestones. Distal slope to fore-reef lithologies and associate changes

are from base to top of the section: (U1) thick bedded litho- and

bioclastic breccia beds with local fining upward sequence and fine-

grained mudstone intercalations corresponding, in the fore-reef

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setting, to the dismantlement of the Eifelian-Frasnian carbonate

platform during the Early to Late Frasnian time (falsiovalis to

rhenana superzones) with one of the causes being the Late Givetian

major rift pulse, (U2) occurrence of thin bedded red nodular and

cephalopod-bearing limestones with local lithoclastic grainstone

intercalations corresponding to a significant deepening of the area and

the progressive withdrawal of sedimentary influxes toward the basin,

in relation with Late Frasnian sea-level rise. MS and geochemical

analyses were also performed along the Freikofel section and

demonstrate the inherent parallel link existing between variation in

MS values and proxy for terrestrial input. Interpretation of MS in

terms of palaeoenvironmental processes reflects that even though

distality remains the major parameter influencing MS values,

carbonate production and water agitation also play an important

role.[original abstract; May]

POMAR L., MATEU-VICENS G., MORSILLI M., BRANDANO

M. 2014. Carbonate ramp evolution during the Late Oligocene

(Chattian), Salento Peninsula, southern Italy. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 404: 109-132.

[keywords: Oligocene; Carbonate ramp; Facies analysis; Corals;

Large benthic foraminifera; Seagrass]

Oligocene carbonate ramps and platforms are widespread and though

they are important carbonate reservoirs, detailed studies on the facies

organization, platform type and internal architecture are scarce.

Within this context, the Chattian carbonate units cropping out in

Salento (southern Italy) allow detailed study of the distribution of

skeletal components and facies architecture. The lower Chattian

Castro Limestone, previously considered as a fringing reef, is

reinterpreted as a distally steepened ramp with a distal talus induced

by a paleo-escarpment in the substrate. Epiphytic biota and sediment

dweller organisms thriving in seagrass meadows dominated

production in the shallow-water euphotic zone. Seawards, large

rotalid foraminifers dominated a detritic mesophotic zone. Near the

edge of the escarpment, also in the mesophotic zone, luxurious

growth of corals built discrete mounds with no evidences of wave-

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resistant growth fabrics. Basinward, 25° to 30° dipping clinobeds abut

against the escarpment where coral rudstone/floatstone textures

resulted from downfall of corals and sediments. The upper Chattian

Porto Badisco Calcarenite represents a homoclinal ramp dominated

by packstone textures. In the euphotic inner ramp, autochthonous

biota suggests the occurrence of extensive seagrass meadows.

Basinward, large rotalid packstone and small coral mounds developed

in mesophotic conditions, and rhodolithic floatstone to rudstone and

large lepidocyclinid packstone characterize the sediments of the

deeper oligophotic zone. Comminuted skeletal debris, depleted of

light-dependent organisms, typifies deposition in the dysphotic /

aphotic zone. In both examples, the middle ramp (meso-oligophotic

zones) was the most prolific in terms of carbonate production,

whereas shallow-water seagrass-related production (euphotic) was

much less important. Corals built mounds, also in the mesophotic

zone but never reached sea level. Hydrodynamic conditions in the

meso-oligophotic zone are better explained by breaking of internal

waves: and their induced up- and down-slope currents, instead of the

surface storm waves.

RAKOCINSKI M., RACKI G. 2015. Microbialites in the shallow-

water marine environments of the Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) in

the aftermath of the Frasnian-Famennian biotic crisis. Global

Planetary Change December 2015;

doi: 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2015.12.001

Microbial carbonates, consisting of abundant girvanellid oncoids, are

described from cephalopod-crinoid and crinoid-brachiopod coquinas

(rudstones) occurring in the lowermost Famennian of the Holy Cross

Mountains, Poland. A Girvanella-bearing horizon (consist with

numerous girvanellid oncoids) has been recognised at the Psie Gorki

section, and represents the northern slope succession of the drowned

Dyminy Reef. This occurrence of microbialites in the aftermath of the

Frasnian-Famennian event is interpreted as the result of opportunistic

cyanobacteria blooms, which, as 'disaster forms', colonised empty

shallow-water ecological niches during the survival phase following

the Frasnian metazoan reef collapse, due to collapsed activity of

122

epifaunal, grazing, and/or burrowing animals. The anachronistic

lithofacies at Psie Górki is linked with catastrophic mass mortality of

the cephalopod and crinoid-brachiopod communities during the heavy

storm events. This mass occurrence of girvanellid oncoids, along with

Frutexites-like microbial shrubs and, at least partly, common

micritisation of some skeletal grains, records an overall increase in

microbial activity in eutrophic normal marine environments.

Microbial communities in the Holy Cross Mountains are not very

diverse, being mainly represented by girvanellid oncoids, and stand in

contrast to the very rich microbial communities known from the

Guilin area (China), Canning Basin (Australia) and the Timan-

northern Ural area (Russia). The association from Poland is similar to

more diverse microbial communities represented by oncoids,

trombolites and stromatolites, well known from the Canadian Alberta

Basin.

RONG Hui, JIAO Yang-quan, WU Li-qun, WANG Rui 2014. Distribution and geologic significance of Girvanella within the

Yijianfang Ordovician reef complexes in the Bachu area, West Tarim

Basin, China. Facies 60, 2: 685-702.

[keywords: Girvanella, reef complexes, Ordovician, Tarim Basin]

The distribution of Girvanella within the Yijianfang Ordovician reef

complexes of the Bachu area, western Tarim Basin, is elucidated in

order to reveal the effects of Girvanella on the formation of potential

reservoirs. Three categories of Girvanella include rafts, intraclasts,

and crusts. Both Girvanella rafts and intraclasts have been

transported, whereas Girvanella crusts are preserved in situ. Each

category has been preserved mainly in fore-reef and back-reef outer

shoals, and in upper slope deposits. Trends in the abundance of in situ

Girvanella are inversely proportional to the abundance of Calathium

and bryozoans. In situ Girvanella is abundant primarily in

comparatively low-energy deposits, whereas Calathium and

bryozoans occur commonly in higher-energy deposits, inferring that

the faunal variations within the reef complexes are highly controlled

by the original sedimentary conditions. The abundance of Girvanella

is inversely correlated with both porosity and permeability. This may

123

be due to effects associated with Girvanella including: (1) Girvanella

rafts and intraclasts composed of micrite are well preserved, and the

micrite envelopes associated with Girvanella crusts may protect the

skeletal grains, preventing them from being dissolved, (2) Activities

of Girvanella may block up primary pores. Results of this study will

be useful for understanding the relationship between microbes and

sedimentary environments and provide critical information about the

genesis of potential reservoirs within the Ordovician reef complexes.

[original abstract; May]

ROSSO A., SANFILIPPO R., RUGGIERI R., MANISCALCO

R., VERTINO A. 2015. Exceptional record of submarine cave

communities from the Pleistocene of Sicily (Italy). Lethaia 48, 1:

133-144.

[keywords: Cave environments; encrusting organisms;

palaeoecology; Pleistocene; Sicily]

An Early Pleistocene benthic community, discovered inside the

Rumena Cave in NW Sicily, Italy, was studied. Analysis of the

community led to the recognition of several encrusting species -

notably scleractinians, bryozoans, serpuloideans, cirripeds,

foraminifera and brachiopods - and borings mostly referable to the

ichnogenus Gastrochaenolites. All fossils detected are typical of the

present-day hard-surface submarine cave biota, at both high

taxonomic rank and species level. The biogenic crust, restricted to a

few sectors of the cave but locally up to few centimetres thick, largely

consist of scleractinians, mainly represented by dendrophylliids.

Bryozoans and serpuloideans are also present with Hippaliosina

depressa and Spiraserpula massillensis, locally forming multi-layered

sheets and dense specimen aggregates, respectively. Basing mostly on

the composition of the encrusting community and on

morphological/morphometric features of some species, it has been

hypothesized that at least part of the cave was blind when the crust

formed, possibly at relatively shallow depth in a sheltered setting or,

more probably, at higher depths, below the fair weather swell zone.

Encrustations and borings on the rocky cave ceiling and on occasional

speleothems broken surfaces document subsequent phases of cave

124

submersion/colonization separated by emersion/erosion phases. The

importance of the Early Pleistocene fossils of the Rumena Cave for

the knowledge of submarine cave communities through time and for

the understanding of sea-level variations and the uplift of the area has

been remarked.

SAMMARCO P. W., PORTER S. A., GENAZZIO M.,

SINCLAIR J. 2015. Success in Competition for Space in Two

Invasive Coral Species in the western Atlantic - Tubastraea

micranthus and T. coccinea. PLoS ONE 10, 12:

e0144581. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144581

SCHNEIDER C.L. 2013. Epibiosis across the Late Devonian biotic

crisis: a review. Proceedings of the Geologists' Association 124, 6:

893-909.

[keywords: sclerobiont, Frasnian, Famennian, encrusting, extinction,

paleoecology]

Across the Late Devonian biotic crisis, sclerobionts declined in

diversity and abundance and the proportions of brachiopod shell

textures changed radically. Most of the major sclerobiont clades were

common to Givetian through Mississippian ecosystems.

Microconchids, most abundant sclerobiont in most Devonian

assemblages, were replaced by bryozoans in the Mississippian.

Diversity and abundance of Mississippian sclerobionts were lower

than Frasnian-Famennian assemblages. Similarities across the

Devonian-Mississippian include (a) the encrustation of large

brachiopods, (b) gregarious settlement of some sclerobiont taxa, (c)

space was not a limiting resource. The similarities and differences in

epibiosis across the Devonian-Mississippian suggest potential

questions for future study. [original abstract; May]

VINN O., MOTUS M.-A. 2014. Symbiotic worms in biostromal

stromatoporoids from the Ludfordian (Late Silurian) of Saaremaa,

Estonia. Geologiska Foreningens Forhandlingar (GFF) 136, 3: 503-

506.

Numerous tiny curved to slightly sinuous subvertical tubicolous

125

bioclaustrations occur in stromatoporoids from the Katri cliff

biostrome. About 77.8% (N = 18) of Katri biostrome stromatoporoids

contained worm endobionts. Chaetosalpinx sibiriensis occurs in

Plectostroma scaniense, Petridiostroma convictum and

"Stromatopora" bekkeri / Parallelostroma typicum. Helicosalpinx

concoenatus occurs in P. scaniense. The distribution of C. sibiriensis

is thus not restricted to tabulate corals because it also occurs in

stromatoporoids. H. concoenatus was not endemic to North America

as it also occurs in the Late Silurian of Baltica. [original abstract;

May]

VINN O., WILSON M.A. 2012. Epi- and endobionts on the late

Silurian (early Pridoli) stromatoporoids from Saaremaa Island,

Estonia. Annales Societatis Geologorum Poloniae 82: 195-200.

A diverse sclerobiont community is described from the Kaugatuma

Formation (lower Pridoli) of Saaremaa, Estonia. The stromatoporoid

substrates studied here vary from low-domical to high-domical

shapes. The community is numerically dominated by microconchids,

which may have been characteristic of the sclerobiont fauna in the

Pridoli of Baltica. Palaeoconchus aff. tenuis,Anticalyptraea

calyptrata, Aulopora sp., sheet-like bryozoans, branching bryozoans,

erect bryozoan holdfasts, rugosans, favositids, discoidal crinoid

holdfasts, star-like crinoid holdfasts and sheet-like stromatoporoids

encrust the domical stromatoporoids. Endobionts are represented by

embedded, symbiotic rugosans, Aulopora sp., and two rare borings

Trypanites. [original abstract; May]

VINN O., WILSON M.A. 2012. Encrustation and bioerosion on late

Sheinwoodian (Wenlock, Silurian) stromatoporoids from Saaremaa,

Estonia. Carnets de Geologie [Notebooks on Geology], Article

2012/07 (CG2012_A07): 183-191;

http://paleopolis.rediris.es/cg/CG2012_A07/.

[keywords: sclerobionts, symbiosis, bioerosion, Silurian, Saaremaa,

Baltica]

A shallow shelf carbonate platform (pelletal limestone facies)

stromatoporoid association from the late Sheinwoodian of Saaremaa

126

(Baltica) contains a diverse assemblage of sclerobionts (both epi- and

endobionts). The studied stromatoporoids vary from low domical to

extended domical shapes. Cornulites sp. aff. C. stromatoporoides,

Conchicolites sp., Anticalyptraea calyptrata, microconchids, tabulate

(Aulopora sp., Catenipora sp. and favositids) and rugose corals,

sheet-like trepostome bryozoans, and discoidal crinoid holdfasts

encrust the stromatoporoids. The dominant sclerozoans were tabulate

and rugose corals, which is significantly different from several

analogous Silurian sclerobiont communities. There may have been

taxonomic polarity between an upper surface and a cryptic sclerozoan

community. Bioerosion occurs as macroborings in 45.5 % of studied

(N=22) stromatoporoids. Endobionts were represented by Trypanites

and Palaeosabella borings, as well as embedded symbiotic rugose

corals and Cornulites stromatoporoides. [original abstract; May]

VINN O., WILSON M.A., MOTUS M.-A. 2013. Symbiotic worm

endobionts in a stromatoporoid from the Rhuddanian (Early Silurian)

of Hiiumaa, Estonia. Palaios 28, 12: 863-866.

Multiple bioclaustrations identified as possible Chaetosalpinx are

reported from a stromatoporoid of Rhuddanian age from Hiiumaa

Island, Estonia. This is the second record of symbiotic worm

endobionts from the end-Ordovician mass extinction recovery fauna

of Estonia. The end-Ordovician mass extinction did not terminate

complex ecological relationships between at least some worm

endobionts and their hosts. [original abstract; May]

VINN O., WILSON M.A., MOTUS M.-A. 2014. Symbiotic

endobiont biofacies in the Silurian of Baltica. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 404: 24-29.

[keywords: symbiosis, stromatoporoids, endobiont, facies, Estonia]

The distribution of symbiotic endobionts in Silurian stromatoporoids

of Estonia is correlated with the diverse sedimentary facies formed in

this portion of the Baltica palaeocontinent. These depositional

environments are characterized by different symbiotic endobiont

associations. There are two onshore shallow water and one offshore

deeper water symbiotic endobiont associations. Water depth was not

127

the only controlling factor for their distribution: seawater nutrient

levels, hydrodynamics (especially substrate stability), sedimentation

rates and distribution of stromatoporoid hosts may have also played

important roles. [original abstract; May]

WANG Yi, JIN Ji-suo, ZHAN Ren-bin, COPPER P. 2014. Early

Silurian 'algal meadows', Anticosti Island, eastern Canada: an

analogue to modern seagrass meadows? Geology Today 30, 2: 67-70.

[Copper]

In modern marine ecosystems, sea-grass and chlorophyte meadows

play an important ecological role by serving as a carbon sink. Despite

their generally limited areal distribution, the high productivity of sea-

grass meadows makes them an efficient assimilator of CO2. During

the early Palaeozoic, complex life was virtually confined to the

marine environment, with algae being one of the common carbon-

fixers, alongside abundant calcifying cyanobacteria, rhodophytes,

chlorophytes and charophytes, as well as non-skeletal dinoflagellates

and acritarchs. Fossil and molecular data indicate that marine

thallophytic algae first appeared in the Early Proterozoic and became

widespread in the Palaeozoic, although their fossil record is sporadic

because of their soft-bodied nature; in the absence of angiosperm sea

grass and mangroves and poorly understood phytoplankton biomass,

thallophytic algae were probably major primary producers. In this

article, we suggest that thallophytic algae may have played a

significant role as a carbon sink in the Early Silurian, analogous to

modern sea-grass meadows or kelp forests, based on the well-

preserved Early Silurian thallophytic algal meadow from Anticosti

Island, eastern Canada. [original abstract; Wrzolek]

WILLIAMS A. D., BROWN B. E., PUTCHIM L., SWEET M. J.

2015. Age-Related Shifts in Bacterial Diversity in a Reef Coral. PLoS

ONE 10, 12: e0144902.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0144902

128

WILSON M. A., VINN O., PALMET T. J. 2014. Bivalve borings,

bioclaustrations and symbiosis in corals from the Upper Cretaceous

(Cenomanian) of southern Israel. Palaeogeography,

Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 414: 243-245.

[keywords: Cenomanian; Trace fossils; Corals; Bivalves; Symbiosis;

Israel]

Specimens of the small compound coral Aspidiscus cristatus

(Lamarck, 1801) containing evidence of symbiosis with bivalves have

been found in the En Yorqe'am Formation (Upper Cretaceous, early

Cenomanian) of southern Israel. The corals have paired holes on their

upper surfaces leading to a common chamber below, forming the

trace fossil Gastrochaenolites ampullatus Kelly and Bromley, 1984.

Apparently gastrochaenid bivalve larvae settled on living coral

surfaces and began to bore into the underlying aragonitic skeletons.

The corals added new skeleton around the paired siphonal tubes of

the invading bivalves, eventually producing crypts that were borings

at their bases and bioclaustrations at their openings. When a boring

bivalve died its crypt was closed by the growing coral, entombing the

bivalve shell in place. This is early evidence of a symbiotic

relationship between scleractinian corals and boring bivalves

(parasitism in this case), and the earliest record of bivalve infestation

of a member of the Suborder Microsolenina. It is also the earliest

occurrence of G. ampullatus.

WU Yi-bu, FENG Qi, GONG Yi-ming 2013. Blooming of bacteria

and algae is a biokiller for mass-extinction of Devonian coral-

stromatoporoid reef ecosystems. Science China Earth Sciences 56, 7:

1221-1232.

[keywords: bacteria and algae, coral-stromatoporoid reefs, Devonian,

mass-extinction, South China]

Studies of rock slices showed that there were many kinds of

symbioses between bacteria and algae and corals-stromatoporoids in

the coral-stromatoporoid reefs from the Devonian Ganxi section of

Sichuan and the Dushan section of Guizhou in South China. They

included encrustations, microborings, bioclaustration, etc. In the host

corals-stromatoporoids invaded by bacteria and algae were many

129

residues of dead soft issue in the infected parts, where the skeletal

structures were injured. Therefore, we considered there were direct

interactions between corals-stromatoporoids and bacteria and algae in

coral-stromatoporoid reefs, which included that bacteria and algae

blocked growth of corals-stromatoporoids and the latter had the

ability of self-healing. And the bacteria and algae usually was the

active side. In the Middle Devonian with normal seawater condition,

corals and stromatoporoids had the ability to resist the invasion of

bacteria and algae, and the host coral-stromatoporoids would not be

killed, but in the Late Devonian with deterioration of seawater

quality, the ability of bacteria and algae infection increased while

corals-stromatoporoids' ability to resist infection declined, and

therefore the host corals-stromatoporoids would be dead. Hence we

suggested that the invading of bacteria and algae was a possible

biokiller for mass-extinction of the Devonian coral-stromatoporoid

reefs ecosystem. Beyond that, blooming of bacteria and algae and its

triggering cumulative environmental effects played an important role

in the reduction and extinction of metazoan in the Late Devonian.

Furthermore, it can be used as a useful example to learn the trend and

the reasons for the disease and decrease of modern coral reefs.

[original abstract; May]

ZALECKA K., WRZOLEK T., GRANIER B. 2015. Simple and

practical techniques to manage small databases, illustrated by a case

study: bibliographic data from the "Fossil Cnidaria & Porifera"

newsletter (1972-2010). Carnets de Geologie 15, 2: 13-19;

http://paleopolis.rediris.es/cg/1502/.

Small databases, i.e., with less than 15,000 entries, are sometimes

handled using inappropriate, complex, and often expensive data

management systems. We present and briefly discuss a few types of

proprietary and open-source, relational and non-relational, server-

based versus portable databases and specific tools to handle the latter.

With a collection of nearly 7,000 bibliographic notes during its 40-

year history "Fossil Cnidaria & Porifera (FC&P)", the newsletter of

the "International Association for Study of Fossil Cnidaria and

Porifera", was chosen as a case study. The analysis of the temporal

130

trends in the FC&P bibliographic database shows a decrease over the

years in the number of publications effectively reported in FC&P.

Almost all relevant papers for the decade 1981-1990 are reported, but

this good coverage ratio falls down to less than 50% after 2000;

accordingly, the concern about the data representativeness is

addressed in our interpretation. Besides the classical database

management systems and spreadsheet software, which were originally

used with the FC&P case study, we present two discrete, open-source,

flat and portable options where data can be displayed using any

widely available Internet browser, and that are suitable to handle most

small databases (XML or JS files) as documented herein.

Announcements

Catalogue of Cretaceous Corals - 3 Volumes appeared so far,

introduced by Hannes Loeser at http://www.cp-v.de/ccc/. The 4th

volume of the Catalogue is scheduled for late 2016. It is planned as

hard cover edition with a total of 750 pages and ca. 1600 figures.

About 700 genera will be presented, Octocorallia and Scleractinia.

[Löser; December 2015]

131

New addresses / December 2015 for archival „addresses changed or new” see our older issues:

FC&P36 of December 2010

FC&P37 of December 2013

FC&P38-2 of December 2014

Oscar Augusto BONILLA GONZALEZ

University of the Basque Country

obonilla002@ikasle.ehu.eus

Nathalia FOUQUET JO

Universidad Catolica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile

Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain

nathalia.fouquet.jo@gmail.com

Jan KRÓL

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland

jan.jozef.krol@amu.edu.pl

Alejandro SAMANIEGO PESQUEIRA

Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

alexsama23@gmail.com

132

Faulty e-addresses / December 2015

e-mails could not be delivered to these e-addresses – can

anybody help?

ALVAREZ -

galvarez@xtec.net -

connection timed out

CUIF - jean-pierre.cuif@u-

psud.fr - user unknown

DULLO - cdullo@ifm-

geomar.de - connection

timed out

FAGERSTROM -

al_fagerstrom@comcast.net -

not our customer

FURUYA - furutani@nat-

museum.sanda.hyogo.jp -

host unknown

KELLER -

OLSHANET@heron.iteh.ru -

connection timed out

LATHUILIERE -

Bernard.Lathuiliere@g2r.uh

p-nancy.fr - mailbox

unavailable

MISTIAEN - b.mistiaen@isa-

lille.fr - not found

MORSCH -

smorsch@ufpel.tche.br -

blocked country PL

MUNSON -

tim.munson@nt.gov.au -

suspect spam

PEIRANO -

peirano@estosf.santateresa.e

nea.it - connection timed out