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Amber and plant remains were discovered in the lower Cenomanian lignitic clay from La Gripperie-Saint-Symphorien (Charente-Maritime, western France). The amber mainly consists of scarce and infracentimetric pieces showing a wide range of sizes and colours. The shape of the amber grains greatly varies, including more or less cylindrical fragments of flows and spherical drops. Plants consist of foliar remains corresponding to isolated pinnae and pinnules of ferns (Matonia sp., Weichselia reticulata (Stokes & Webb, 1824) Fontaine emend. Alvin, 1971), leafy axes of conifers (Geinitzia reichenbachii (Geinitz, 1842) Hollick & Jeffrey, 1909, Pagiophyllum sp.) and leaves of angiosperms (including cf. Eucalyptolaurus depreii Coiffard, B.Gomez, Thiébaut & J.Kvaček and three morphotypes of undeterminable leaves). They are preserved as isolated cuticles, charcoalified compressions without cuticle, and external casts. Angiosperms are clearly the most abundant and diverse remains of the plant assemblage. This latter contrasts with most of Albian-Cenomanian coastal floras from the Aquitaine Basin, which are dominated by gymnosperms characterised by xeromorphic adaptations and tolerating halophytic conditions. Similar to the coeval sites of Puy-Puy (Charente-Maritime) and Jaunay-Clan (Vienne), the plant-rich clay from La Gripperie-Saint-Symphorien was probably deposited in innermost coastal environments heavily influenced by inland/continental freshwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isolated trunk vertebrae from the ?uppermost Albian–lower Cenomanian Kem Kem beds of Morocco are described and assigned to Lapparentophis , an early snake genus known from coeval deposits in Algeria. The Moroccan specimens represent a new species, Lapparentophis ragei , which can be distinguished from the type and only known species, Lapparentophis defrennei , by its smaller size, its more elongate vertebrae, the presence of parazygosphenal foramina, and paradiapophyses extending anteroventrally closer to the cotyle. The discovery of Lapparentophis in the Kem Kem beds adds to the relatively diverse snake assemblage previously reported from this formation and extends the geographical range of the genus. The distribution of Lapparentophis and lapparentophiid-grade (?lapparentophiid) snakes is discussed. This poorly known family of terrestrial snakes seems to be restricted to the latest Albian–early Cenomanian of North Africa, with the exception of Pouitella from the early–middle Cenomanian of France. As for many other vertebrate taxa of this period, this distribution is consistent with a dispersal event from Africa to the western part of the European archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossils belonging to Ripidiinae are rare. Here, we describe and figure a remarkable new genus and species of Ripidiinae, Protoripidius burmiticus gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. Protoripidius can be placed in the extant subfamily Ripidiinae based on the widely separated and abbreviated elytra (in male), unfolded hind wings, simple claws and the absence of tibial spurs. Protoripidius bears many transitional features shedding new light on the relationships of the two extant tribes of Ripidiinae. The discovery also highlights the palaeodiversity of the subfamily Ripidiinae in the mid-Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Truyolsodontos estauni n. gen., n. sp. is described based on fossil teeth from the middle and upper Cenomanian of northern Spain. The species Protoscyliorhinus magnus Landemaine, 1991 is withdrawn from the genus Protoscyliorhinus and placed in this new one. For the new genus, the new family Truyolsodontidae is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species from the subfamily Pemphredoninae (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) is described from the Upper Cretaceous amber of Myanmar, commonly known as Burmese amber. A complete, illustrated description is provided. Colmepsiterona cumcarena n. gen. et sp. represents the third record of the subfamily in the deposit, as well as the tenth of the family Crabronidae in Mesozoic. This taxon is morphologically close to Cretospilomena familiaris , previously described in the same deposit. However, although numerous features are shared, a number of unique features justify the proposition of a new genus. The co-occurrence of three specimens belonging to the same taxon could be interpreted as an example of a social behavior, compact nesting behavior, or possibly a sexual congregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cenomanian clay lens in Hucheloup Quarry (Maine-et-Loire, north-western France) has yielded 82 foliar compressions and impressions, of which 62 were identified at several taxonomic levels. The plants are ascribed to diverse Pinales (27%), ferns (27%), Ginkgoales (26%), angiosperms (19%) and Cycadales (1%). The most abundant species in the assemblage are Frenelopsis alata (K. Feistmantel) E. Knobloch emend. J. Kvaček (Pinales) and Eretmophyllum obtusum (Velenovský) J. Kvaček (syn. E. andegavense Pons, Bourreau et Broutin) (Ginkgoales). Wood fragments, along with very well-preserved cuticles, have also been recovered and identified. The specimens are usually very fragmentary, indicating that they had been transported over a significant distance before deposition. The Hucheloup clay was probably deposited in a brackish lagoon or in the lower part of an estuary, possibly in an abandoned channel or on a sandbar. The allochthonous flora represents at least two plant communities that developed in a subtropical–tropical climate, and along a salinity gradient in the vicinity of a fluvial network. Use of the fossil-genus Eretmophyllum Thomas emend. Harris in Harris et al . is considered to be the correct choice for ginkgoalean leaves within European Cenomanian deposits; the genus Nehvizdya Hluštík is regarded as a junior synonym. The clay lens has also yielded a palynological assemblage. Although lacking unequivocal indicators of this age and including some taxa that are more typical of older rocks, the composition of the associated, very small megaspore assemblage recovered is consistent with a Cenomanian determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé Les huîtres de la Formation des Marnes à Pycnodonte biauriculata , Cénomanien supérieur (biozone à Guerangeri), dont un échantillon significatif a été collecté dans un chantier de terrassement de la ville du Mans (Sarthe, France) portent des épiskeletobiontes (encroûtants) et des endoskeletobiontes (perforants). Les premiers comprennent des bivalves, des polychètes, des foraminifères et des bryozoaires. Les seconds sont représentés par une quinzaine environ d’ichnotaxons dont les producteurs, lorsqu’ils sont connus, se répartissent entre une dizaine de taxons. Les huîtres, dont certaines montrent une large surface de fixation, sont allochtones ou au moins paraautochtones. L’implantation des sclérobiontes a commencé du vivant de l’huître ( Entobia isp.) et s’est poursuivie sur les valves isolées, transportées dans le milieu de dépôt final ( Gnathichnus pentax ). La signification de la coexistence des ichnocénoses à Entobia et à Gnathichnus est discutée. Oysters of the Marnes à Pycnodonte biauriculata Formation, Upper Cenomanian (Guerangeri biozone) were significantly sampled in building works within the town of Le Mans (Sarthe, France). They are colonized by episkeletobionts (encrusting organisms) and endoskeletobionts (boring and bioeroding organisms). First ones include bivalves, polychaetes, foraminiferans and bryozoans. Second ones are represented by about fifteen ichnotaxa, the producers of which, when they are known, belong to ten taxa. The oysters, some of which have a large fixation surface, are allochtonous or at least parautochtonous. The settlement of sclerobionts began when the oysters were alive ( Entobia isp.) and continued post-mortem on isolated valves, transported in their final depositional environment ( Gnathichnus pentax ). The significance of the coexistence of both Entobia and Gnathichnus ichnocoenosis is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the southwestern part of Algeria, the Cenomanian-Turonian marine deposits build up a prominent ledge in a perched syncline (Ksour Mountains, western Saharan Atlas) or at high radius of curvature (Guir Basin). The petrographical analysis of the Cenomanian-Turonian deposits of the Ksour Mountains and of the Guir Basin reveals unexpected assemblages of roveacrinoidal ossicles comparable with those formerly reported from the Tinrhert area. For the first time, isolated ossicles of genuine and undisputable Roveacrinidae are illustrated. Three sections, Djebel Rhoundjaia (western Saharan Atlas), Berridel and Kénadsa (Guir Basin), were scrutinized to recognize the microcrinoidal sections within the carbonate microfacies and to compile the successive occurrence of respective roveacrinid taxa (besides the classical search for standard index microfossils) in an attempt to pinpoint more precisely the position of the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary (C/T B). These assemblages are particularly morphologically and taxonomically diverse with three species of genus Roveacrinus and one of genus Orthogonocrinus . The presence of Saccocomidae ( Applinocrinus ) is especially unusual in such stratigraphic levels. The relative abundance and diversity of Roveacrinidae evidence a peak when approaching the C/T B. Such an event is recurring in the latest Cenomanian in various Tethyan and Atlantic areas. These fluctuations are consistent with a high surface-water productivity just before the C/T B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abundant odonatans have been discovered from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, and Burma has played an important role in early damselfly diversification during the mid-Cretaceous. In this paper, a new damselfly, Palaeodisparoneura cretacica sp. nov., is described from Burmese amber. It is the second species of the extinct genus Palaeodisparoneura Poinar, Bechly et Buckley, 2010. P. cretacica sp. nov. differs from P. burmanica Poinar, Bechly et Buckley, 2010 in having more postnodal and postsubnodal crossveins, the base of IR1 being more cells distal of the base of RP2, a hyaline pterostigma and a longer RP3/4. Our find increases the diversity of damselflies during the mid-Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A remarkably specialized parasitoid wasp of the family Scelionidae (Platygastroidea) is described and figured from mid-Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of the Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar. Geoscelio mckellari Engel and Huang, gen. et sp. nov., is unique for its combination of a compact body, 12 antennal flagellomeres, a 1-2-2 tibial spur formula, a distinct malar sulcus, deeply impressed notauli, complete reduction of the wings, and basal crenulae on the metasomal terga and sterna, among many other features, and is placed within a separate tribe, Geoscelionini Engel and Huang, trib. nov. This is the first flightless species of Platygastroidea known from the Mesozoic, and its affinities with other Mesozoic and extant lineages are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mid. Cenomanian terebratulid brachiopod Sellithyris cenomanensis Gaspard, 1982 displays preserved residual colour patterns as pale radial bandings. A parallel is made with the common Triassic Coenothyris vulgaris (Schlotheim, 1820) and some extant species. The colour pattern is unequal comparing the dorsal and ventral valves of one specimen, and in the representatives of a sampled population. This ornamentation, not easily detected, is highlighted using ultraviolet (UV) light. Considerations concerning the pigments involved, their function and at least their alteration over time are tentatively analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Upper Cenomanian cover of the Palaeozoic Mouthoumet Massif (southern Corbières, Aude, France), on the southern flank of the Bézu anticline, shows accumulations of large platy corals. However, while being already presented in stratigraphic, palaeoecological and sedimentological contexts, these organisms have not been the subject of a palaeontological study. The coral fauna encompasses 16 species of the families Leptophylliidae, Microsolenidae, and Siderastraeidae and is here presented in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rich Cenomanian assemblage of tube-dwelling polychaete worms of the families Sabellidae and Serpulidae from Le Mans region (Sarthe) is described in detail for the first time in one place; the systematics and the palaeoecology of the species are discussed. The 19 species described belong to 12 genera: Glomerula Brünnich Nielsen, 1931; Filograna Berkeley, 1835; Protula Risso, 1826; Filogranula Langerhans, 1884; Serpula Linnaeus, 1758; Cementula Brünnich Nielsen, 1931; Neovermilia Day, 1961; Dorsoserpula Parsch, 1956; Mucroserpula Regenhardt, 1961; Placostegus Philippi, 1844; Cycloplacostegus Jäger, 2005; Pyrgopolon de Montfort, 1808. Two new species are described: Serpula ? pseudoserpentina sp. nov. and Pyrgopolon ( Septenaria ) cenomanensis sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenomanian witnessed a spectacular evolutionary radiation of cheilostome bryozoans, both in terms of species diversity and morphological disparity. However, Cenomanian cheilostome faunas are inadequately known. Twelve species of cheilostome bryozoans are here described from the Cenomanian Beer Head Limestone Formation of SE Devon, England, a nearshore facies of limestones and sands. Two of the cheilostome species are new – Wilbertopora manubriformis sp. nov. and Foratella cervisia sp. nov. – and five cannot be identified beyond genus level. Syntypes of Foratella forata (d’Orbigny, 1853), the Senonian type species of Foratella Canu, 1900, are illustrated using SEM and a lectotype is chosen. All of the species present are neocheilostomes, which were larval brooders. Compared with the non-brooding malacostegans that dominate pre-Cenomanian faunas, most species have avicularia and extensive frontal walls, features probably adaptive against small predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the eastern part of the saharan platform, the Cenomanian-Turonian marine deposits are lying conformably on the red detrital sediments of the so-called Infra-Cenomanian series. In the Hamada de Tinrhert (SE Algeria), the Cretaceous ledges are displaying over great distances a fine-detailed log of the upper Cenomanian-lower Turonian carbonates overlying the lower-middle Cenomanian red-and-greenish gypsum clays. Two sections, Bordj Omar Driss and Oued Takouazet, were thoroughly analyzed to define more precisely the stratigraphical position of the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary (C/TB) in this area. Microfacies analysis of indurated carbonates documented the constant occurrence of roveacrinidal sections on both sides of the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. Though none of the identified taxa allows to characterize specifically which side of the C/T boundary, their quantitative fluctuations are consistent with those already documented in neighbouring areas and farther beyond. An especially rich and rather constant level, at the top of the coeval Plenus Zone (belemnite biozonation, Boreal realm), occurs close to the Heterohelix event. This conspicuous level provides a supplementary proximity proxy for the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary that should be later on confirmed by the associated ammonites and correlated with the standard reference zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les niveaux inférieurs du Cénomanien de la région de Batna (NE, Algérie) constituent la partie du Cénomanien la plus riche et la plus diversifiée en matière de macro-invertébrés, essentiellement dominés par le groupe des bivalves en termes de spécimens et de taxons. Parmi les bivalves, les Crassatellidae sont exclusivement présents dans les niveaux inférieurs du Cénomanien et représentés par la seule espèce Crassatella baudeti. Cette dernière, facilement identifiable par sa forme d'ancre, et ses lamelles commarginales assez fortes, s'avère très abondante. Elle est présente dans les niveaux compris depuis la sous-zone à Sharpeiceras schlueteri jusqu'à la zone à Cunningtoniceras inerme. Cette espèce est, par conséquent, un bon marqueur des derniers niveaux du Cénomanien inférieur et le début du Cénomanien moyen. Une description paléontologique et une discussion environnementale précises ont été réalisées. Ainsi, Cr. baudeti serait révélatrice d'un environnement peu profond, avec des eaux froides mais calmes, une salinité normale et un substrat modérément mou. Retrouvée uniquement dans quelques sites téthysiens, la présence exclusive de Cr. baudeti dans le Cénomanien reflète un gradient thermique et une zonation climatique spécifiques. The lower Cenomanian strata from the Batna region (NE Algeria) constitute the richest and most diversified deposits in terms of macro-invertebrates, mainly dominated by bivalves both in terms of specimens and taxa. Among them, Crassatellidae are restricted to the lower Cenomanian stratigraphical levels. They are represented by the single species Crassatella baudeti. The species is easily distinguished by its flattened boat anchor shape and quite strong commarginal lamellae, and is very abundant. It is present in levels ranging from Sharpeiceras schlueteri Subzone to Cunningtoniceras inerme Zone. The species is, therefore, a good marker of the last levels of the lower Cenomanian and the beginning of the midlle Cenomanian. A precise palaeontological description and an environmental discussion were conducted. Thus, Cr. baudeti would be indicative of a shallow environment, with cold but calm waters, normal salinity and moderately soft substrate. Recorded exclusively from the Cenomanian of a few Tethys localities, the exclusive presence of Cr. baudeti reflects a specific thermal gradient and climatic zonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: La commune d’Ecouflant (Maine-et-Loire, France) présente les seuls sites d’Anjou qui permettent d’étudier les lignites du Cénomanien inférieur et l’ambre qui y est associé. La carrière historique du Brouillard est celle qui a été la plus étudiée par le passé, mais est aujourd’hui en grande partie remblayée. Les échantillons d’ambre qui en proviennent ne contiennent pas d’arthropodes et sont très pauvres en microorganismes, à l’exception de filaments bactériens et de quelques microinclusions végétales. La carrière de Hucheloup présente encore de larges affleurements, pauvres en ambre, mais riches en plantes fossiles et en empreintes de mollusques bivalves. La série sédimentaire et le contenu fossile des argiles lignitifères témoignent de milieux de dépôt estuariens ou littoraux, à salinité variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Les mines de lignite du Cénomanien du Sarladais (Dordogne, France) étaient connues depuis longtemps sur le plan géologique. La présence d’ambre y avait été ponctuellement signalée, mais aucun échantillon n’était disponible. Les récentes investigations qui ont porté sur les anciennes exploitations ont permis de récolter des grains d’ambre de petite taille, surtout extraits des déblais de mines. Les grains présentent le plus souvent une forme de goutte plus ou moins allongée et apparaissent globalement translucides, les parties opaques des grains correspondant à des colonisations de micro-organismes filamenteux qui restent à étudier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The extinct, exclusively Cretaceous wasp family Maimetshidae is newly recorded from Earliest Cenomanian Burmese amber. Two new genera and species are described. Burmaimetsha concava gen. et sp. nov., based on a male and a female, is most similar to Guyotemaimetsha Perrichot, Nel & Néraudeau, from Albian-Cenomanian French amber, but differs in its larger mandibles, distinctly concave face, elongate antennomeres, and forewing with cell [1Rs] smaller and fourth abscissa of Rs shorter. Maimetshasia kachinensis gen. et sp. nov., is based on a male, and is characterized by asymmetric mandibles with two and three teeth, by its forewing venation without cross-vein 2rs-m, with cell [1M] large and trapezoidal, and vein 2Rs+M very short, and by the hind wing without a free apex of Rs. The family was evidently widespread in the Cretaceous, and the new records extend the paleobiogeographical range to the South-East of Eurasia. A discussion about the possible biology of Maimetshidae is provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Cenomanian-Turonian sequence is well exposed in western central Sinai and contains a considerable number of rudist species. The identified rudists belong to Radiolitidae, Hippuritidae and Requieniidae. Fifteen species are described, belonging to ten genera: Requienia, Toucasia, Apricardia, Radiolites, Eoradiolites, Praeradiolites, Sphaerulites, Sauvagesia, Hippurites, and Vaccinites. Eleven species are reported in the Cenomanian and four species in the Turonian. Within the Cenomanian, two new species are described: Requienia tortuosi and Eoradiolites lenisexternus. The genus Requienia and the species Apricardia carentonenis d’Orbigny, Eoradiolites syriacus (Conrad), Sphaerulites agariciformis Delamétherie, Sphaerulites depressus Blanckenhorn and Vaccinites cf. grossouvrei (Douvillé) are reported for the first time from Egypt. The Cenomanian and Turonian rudists in the western Sinai show either elevator or clinger morphotypes, with the predominance of the former type; recumbent mode of life is rarely represented by some Requieniidae. The elevators are of isolated and clustered occurrences and more represented in the Cenomanian sequence. Rudists of the study area are mainly of parautochthonous fabrics with low to dense packing. Autochthonous fabrics are also achieved by some species, mainly in the Turonian. The disappearance of rudists from the middle part of the sequence and above the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary is due to a deeper setting that resulted from sea-level rise or seafloor subsidence (shelf drowning). The occurrence of rudists with oysters and other benthic fossils in the siliciclastic and carbonate sediments of the Cenomanian and Turonian sedimentary rocks in the Sinai indicate that the sequence was deposited on a broad, shallow shelf. Although the first marine transgression invaded the central Sinai in the late Cenomanian, transgressive deepening conditions continued until the Turonian. The rudists of central Sinai are of Tethyan affinity with significant relation with North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The material belonging to the holotype of Rayososaurus agrioensis Bonaparte is redescribed. The great development of the acromion process, directed in a markedly posterior direction, and the ventral margin of the scapula with a strong ventrodistal expansion, interpreted as autapomorphies of the taxon, justify the validity of the species. Although the material is rather fragmentary, the racquet-shaped scapula, the distal expansion positioned at the same height as the proximal expansion, and the well-developed acromion process allow the taxon to be included within Rebbachisauridae. At the same time, the angle of less than 90̊ between the coracoid articulation and the scapular blade, together with the great development of the acromion process of the scapula, justify its inclusion in a clade situated as a sister group of Cathartesaura. On the basis of the stratigraphic calibration of the phylogenetic analysis, an important diversification event of the rebbachisaurids is deduced during the Hauterivian-Barremian. In this context, the presence of two monophyletic groups, one of which comprises African-European taxa and the other South American taxa, would place the definitive separation of South America and Africa within this time interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Some isolated teeth of theropod and sauropod dinosaurs from the Cenomanian (Late Cretaceous) of Charentes are described. Two new teeth of Troodontidae confirm the presence of this theropod family, previously based on a single specimen. New dental morphotypes are recognized within Dromaeosauridae and Brachiosauridae in comparison with those already known from Charentes. Lastly, a very small tooth is tentatively assigned to an embryonic or neonatal sauropod. The palaeobiogeographical history of European hadrosauroids is briefly discussed. This history was probably more complex than it appears, involving exchanges with both North America and Asia as early as the mid-Cretaceous (Albian–Cenomanian). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: New asteroid remains (infero- and superomarginal ossicles) from Cenomanian to Lower Turonian strata have been collected during the last ten years in Charente-Maritime (SW France). This previously undescribed material allows firstly, to precise the specific status of taxa imperfectly known, such as Hadranderaster simplex, Cymbaster dolmeni and Pycinaster humilis previously identified as Hadranderaster sp., ? Nymphaster cf. dolmeni and P. cf. humilis; secondly, to identify the presence in the Mid-Cretaceous of Charente-Maritime of taxa known only until recently from Germany and Northern Europe, such as Metopaster thoracifer; thirdly, to describe six new taxa (Metopaster elongatus, M. medius, Parametopaster villieri, Fredaster guyaderi, Caletaser romani dominae, C. romani romani). Finally, the large available material allows to identify intermediate morphotypes between the Cenomanian species Calliderma moreaui and its Turonian relative C. viaudi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The exploitation of a third part of the sand quarry of Font-Benon (Archingeay–Les Nouillers, southwestern France) has exposed a clay lens bearing a massive accumulation of plant macro- and mesoremains. From the stratigraphic point of view, this lens corresponds to sub-unit A2sm1–2 dated as Lowermost Cenomanian in age. The plant assemblage is remarkable by low fragmentation, association of vegetative and reproductive organs of the same taxa, and by the quality of histological cuticle preservations. The plant remains were accumulated close to the producing plants and deposited in paralic, calm and brackish environment, probably of conifer-dominated type mangrove. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue de Micropaleontologie is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: As part of a study of the Cenomanian–Coniacian sedimentary succession in the Sergipe Basin in northeastern Brazil, microfacies analyses were tested for possible chronostratigraphic application. The common and widespread remains of roveacrinid echinoderms proved useful for intrabasinal biochronostratigraphy. Local dolomitization in the basin, which destroyed most other fossil remains, left the magnesian-calcitic roveacrinid skeletons largely unaffected. Thus, where diagnostic fossils are scarce or lacking, roveacrinids may provide an ancillary means of chronostratigraphic correlation. The forms recorded from Sergipe are described, and a stratigraphic range chart is presented for intrabasinal application, with the possibility of regional or even global correlation either qualitatively (presence/absence patterns) or quantitatively (eco-event patterns). Several roveacrinid abundance horizons have been reported worldwide in relation to sea level changes and associated hypoxic events, during which roveacrinids developed abundant opportunistic populations. The present study of the Sergipe Basin provides a basis for comparisons and correlations of roveacrinid occurrences in the mid-Cretaceous succession of the South Atlantic continental margin basins and ODP/DSDP drill cores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new continental and coastal vertebrate locality in the Early Cenomanian of Fouras (Charente-Maritime, southwestern France). The Cretaceous period represents crucial times in vertebrate evolution, notably with the emergence of modern mammal groups. In Europe, continental formations are restricted to the basal and Latest Cretaceous (Wealdian and Campano-Maastrichtian). Concerning the middle part of the Cretaceous, continental vertebrate faunas are poorly known, generally through some particular assemblages deposited in paralic environments and mostly composed of microremains. Such a deposit, recently found in the Early Cenomanian of Fouras (Fouras-Vauban locality, Charente-Maritime, southwestern France), has yielded a rich association, improving our knowledge. Beside abundant coastal fish remains, tetrapods are represented by chelonians, crocodilians, ophidians, plesiosaurs, pterosaurs, and dinosaurs. The occurrence at Fouras-Vauban of certain typical Gondwanan forms (the freshwater shark Tribodus and a zyphodont crocodilian close to Hamadasuchus) allows us to discuss about the palaeobiogeographical affinities of faunas living in the European archipelago during the Mid-Cretaceous and the trans-Tethyan ways of communication between Western Europe and North Africa. To cite this article: R. Vullo et al., C.R.Palevol 4 (2005) . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oysters from lignitic deposits of the Mid-Cretaceous of southwestern France (Charentes and Sarladais regions). The study of the Aquitaine Basin border (Charentes and Sarladais) makes the census of several lignitic outcrops in the Albo-Cenomanian series. Three oysters species are usually associated with these paralic deposits. These taxa are revised for their systematic and palaeoecological features. Acutostrea lingularis is the most-typical brackish species and is especially abundant in massive lignitic wood accumulations. Gyrostrea delettrei is a small robust species that is able to colonize high-hydrodynamics estuarine channels with wood deposits. Striostrea sp., belonging to a Recent genus, is well developed on various terrigenous substrates with wood fragments from euryhaline palaeoenvironments. To cite this article: B. Videt, J.-P. Platel, C. R. Palevol 4 (2005) . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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In the eastern Saharan Atlas, particularly in the northern area of Tebessa Province (NE Algeria), the widely outcropping Cenomanian strata display a highly diversified macrofauna, among which bivalves are prominently represented. Twenty-eight bivalve species are here reported for the first time from the Cenomanian of Hameimat Massifs. Based on the stratigraphic distribution of these bivalves, five bivalve zones were recognized, i.e., Costagyra olisiponensis - Gyrostrea delettrei , Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum - Exogyra conica , Ceratostreon flabellatum , Ilymatogyra africana , and Pycnodonte vesicularis vesiculosa - Rastellum carinatum zones. Correlation to the ammonite biozones of the same region as follows: the Costagyra olisiponensis - Gyrostrea delettrei and the Rhynchostreon suborbiculatum - Exogyra conica zones occur respectively in the Sharpeiceras schlueteri and Mantelliceras saxbii subzones of the lower Cenomanian Mantelliceras mantelli Zone. The Ceratostreon flabellatum Zone is correlated with the middle Cenomanian Acanthoceras rhotomagense Zone. The Ilymatogyra africana Zone is correlated with the upper Cenomanian Calycoceras naviculare and the Metoicoceras geslinianum zones. Finally, the Pycnodonte vesicularis vesiculosa - Rastellum carinatum Zone represents the uppermost Cenomanian. Detailed analysis of biometrical and morphological features of these bivalve specimens provides the most reliable tool within the scope of palaeo-environmental reconstitution and the many palaeo-ecological variables that had driven the development and distribution of these macro-invertebrates. Comparison of these new data to those of adjacent south Tethyian areas supports the homogeneity of the Cenomanian bivalve faunas. Such an affinity underlines more vividly the favorable marine communications and currents driving the geographic dispersal of these bivalves during the Cenomanian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cenomanian Smail Marl Formation in the Bellezma and Aures mountains of northeastern Algeria is well exposed and rich in macroinvertebrates, including cephalopods. Twenty-five ammonite species and two nautiloid species from the Thénièt El Manchar, Djebel Metrassi and Djebel Bouarif sections are described and seven assemblage zones proposed as provisional working units: Mantelliceras mantelli–Sharpeiceras laticlavium Assemblage Zone (lower Cenomanian), Mantelliceras dixoni Assemblage Zone (uppermost lower Cenomanian), Cunningtoniceras inerme Assemblage Zone (lower middle Cenomanian), Acanthoceras rhotomagense and Acanthoceras cf. rhotomagense Assemblage Zone (middle middle Cenomanian), Acanthoceras amphibolum Assemblage Zone (upper middle Cenomanian), Acanthoceras jukesbrownei Assemblage Zone (uppermost middle Cenomanian), and Neolobites vibrayeanus Assemblage Zone (lower upper Cenomanian). The lower Cenomanian Mantelliceras mantelli–Sharpeiceras laticlavium Zone is subdivided into the Submantelliceras aumalense , Sharpeiceras schlueteri and Mantelliceras saxbii subzones. The base of the middle Cenomanian is marked by the disappearance of species of Mantelliceras and the appearance of the scleractinian coral Aspidiscus cristatus (Lamarck, 1801) , associated with Cunningtoniceras inerme (Pervinquière, 1907). The middle Cenomanian contains abundant A. cristatus and species of Acanthoceras , i.e., A. cf. rhotomagense (Defrance in Brongniart, 1822), A. jukesbrownei (Spath, 1926) and A. amphibolum Morrow, 1935. An ammonite zonal scheme is then applied to the Cenomanian exposed in the Bellezma-Aures mountains located on the southern Tethys margin in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the Cenomanian–early Turonian ostracods in the southern Sinai, Egypt. The investigated sequence includes the Raha and Abu Qada formations. The Raha Formation consists of distinctive Cenomanian taxa such as Cytherella aegyptiensis , Veeniacythereis maghrebensis , V. jezzineensis , V. streblolophata streblolophata , Monoceratina trituberculata , and Glenocythere reticulata. Based on the ostracod species, four local biozones are recognized, including Veeniacythereis jezzineensis – Metacythereopteron berbericum , Cytherella eosulcata – Xestoleberis derorimensis , Amphicytherura ziregensis and Perissocytheridea istriana – Cythereis fahrioni. The paleobiogeography of the considered ostracods suggests that there are two bioprovinces, the first of which is the North African province and includes Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria. The second bioprovince represents the Middle East province and includes Lebanon, Oman and Iran. The strong resemblance between the two bioprovince indicates a relatively good communication along the margin of Southern Tethys during the Cenomanian and improved marine ostracod exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le Crétacé supérieur de la partie orientale des Monts des Ksour (Atlas saharien, Algérie) est classiquement subdivisé en trois formations lithostratigraphiques fossilifères : El Rhelida (Cénomanien inférieur), Mdaouer (Cénomanien inférieur-moyen) et Rhoundjaïa (Cénomanien supérieur-Turonien inférieur). La partie occidentale des Monts des Ksour, moins documentée et peu étudiée à ce jour, fait l'objet ici d'une étude sédimentologique et paléontologique détaillée. À Hassi Djeifa (région de Forthassa), le Crétacé supérieur est représenté par la partie supérieure de la Formation de Mdaouer puis par la Formation de Rhoundjaïa. Les dépôts attribués à la Formation de Mdaouer sont constitués de marnes rougeâtres ou verdâtres, intercalées de calcaires bio-laminés, de calcaires bioclastiques à gastéropodes et bivalves et de grès. Les niveaux marneux ont livré une faune composée d'ostracodes (Damonella spp., Ilyocypris ? sp., Cypridea sp. et Paracypria ? sp.), de sélaciens (Mafdetia tibniensis et Baharipristis bastetiae) et de pycnodontiformes. Les deux espèces de sélaciens (Ordre des Rajiformes) n'étaient jusqu'ici connues que du Cénomanien inférieur d'Egypte. Les données sédimentologiques et paléontologiques suggèrent un âge cénomanien inférieur probable pour les dépôts étudiés et indiquent un paléo-environnement de plaine côtière continuellement influencée par l'action de marées. The upper Cretaceous of the eastern part of the Ksour Mountains (Western Saharan Atlas, Algeria) is classically subdivided into three fossiliferous lithostratigraphic formations: El Rhelida (lower Cenomanian), Mdaouer (lower-middle Cenomanian) and Rhoundjaïa (upper Cenomanian-lower Turonian). The western part of the Ksour Mountains, which is less documented and poorly known, is here the subject of a detailed sedimentological and palaeontological study. Near Hassi Djeifa locality (Forthassa) the upper Cretaceous is represented by the upper part of Mdaouer Formation and by the lowermost part of Rhoundjaïa Formation. The deposits attributed to the Mdaouer Formation are composed of reddish or green marlstone intercalated by biolaminated limestone, bioclastic limestone with gastropods and bivalves, and sandstone. The selachians (Mafdetia tibniensis , Baharipristis bastetiae), pycnodontiform fishes, and ostracod fauna (Damonella spp., Ilyocypris ? sp., Cypridea sp., Paracypria ? sp.) coming from marly beds are studied in detail. The two selachian species (Order of Rajiformes) were so far restricted to the Early Cenomanian of Egypt. Our sedimentological and palaeontological data support a probable Early Cenomanian age of the studied deposits and indicate a coastal plain palaeoenvironment continually influenced by the action of tide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]