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A fungal palynomorph corresponding to the fossil-species Lirasporis intergranifer R. Potonié & S.C.D. Sah, from the Middle Miocene lignite mine in Tomisławice (central Poland), is considered as the new combination Cancellidium intergraniferum (R. Potonié & S.C.D. Sah) G. Worobiec & E. Worobiec, comb. nov. The fossil-genus Lirasporis is treated as a synonym of the modern genus Cancellidium Tubaki. Cancellidium intergraniferum from the Miocene of Poland represents the first fossil record of Cancellidium outside Asia, the first record of this genus from Europe, and the northernmost known fossil occurrence of Cancellidium. Living representatives of Cancellidium seem to prefer warm and humid climates and, being aero-aquatic hyphomycetes, are usually associated with decaying woody remains in aquatic environments. A similar ecology is suggested for the fossil C. intergraniferum, which could be a reliable fungal non-pollen palynomorph proxy for palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microremains of fungi from Neogene deposits from the Gray Fossil Site (Tennessee, United States) and the Bełchatów Lignite Mine (Poland), similar to the enigmatic fossil-species Kutchiathyrites eccentricus R.K. Kar, 1979, were reconsidered as representatives of the modern mitosporic genus Mycoenterolobium Goos, 1970. A new combination, Mycoenterolobium eccentricum (R.K. Kar) G. Worobiec, n. comb., is proposed. The geographical and stratigraphical range and ecology of the fossil and modern Mycoenterolobium species are discussed. Investigated remains of Mycoenterolobium eccentricum (R.K. Kar) G. Worobiec, n. comb. document the first fossil record of this fungus from both Northern America and Europe, while the Bełchatów mine represents the northernmost known fossil and modern occurrence of the Mycoenterolobium genus. Both modern and fossil species of Mycoenterolobium seem to prefer warm (tropical to warm temperate), usually humid climates. They are associated with plant debris (mainly wood) decaying in a damp or aquatic environment. Mycoenterolobium eccentricum (R.K. Kar) G. Worobiec, n. comb. is suggested to be used as a non-pollen palynomorph proxy for palaeoclimatic and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil staurosporous conidia almost identical to modern conidia of Asterosporium asterospermum were found from three Central European localities ranging from the Late Oligocene (Germany) to Middle/Late Miocene (Poland). Extant A. asterospermum is strictly host-specific and found only on branches or bark of various Fagus species from Europe, Asia and North America. Conspicuous association of conidia of A. asterospermum with numerous macro- and microremains of Fagus were reported from all the localities where fossil conidia of Asterosporium were found confirming the host-specificity of fossil A. asterospermum to ancient beeches. The host-specific relationship of A. asterospermum and beech was presumably established early in the history of the Fagus genus. • Fossils of Asterosporium asterospermum and Fagus from Palaeogene and Neogene. • Host-specifity of Asterosporium asterospermum to Fagus since late Oligocene. • Morphological stasis of Asterosporium asterospermum from late Oligocene. • Emergence of the Asterosporium genus in the late Oligocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new fossil species, Szaferomyces pliocenicus , resembling modern Erysiphaceae. • Review of problematic record of the Erysiphaceae-like fossils. • Szaferomyces as the most credible powdery mildews fossil. A fungal chasmothecium-like structure resembling those of the contemporary members of the Erysiphaceae was found during palynological investigations of Upper Pliocene deposits from Mizerna (borehole Mizerna-Nowa), southern Poland. This chasmothecium-like remain, preserved without any asci, ascospores and mycelium attached, is morphologically most similar to the chasmothecia of modern powdery mildews from the genera Erysiphe , Neoerysiphe , Podosphaera , and Salmonomyces. It differs from hitherto described fossil or modern fungi producing globose, closed ascomata with appendage-like setae. Therefore, a new fossil-genus and species name, Szaferomyces pliocenicus , is introduced for the fossil remains from Mizerna. Contrary to all previous putative fossils of powdery mildews, Szaferomyces pliocenicus nov. gen., nov. sp. is the most probable fossil of spore-producing organs of the Erysiphaceae found so far. However, due to the absence of some diagnostic morphological structures (other than presumptive chasmothecium) and DNA data, the affinity of this fungal fossil remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report fungal ascospores of Potamomyces affinities from four Miocene localities in Poland. The spores are similar to the ones known from extinct species of Potamomyces invaginatus, Potamomyces batii, and Potamomyces pontidiensis, as well as to living Potamomyces armatisporus. Living representatives of Potamomyces are saprophytic, and usually found on decaying wood. They are mainly found in a freshwater or brackish environment, and sometimes also on terrestrial, moist to damp substrates. Therefore, the species of Potamomyces can be classified as a facultative-aquatic or terrestrial- aquatic fungus. Both living and extinct species of Potamomyces prefer a tropical to subtropical, and usually humid climate as their past and recent distribution is mostly confined to the intertropical zone. Fossil record of the Potamomyces ranges from the Lower Miocene to the Holocene, covering all continents with the exception of the Antarctica. Miocene findings of Potamomyces from Poland represent the first known fossil record of this genus from Europe and confirm the warm temperate to subtropical and humid climate during Middle to Late Miocene of present Poland previously inferred from palaeobotanical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report fungal ascospores of Potamomyces affinities from four Miocene localities in Poland. The spores are similar to the ones known from extinct species of Potamomyces invaginatus, Potamomyces batii, and Potamomyces pontidiensis, as well as to living Potamomyces armatisporus. Living representatives of Potamomyces are saprophytic, and usually found on decaying wood. They are mainly found in a freshwater or brackish environment, and sometimes also on terrestrial, moist to damp substrates. Therefore, the species of Potamomyces can be classified as a facultative-aquatic or terrestrial-aquatic fungus. Both living and extinct species of Potamomyces prefer a tropical to subtropical, and usually humid climate as their past and recent distribution is mostly confined to the intertropical zone. Fossil record of the Potamomyces ranges from the Lower Miocene to the Holocene, covering all continents with the exception of the Antarctica. Miocene findings of Potamomyces from Poland represent the first known fossil record of this genus from Europe and confirm the warm temperate to subtropical and humid climate during Middle to Late Miocene of present Poland previously inferred from palaeobotanical investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remains of fungi from a wetland environment have been found during palynological investigations of the middle Miocene lignite seam of the Adamów Lignite Mine (central Poland). One new fossil-genus Pleosporomyces and five new fossil-species (Canalisporium lignitum, Dictyosporites muriformis, Dictyosporites zeaformis, Microthyriacites radiatus, and Pleosporomyces adamowensis) are described. Fungal biota accompanying middle Miocene wetland plant associations from Adamów are represented by remains of ascomycetes and anamorphic fungi (hyphomycetes) saprophytic on decaying wood and on fallen leaves in a very humid, periodically flooded environment. These fungi most probably represent remains of fungal taxa of pocosin-like wetland communities, as suggested by the results of the palynological investigations and have grown during the accumulation of peat deposits from which the discussed lignite seam was formed. Epiphyllous taxa along with ascospores of Potamomyces sp. indicate a warm and humid climate with a high mean annual precipitation in central Poland during the formation of the 1st mid-Polish lignite seam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the reinterpretation of the taxonomic position of fossil epiphyllous callimothalloid fungi belonging to the fossil-genera Callimothallus (hitherto classified to the family Microthyriaceae) and Cribrites (?Microthyriales). These fungi thrived from the Late Cretaceous up to the Holocene. Investigation are based on collected material from the Oligocene of Hungary and the Miocene of Poland and on published data. For the common callimothalloid fungus Callimothallus pertusus , a new combination Neomycoleptodiscus pertusus is proposed. Callimothallus quilonensis is assigned to a new fossil-genus Muyocopromyces as a new combination Muyocopromyces quilonensis. We reconsider the fossil-species Ratnagiriathyrites hexagonalis as a younger synonym of the fossil-genus Cribrites. The geographical range of fossil callimothalloid fungi and their recent counterparts are discussed. Fossil Neomycoleptodiscus , Muyocopromyces , and Cribrites are proposed as reliable climate proxy of warm climate conditions in the past. • Common callimothalloid fossil-genus Callimothallus is revised as modern Neomycoleptodiscus • New fossil-genus Muyocopromyces corresponding to modern Muyocopron is described. • Presence of the members of the family Muyocopronaceae is dated back to the late Cretaceous. • Geographical and stratigraphical range of callimothalloid fungi is summarised. • Fossil callimothalloid fungi are proposed as reliable warm climate proxy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil plant macroremains preserved in laminated diatomites from Łysa Góra near Rębiszów, Lower Silesia, have been documented for the first time. The fossil assemblage consists mostly of leaves, but fruits, seeds and sporadic flowers also occur. Forty-three identified taxa represent nineteen plant families: Aceraceae, Berberidaceae, Betulaceae, Cornaceae, Cupressaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Ericaceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae, ?Leguminosae, ?Meliaceae, Magnoliaceae, Pinaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Tilioideae, Ulmaceae, Vitaceae, and one incertae sedis. The prevalence of entire margined leaves, mostly represented by Majanthemophyllum basinerve and Daphnogene cinnamomifolia, and a significant presence of Calocedrus suleticensis and Liriodendron haueri, are characteristic features of the Rębiszów flora. The composition of the plant assemblage points to a mesophytic forest with some riparian elements and suggests favourable, warm climatic conditions. Radiometrically dated basalts overlying fossiliferous layers and composition of palynoflora suggest at least Chattian (late Oligocene) age. The lithology and floristic composition link the Rębiszów flora with the so-called volcanic floras of the Nerchau-Flörsheim or Kleinsaubernitz floristic complex (Oligocene) from Germany and Czech Republic with Suletice-Berand flora being especially close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil plant macroremains preserved in laminated diatomites from Łysa Góra near Rębiszów, Lower Silesia, have been documented for the first time. The fossil assemblage consists mostly of leaves, but fruits, seeds and sporadic flowers also occur. Forty-three identified taxa represent nineteen plant families: Aceraceae, Berberidaceae, Betulaceae, Cornaceae, Cupressaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Ericaceae, Fagaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Meliaceae, Magnoliaceae, Pinaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Tilioideae, Ulmaceae, Vitaceae, and one incertae sedis. The prevalence of entire margined leaves, mostly represented by Majanthemophyllum basinerve and Daphnogene cinnamomifolia, and a significant presence of Calocedrus suleticensis and Liriodendron haueri, are characteristic features of the Rębiszów flora. The composition of the plant assemblage points to a mesophytic forest with some riparian elements and suggests favourable, warm climatic conditions. Radiometrically dated basalts overlying fossiliferous layers and composition of palynoflora suggest at least Chattian (late Oligocene) age. The lithology and floristic composition link the Rębiszów flora with the so-called volcanic floras of the Nerchau-Flörsheim or Kleinsaubernitz floristic complex (Oligocene) from Germany and Czech Republic with Suletice-Berand flora being especially close. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fragments of cephalothecoid fructifications (peridia) were encountered during palynological investigations of Neogene deposits in Mizerna-Nowa/Poland and Adendorf/Germany. Isolated plates of cephalothecoid ascoma in shape and cellular structure similar to the extant members of the family Cephalothecaceae are described as Cephalothecoidomyces neogenicus fossil gen. et sp. nov. while remnants of fungal sporocarps with cephalothecoid walls with indistinct lines of dehiscence, similar in structure to peridia with cephalothecoid morphology of extant representatives the family Chaetomiaceae (mainly genus Chaetomidium ) are assigned to Adendorfia miocenica fossil gen. et sp. nov. We also propose a new interpretation of some previously described fossil fungal taxa that we consider to be remnants of cephalothecoid ascomata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-preserved leaf macroremains collected in the Bełchatów Lignite Mine (Central Poland) were investigated. Fossil leaves of Acer, Dicotylophyllum, Fagus, Eucommia, Laria, Laurophyllum, Liquidambar, Pinus, Populus, Pterocarya, Quercus, Salix, Salvinia, Taxodium, Ulmus, Vitis, and Zelkova, and fossil fruit of Eucommia were found in fossil assemblage KRAM-P 218 formed in a fluvial sedimentary environment. The fossil assemblage is dominated by plant remains of riparian vegetation of bottomland hardwood forest type. Some taxa point to the presence of mesophytic upland communities. The floristic composition points to warm temperate climate with mild winters, comparable to Cfa type (warm temperate, fully humid with hot summer) in the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Mean annual temperature of 13.5-16.5°C was reconstructed by the coexistence approach method. Middle to late Miocene age (late Sarmatian to early Pannonian) is suggested for the plant-bearing deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a palynological analysis of four samples from the Bełchatów KRAM-P 218 collection of plant macroremains 95 fossil species of sporomorphs were identified. Among the non-pollen palynomorphs was the fossil species Desmidiaceaesporites cosmarioformis, previously not reported from fossil floras of Poland, most probably related to the zygospores of desmids. The pollen analysis indicates the presence of a freshwater body (probably an oxbow lake) and shows the dominant role of wetland, predominantly riparian vegetation, at the time of sedimentation. The riparian forests probably consisted of Carya, Pterocarya, Celtis, and Ulmus, accompanied by Alnus, Acer, Fraxinus, Juglans, Liquidambar, Vitis, Zelkova, and Salix. In mixed forests there probably were Fagus, Quercus, Carpinus, Eucommia, Corylus, Tilioideae, and conifers, as well as some thermophilous taxa (e.g. Castanea, Symplocos, Reevesia, Mastixiaceae, and plants producing pollen of the fossil species Tricolporopollenites pseudocingulum). Taxodium, Nyssa, and presumably Glyptostrobus and Alnus were components of swamp communities that might have overgrown the adjacent area with higher groundwater. Members of the families Ericaceae, Cyrillaceae, and Clethraceae, as well as Myrica and probably also Ilex, may have been components of swamp forests and bush swamps. Our analysis indicates that the climate was warm temperate and moderately wet. The palynoflora is most similar in composition to the spore-pollen spectra of the X climatic phase - the Nyssapollenites spore-pollen zone. Deposits bearing assemblages of the Nyssapollenites spore-pollen zone were deposited during the Sarmatian and early Pannonian. Our results are consistent with those from plant macroremains from the same collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latest Eocene plant macrofossils and trace fossils collected a century ago by Wiktor Kuźniar are revised and their stratigraphical and palaeoecological meaning is re-considered. They derive from marine limestones and marls cropping out on the northern slope of the Hruby Regiel mountain in the Western Tatra Mountains. Leaves belonging to the families Fagaceae and Lauraceae and fruits of the palm Nypa are recognized. The co-occurrence of the planktonic foraminifer taxa Chiloguembelina cf. gracillima and Globigerinatheca cf. index and fruits of Nypa suggests a latest Eocene age of the fossil flora. The plant assemblage is typical of paratropical or subtropical evergreen forests in a warm and humid subtropical climate, recent counterparts of which occur in southeast Asia. The presence of Nypa is characteristic of mangroves. The good state of preservation of the leaves suggests coastline proximity during sedimentation of the plant-bearing deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf macroremains collected in the Bełchatów Lignite Mine (central Poland) were investigated. The fossil assemblage consists of leaves of Acer, Betula, Carpinus, Dicotylophyllum, Fagus, ?Magnolia, 'Parrotia', Pinus, Quercus, and Zelkova. Mesophytic (zonal) elements dominate, with admixture of riparian (azonal) leaf taxa. The floristic composition points to late Neogene (late Miocene to late Pliocene) age and suggests favourable temperate climate with mild winters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents results of a palaeobotanical investigation of the borehole core Komorniki 97/72 from the Ruja lignite deposit, Lower Silesia. In the deposit lignites of three (2nd Lusatian, 2nd A Lubin, and 1st mid-Polish) middle Miocene groups of seams are present. The lignites of the 1st and 2nd groups are important correlation horizons throughout much of the Polish Lowlands and eastern Germany. The results of the palynological studies (spore–pollen, algae and fungi) and plant macroremains studies show that during the mid-Miocene mires' development, the vegetation was characteristic of wetlands (i.e., swamp and riparian forests, shrub bogs, and reed marshes) as well as mesophytic forests. The results were also used for palaeoclimatic investigation. The mean annual temperature (MAT), for each of the three sections, based on the coexistence approach (CA) method, was estimated in the range of 15.7–17.8 °C. Nevertheless, the frequency of thermophilous (palaeotropical and palaeotropical/warm-temperate) taxa indicate climate changes during the formation of the studied sediments. Composition of the spore–pollen spectra from the 2nd Lusatian seam (i.e., the presence of Meliaceae and Sapotaceae, which currently have pantropical distribution) show that the climate was humid and warm, close to subtropical. Later, many palaeotropical taxa disappeared, and the composition of the spore–pollen spectra indicates a warm temperate climate with slight fluctuations. Above the 1st mid-Polish seam, the climatic conditions changed in a way that did not favor the further formation of lignite deposits. These results correspond with the current understanding of climate change in the middle Miocene in Europe. • The Ruja deposit contains lignite of the three youngest groups of seams. • Middle Miocene vegetation and palaeoclimate of the Ruja area are discussed. • Palynological analysis and plant macroremains are used for the palaeointerpretations. • The results correspond with the current understanding of climate change in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper presents results of pollen analysis of the Upper Miocene deposits from a borehole at Józefina (Kraków-Silesia Upland, central Poland), including data concerning bamboo type pollen grains, as well other sporomorphs (pollen, spores and freshwater phytoplankton). Fossil pollen grains of bamboos (Graminidites bambusoides Stuchlik) were found in two samples, and in one sample they were accompanied by conidium of Tetraploa-like fossil fungus, resembling the recent Tetraploa aristata Berkeley & Broome. This fungus could grow on leaves of the bamboos or other grasses, but also on variety of other plants. Comparison of palynological data, studies of leaf floras and the nearest living relatives, confirmed the connection of the fossil bamboos with wetland, reed and riparian vegetation. Results of these analyses indicate a moderately wet and warm temperate palaeoclimate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study of leaf macroremains of Betulaceae found in the Miocene deposits of the Bełchatów Lignite Mine. Besides revision of leaf taxa described in earlier publications on Bełchatów deposits, the examination of newly collected fossil leaves has been done. Isolation of leaf compressions and cuticular analysis were applied. The following taxa are reported: Alnus gaudinii (Heer) Knobloch et Kvaček, Alnus julianiformis (Sternberg) Kvaček et Holý, Alnus menzelii Raniecka-Bobrowska, Betula plioplatyptera Hummel, Betula subpubescens Goeppert emend. Worobiec, Betula sp. and Carpinus grandis Unger emend. Heer. Macromorphology, micromorphology, systematic position, stratigraphical range, palaeoecology and recent counterparts of the taxa described are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently discovered fossil bamboo leaves and pollen are described from the Neogene of Poland. Morphological analysis of fossil leaves from the Late Miocene deposits of the Bełchatów Lignite Mine, Central Poland have allowed them to be determined as “Bambusa” lugdunensis Saporta. It is the first record of this species in the Cenozoic of Poland. The fossils have been compared with other records of bamboos from the Cenozoic of Europe. Pollen grains from the Middle Miocene (Badenian) deposits from the Legnica brown coal deposit (Lower Silesia) provide additional evidence of bamboos. These are assigned to Graminidites bambusoides Stuchlik, and are similar to those of recent Arundinaria. We infer that plant (plants?) that produced the pollen of G. bambusoides could have grown in swamp forests and/or reed marshes. This report provides a general survey of the occurrence of bamboos in the European Neogene, from which the leaves and pollen documented here present important data on the distribution of this group of monocots in Poland and eastern Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leaf slides prepared from separated Tertiary leaf compressions are valuable tools for taxonomic investigations of fossil leaf assemblages. Slides such as these help considerably in morphological investigations of fossil leaves allowing examination of their minute morphological structures. Procedures for preparing leaf slides from leaf compressions include three stages: separation (isolation) of leaf compressions with use of hydrogen peroxide, and then a two-step method for bleaching leaf compressions and mounting the bleached leaf compressions in glycerine jelly slides. This method has been successfully used for several years, and is especially useful for separating and preparing flat plant remains such as leaves, fruits and seeds, coniferous shoots and fragments of bark. The procedure is recommended for extensive use in palaeobotanical investigations, and has proven especially useful for Tertiary leaf assemblages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Integration of isolated parts of fossil plants into one plant is one of the most important goals in the whole-plant reconstruction concept in paleobotany. Three fossil-species, Laria rueminiana (Heer) G. Worobiec & Kvaček (leaves), Reevesia hurnikii Kvaček (the capsule valve of fruit), and Reevesiapollis triangulus (Mamczar) Krutzsch (pollen grains), related to the extant genus Reevesia Lindl, were found in one fossil assemblage in the upper Miocene deposits of the Bełchatów Lignite Mine (central Poland). In early Miocene locality of Bílina, Czech Republic the listed taxa were also accompanied by fossil seeds of Saportaspermum Meyer & Manchester. The co-occurrence of them suggests that they might represent vegetative and reproductive organs of a single biological species. Besides the co-occurrence of these fossil-taxa, the affiliation of the discussed detached fossil plant organs in the whole-plant reconstruction of the Reevesia plant could be indirectly proven using their similar systematic affinities (recent relatives), and the discovery of ex situ pollen aggregations (clumps) of Reevesiapollis triangulus in one of the cuticular slides of leaves of Laria rueminiana. These clumps surely were attached to the surface of the Laria leaf. Similar to the nearest living extant relatives, the Reevesia plant thrived in a warm temperate and humid climate with mild winters (a Cfa climate type according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification) and was usually a component of riparian vegetation also growing in drier, mesophytic plant communities. • The whole plant concept of Neogene fossils of Reevesia is based on four fossil-taxa. • Approaches to reconstruct fossil plants from individual fossils are discussed. • Ex situ pollen clumps of Reevesiapollis on fossil leaf of Laria are reported. • Paleoecological meaning of whole Reevesia plant is summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first mid-Polish group is the youngest among the main Neogene lignite seams in Poland. Lignites of this group developed in the middle Miocene over almost the whole of Poland, and therefore they are an important correlation horizon throughout much of the Polish Lowlands. A total of 30 palynological samples from the 3-metre seam from the Adamów deposit (central Poland) were studied in detail. The results revealed the presence of wetland and mesophytic vegetation during the time of sedimentation. The study area was overgrown by palustrine wetland communities similar in their composition to modern pocosins. The climate was warm temperate and humid, which was inferred from the palynoflora composition, including frequency of palaeotropical and palaeotropical/warm-temperate taxa, and the presence of epihyllous fungi. The estimated mean annual temperature (MAT) for the lignite seam at Adamów is 15.7–18.0 °C. Comparison with other palynofloras from the first mid-Polish lignite seam group shows that the climate was more or less homogenous within the entire Polish Lowlands during formation of the group of seams. The MAT ranges are also similar to other results from middle Miocene of Central Europe. The differences between the Adamów palynoflora and palynofloras from central and western Poland, dominated by swamp forests, most probably reflect the succession of plant communities in different hydrological and trophic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The boundary between the two regional Middle Miocene stages (the Badenian and Sarmatian) of the Central Paratethys is associated with the largest faunal turnover event in the Paratethys realm. A recent study performed in the northern Polish Carpathian Foredeep revealed that the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary is coeval with a major change in benthic and planktonic foraminiferal assemblages that occurs a few metres below the beginning of the Anomalinoides dividens Interval Zone in our section. The lowermost Sarmatian biozone is the Elphidium angulatum Partial Range Zone, and its lower boundary corresponds to the disappearance of almost all Badenian foraminiferal species. Detailed analysis of a fully cored borehole in southern Poland using micropalaeontological tools (foraminifera and palynology) and a range of (inorganic and organic) geochemical methods indicated that during the late Badenian and almost the entire profile of Anomalinoides dividens Zone, oxic or suboxic sedimentary conditions prevailed. In the Elphidium angulatum Zone and the lowest part of the subsequent Anomalinoides dividens Zone, suboxic and anoxic conditions dominated the sea bottom. This research indicated that the sudden disappearance of marine Badenian species in the Polish Carpathian Foredeep was caused by a rapid change in basin chemistry although not necessarily it implies open marine conditions changing to brackish water environments. • Anoxic event was related to the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary in the northern Central • Paratethys. • There is no evidence for decrease in water salinity during the earliest Sarmatian. • The earliest Sarmatian environments were characterised by suboxic and anoxic conditions. • There was no climate change at the Badenian/Sarmatian boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterocarya fraxinifolia, native to the southern Caucasus and adjacent areas, has been widely introduced in Europe. In this study, we investigate the following: (1) How did its current distribution form? (2) What are the past, current, and future suitable habitats of P. fraxinifolia? (3) What is the best conservation approach? Ecological niche modeling was applied to determine its climatic demands and project the distribution of climatically suitable areas during three periods of past, current, and future (2070) time. Then, an integrated analysis of fossil data was performed. Massive expansion of Pterocarya species between the Miocene and Pliocene facilitated the arrival of P. fraxinifolia to the southern Caucasus. The Last Glacial Maximum played a vital role in its current fragmented spatial distribution in the Euxinian and Hyrcanian regions with lower elevations, and Caucasian and Irano-Turanian regions with higher elevations. Climatic limiting factors were very different across these four regions. Future climate change will create conditions for the expansion of this species in Europe. Human activities significantly decreased the suitable area for P. fraxinifolia, especially in the Euxinian, Hyrcanian, and Irano-Turanian regions. Considering genetic diversity, climate vulnerability, and land utilization, the Euxinian, Hyrcanian, and Irano-Turanian regions have been recognized as conservation priority areas for P. fraxinifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many geological problems have not been convincingly explained so far and are debatable, for instance the origin and changes of the Neogene depositional environments in central Poland. Therefore, these changes have been reconstructed in terms of global to local tectonic and climatic fluctuations. The examined Neogene deposits are divided into a sub-lignite unit (Koźmin Formation), a lignite-bearing unit (Grey Clays Member), and a supra-lignite unit (Wielkopolska Member). The two lithostratigraphic members constitute the Poznań Formation. The results of facies analysis show that the Koźmin Formation was deposited by relatively high-gradient and well-drained braided rivers. Most likely, they encompassed widespread alluvial plains. In the case of the Grey Clays Member, the type of river in close proximity to which the mid-Miocene low-lying mires existed and then were transformed into the first Mid-Miocene Lignite Seam (MPLS-1), has not been resolved. The obtained results confirm the formation of the Wielkopolska Member by low-gradient, but mostly well-drained anastomosing or anastomosing-to-meandering rivers. The depositional evolution of the examined successions depended on tectonic and climatic changes that may be closely related to the mid-Miocene great tectonic remodelling of the Alpine-Carpathian orogen. This resulted in palaeogeographic changes in its foreland in the form of limiting the flow of wet air and water masses from the south and vertical tectonic movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many geological problems have not been convincingly explained so far and are debatable, for instance the origin and changes of the Neogene depositional environments in central Poland. Therefore, these changes have been reconstructed in terms of global to local tectonic and climatic fluctuations. The examined Neogene deposits are divided into a sub-lignite unit (Koźmin Formation), a lignite-bearing unit (Grey Clays Member), and a supra-lignite unit (Wielkopolska Member). The two lithostratigraphic members constitute the Poznań Formation. The results of facies analysis show that the Koźmin Formation was deposited by relatively high-gradient and well-drained braided rivers. Most likely, they encompassed widespread alluvial plains. In the case of the Grey Clays Member, the type of river in close proximity to which the mid-Miocene low-lying mires existed and then were transformed into the first Mid-Miocene Lignite Seam (MPLS-1), has not been resolved. The obtained results confirm the formation of the Wielkopolska Member by low-gradient, but mostly well-drained anastomosing or anastomosing-to-meandering rivers. The depositional evolution of the examined successions depended on tectonic and climatic changes that may be closely related to the mid-Miocene great tectonic remodelling of the Alpine-Carpathian orogen. This resulted in palaeogeographic changes in its foreland in the form of limiting the flow of wet air and water masses from the south and vertical tectonic movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bełchatów Lignite Mine of Poland is a treasure-cove for mid-to late Miocene plant and animal fossils, deposited in a slow-flowing river valley with swamps and oxbow lakes. Here, we report the finding of abundant fossil anomopod cladocerans. Some are three-dimensionally preserved, including the taxonomically important trunk limbs. They pertain to the families Chydoridae and Bosminidae, with species similar to but distinct from modern ones. All are members of the zooplankton, though some are littoral while others are pelagic in nature. Morphological stasis in these families is not outspoken as in the Daphniidae and the stasis hypothesis, based on ephippia only, is challenged. The absence of Daphnia is conspicuous and ascribed to a combination of fish predation and local water chemistry. Its place in the oxbow lakes is taken by at least two Bosmina species, one of which is undescribed. We consider this a case of paleo-competitive release. For Bosminidae, these are the first certified fossils predating the Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reconstruct palaeoenvironmental conditions during the formation of the first Mid-Polish Lignite Seam (MPLS-1) of the Konin Basin of central Poland, which is of mid-Miocene age. In terms of macropetrography, the MPLS-1 comprises different lithotype associations, predominantly xylodetritic lignite, and represents the peat deposits of mires most likely inhabited by Myricaceae-Cyrillaceae shrubs. Palynological assemblages obtained from the MPLS-1 at the Adamów Lignite Opencast Mine indicate the existence of wetland/palustrine and mesophytic vegetation during the accumulation of the peat. Applying the Coexistence Approach to the palynological assemblages, climate is inferred to have been warm temperate and humid with a mean annual temperature (MAT) of 15.7–18.0 °C with plant communities similar to modern pocosins developed on coastal plains in southeastern USA. The palynological assemblages from the MPLS-1 at Jóźwin IIB Lignite Opencast Mine show palaeofloristic cyclicality. In the studied section, five cycles were identified, dominated by swamp forests (Taxodium/Glyptostrobus–Nyssa) similar to modern forests in southeastern USA and China. The climate at that time was warm temperate and humid (MAT = 15.7–20.5 °C) based on CA application. This is consistent with the significant contribution of warm temperate plants, typical of mixed mesophilous forests, which grew in the vicinity of the swamp forests. The results of geochemical analyses are generally in agreement with palaeobotanical studies, indicating angiosperm dominated the peat-forming vegetation. However, the geochemically-derived average temperature ranges of ca. 24.2–25.0 °C, based on the carbon preference index (CPI), is significantly higher. These differences between palynologically- and geochemically-derived MATs can be explained by the influence of changes in vegetation on the CPI values. The periodic contribution of algae and microorganisms to the biomass while the water table was raised is indicated by elevated abundances of short-chain n -FAs. In contrast, under acidic conditions, bacterial activity was limited, as indicated by ββ/(ββ + αβ) hopane ratios and low sulfur content. Based on sedimentological data, the MPLS-1 was mainly formed either proximal (Jóźwin IIB, Tomisławice) or more distal (Adamów) to the river channels as evidenced by the presence or absence of siliciclastic partings within the MPLS-1. In summary, the MPLS-1 accumulated mostly as low-lying mires under freshwater conditions, corresponding to the last peak of the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum and to the period thereafter when the climate showed a cooling trend. Our findings are placed in the context of palaeotectonics and palaeoclimates at regional and global scales. [Display omitted] • The first Mid-Polish Lignite Seam (MPLS-1) is mined in opencasts of central Poland. • This seam was originally developed in the dominant part as a low-lying mire. • The MPLS-1 was formed at different distances from the mid-Miocene river channels. • Tectonic and climatic changes had a decisive impact on the creation of the MPLS-1. • Its formation commenced during the last peak of the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]