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Nummulites tests (N. perforatis, N. maximus, N. dufrenoyi) are rarely abraded and toward the top of the succession their tests are getting larger and flatter. Imbrication suggests transport and hydraulic separation of A and B forms (changes in energy condition in area from lower to higher!) during the Bartonian. The structure of biofabrics during Bartonian implies changes in energy within allochthonous assemblages, possible relation to sea-level change in depositional setting.

This contribution presents new data on the marine Paleogene of Montenegro, focussing on the larger foraminifera. Several age-diagnostic species and assemblages, along with spectacular very large- sized tests of Nummulites maximus D'ARCHIAC, 1850 are presented and correlated with.

The Adriatic region is considered as a hot spot for genus Alveolina. They proved to e good biostratigraphic markers, and many SBZ have been defined upon them. In addition, they show paleogeographic preferences as well great ability of adaptations regarding ecological conditions in shallow-water environments.

This year (2018) we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication the 'Larger foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Tethyan Paleocene and Eocene' by Serra-Kiel and co-authors (1998), well-known for introducing 20 SBZ (= Shallow Benthic Zones), ranging from K/Pg boundary up to the Eocene/Oligocene boundary. This standart Paleogene biozonation is based on 400 index taxa of alveolinids (99), nummulitids (120), assilinas (41), orthophragminids (71), agglutinated species (14), porcelaneous species (24) and hyaline species (31) and is widely used from the Western Mediterranean Neo-Tethys to Assam and Tibet. The present work focusses on the alveolinids of the Adriatic region, from the outcrops in the NW (Mt. Lessini, Friuli, Karst, Istria) towards the SE (Dalmatia, Herzegovina) and the Gargano Peninsula in Italy. It is based on various studies on alveolinids by K. Drobne et al. (2009), by H. Ibrahimpašić (2012) and on unpublished work on the assemblages of NE Italy. According to the data of Hottinger (1960) for the N and NE Italy, we prepared a table of revised species for the SBZ 4, SBZ 11, SBZ 12, SBZ 13, SBZ 14 and SBZ 17. 25 species are recorded, out of which 7 were described by G. Checchia–Rispoli and 8 by L. Hottinger. K. Drobne (1977) the 'Hauptalveolinenkalk' of G. Stache on the Karst, Čičarija, Istria and Kvarner areas. 94 species of Alveolina have been recorded, of which 23 were described first from this region, including A. laxa Hottinger and A. triestina Hottinger. The alveolinids were collected from 20 key- sections and outcrops, and possess index value for the Thanetian-Bartonian interval on the chronostratigraphic scale (Serra-Kiel et al., 1998). The same assemblages also occur in Dalmatia and Herzegovina (Drobne et al., 2011). As a side issue, and with a global perspective, we also plan a digital update (1998-2018) to the 'Paleogene Larger Foraminifera – Reference List' by J. Pignatti (1998). This publication, listing 4770 works dealing with Paleogene larger foraminifera, is also celebrating its 20th anniversary. We maintain that an update will be useful to larger foraminiferal workers worldwide.

The area of NE Slovenia and N Croatia, during the Late Eocene, paleogeographically speaking, was a zone where two regions, epicontinetal Peritethys, a predecessor sea of Paratethys and Mediterranean Tethys, were very close. A few studies about the role of Periadriatic tectonic zone as a seaway or migration route are available. The Priabonian age of deposits in four sections (Povlak, Šoštarica, Ravna gora and Višnjica, Ćosović et al., 2000a, b ; Drobne et al., 2000a, b) is defined by foraminifera (larger benthic, LBF and planktonic) and coccolithophorids. Diversified assemblages composed of LBF (Glomalveolina ungaroi, Sphaerogypsina globula, Nummulites fabianii, N. retiatus, N. incrassatus, Operculina gomezi, O. alpina, Halkyadria minima, Chapmanina gassinensis, Pellatispira madiraszi, Haddonia sp., Discocyclina radians, D. dispansa, Asterocyclina sp.) suggest deposition in euphotic to mesophotic, oligotrophic sea where, occasionally, algal/sea grasses covered sea- bottom. Distribution and diversity of corals, solitary and massive colonial confirmed that. Sediments where parallel (flat tests of discocylinids) and contact imbrications, along with abraded tests (ultimate whorl with minute fissures, test poles are truncated) occur, imply post-mortem transport of empty tests. In solving paleogeographic “puzzle” of the role of area, a presence of reticulate Nummulites, a distinctive group frequently used in biostratigraphy (Serra-Kiel et al., 1998) is important. The relative proportion of the inflate morphologies of N. fabianii test with diameter to thickness (D/T) ratio from 1.1 to 1.5 and flat tests of N. retiatus with D/T ratio from 2.1 to 3.0 indicates different hydrodynamic conditions. Even outer shelf facies recorded by greater proportion of flat nummulitids with parallel-oriented thin discocyclinids and surface dwelling planktonic, allowed foraminiferal migration and possible communication between two regions.

Paleogene strata in Herzegovina are exposed from Livno in the north to Metković in south, and west and east of the river Neretva. They occur in folded structures as isolated patches within Cretaceous rocks and in a hanging-wall of bauxite deposits. Their outcrops are NW-SE oriented and tectonically deformed. Their northern part is exposed in the southern slopes of the Čabulja and Velež Mountains, the eastern part along the Neretva, and the southern part in south and central Herzegovina with bauxite deposits (Hrvatović 2006, Jungwirt 2001). In Herzegovina the authors have a long experience in the study of large foraminifers, especially alveolinas and nummulites, conical foraminifers, large miliolides, planktonic foraminifera and nannoplakton (Slišković et al. 1978, Babić et al. 1985, Drobne & Šikić, 1986, Sakać et al. 1987). Research localities with a rather complete succession of beds were chosen from initiation of deposition to deepening and overlying by flysch beds. A special role was played by alveolinas that were traced from the NW part of Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform. They appear separately in two phylogenetic lines as Alveolina histrica > Alv. septentrionalis > Alv. rakoveci, only in Cuisian (Up.Ypresian) E1 = Lower Eocene), in the northern part of the platform. The second line belongs to Alveolina levantina > Alv croatica > Alv. hottingerina from Mid. Cuisian to Low. Lutetian, in the southern part to Greece. Their assemblage is quite uniform in the whole western part of the Central Tethys. We established in selected profiles: 1. Start of sedimentation: in the north and east of Neretva in Paleocene, and in southern Herzegovina in Cuisian - E1. 2. Alveolinas from the Alv. histrica line only in the northern arc, and alveolinas of the Alv. levantina line only in the southern part. 3. Gradual passages from platform regime to flysch occurred first in the north already in E1 after Ilerdian in Cuisian time, later in the southern part in E2 in Mid. or Up. Lutetian. In view of the common paleontological, stratigraphical and facial characteristics of strata on platforms, the model of BioZ 1-5 biosedimentary zones was introduced (Drobne et al. 2009). It enables a chronological zonation of the uniform platform into distinct units, their spatial delimitation, origin and subsidence through deepening. The model was applied for SW Slovenia and NE Italy. Accordingly it can be established in Herzegovina BiosZ 1 – in the north in the POTOČANI traverse with nannoplakton proving Paleocene, Selandian-Thanetian (after Ćorić), BiosZ 2 – in the north GORANCI traverse, east of Neretva GUBERAČA, PODVELEŽJE (Paleocene and Ilerdian), followed by flysch in the Cuisian, BiosZ 3 – in the north DOBRINJ, GRABOVA Draga and east of Neretva Stolac – HRGUD and Metković – SJEKOŠE traverses (Paleocene, Ilerdian and Cuisian), following by the flysch at the end of the Cuisian and in the Lower Lutetian (Charvet 1978, Drobne et al. 1986, Trutin et al. 2000), and BiosZ 4 – in the southern part, at KADIM, POSUŠJE with surroundings and ZAMAČE traverses (Mid. Cuisian to Mid. Lutetian), carbonates, followed by the transition to flysch are of Up. Lutetian and partly Bartonian age. With these BiosZ zones the Herzegovina Paleogene can be connected to the Dalmatian region and Adriatic islands toward Istria and Slovenia, and belongs to the common Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform (PgAdCP), marked A on the tectonic map by H. Hrvatović (cf. 2006), being exotic part of the Dinaric carbonate platform.

With a new series of shots in the X-ray tomographic techniques (CT), the study of fossil (Eocene and Miocene) and recent tests of Sphaerogypsina globulus (Reuss, 1848) sensu lato, sampled in the Adriatic Sea and adjacent coastal areas, have continued. The Eocene, Lutetian samples collected at the NW margin of the Central Neotethys (Benkovac) contain tests up to 2 mm in diameters, while specimens found in Priabonian deposits from the southern outskirts of the Eastern Alps (Šuštarica, Ravna Gora) and in the central Pannonian basin (Eger) are smaller, with diameters of 1.2 mm. In the Oligocene, Rupelian, sediments, deposited in the Slovenian corridor, area south of the E. Alps, known as representing transition between recessing Neotethys and emerging Pannonian Sea, (Gornji grad, Nova Štifta), foraminiferal tests areof1.1mm in diameter. Globular tests of Miocene, Badenian, specimens(Nussdorf, north of the E. Alps), originally described as bryozoan Ceriopora globulus by Reuss 1848, attained 1.2 mm in diameter. Comparison of tests diameters shows that Middle Eocene sphaerogypsinids had the largest tests among fossil taxa, implying that warm temperatures suited them a lot. The Oligocene tests, were smaller and the trend of decreasing in size persisted in the Miocene. Recent tests, although collected over decades from different places in the Adriatic Sea, just recently have been systematically sampled at Pakleni Is. (Hvar), Kornati archipelago and Mali Ćutin Is., and studied.The tests, with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 mm (an average of 0.6 to 0.8 mm), are very small in comparison with fossil forms. The life habitats, as type of substrate, light (sunny vs. shadowed areas) have been investigated, revealing that sphaerogypsinids prefer to live at water depth up to 50–60 m. Special attention is payed to find live specimens, which would provide the basis for DNA analysis. The application of micro- tomography contributed significantly in studying test internal structure, because virtual slicing of test micrometer by micrometer allow study of the finest changes in skeletal elements and their imaging or filming. In taxonomic study, the criteria defined in Illustrated Glossary by Hottinger (2006) are applied. Comparison of internal structures of fossil and recent tests show the following differences: the size of embryonic chambers, positions of nepiont, compacted or loose adult cycles, various diameters of the stacks ; and the similarity demonstrated by the ultimate way of forming the globular tests no matter how eccentric positions of proloculi are.

On the NW part of the Paleogene Adriatic Carbonate Platform (PgAd CP), beds from Maastrichtian to late Bartonian were deposited. The sedimentary succession consists of limestone and flysch. Previous investigations confirm the ages from SBZ 1 to SBZ 15 and planktonic zones from P1b-c to E 13. Regarding the Cretaceous paleogeographic basement drowning, three distinct sedimentary belts could be distinguished, delimited by faults or barriers of various origins. The purpose of the present contribution is the temporal definition based on foraminiferal assemblages. In each belt, the youngest assemblage of the shallow-water platform and the oldest assemblage of the deeper-water clastic deposits were determined. On the territory of PgAd CP this is the new attempt at defining the geologic boundaries by the successive appearance of benthic and planktonic foraminiferal groups. The entire Paleogene sedimentary complex lies in the footwall of the Frontal Zone of External Dinaric Thrust belt (Trnovo thrust series), which was related to L. Placer's "Hypothetic fault structure in the Adriatic-Dinaric Mesozoic Carbonate Platform in the continuation of the Budva Trough". After the last rotation of the entire Adria block, at the end of the Miocene and in the latest Pliocene, tectogenetic units formed, arranged from NE towards SW. 1) The Budva Trough with hemipelagic sediments at the Paleocene/Eocene boundary (P 5 - Subbotina velascoensis, Morozovella acuta, M. occlusa) and turbiditic deposits in the basin at the contact with the Dinarides from Goriška brda, Vipava/Pivka basin to Ilirska Bistrica, with numerous nummulites and Alveolina violae ; BiosZ 1. 2) Southwards follows the Kras – Brkini and Vinodol syncline with flora and fauna in lagoonal, shallow marine sediments from the K/T boundary to the Ilerdian/Cuisian passage (SBZ 8, 9). Typical are Alveolina triestina, A. brassica, A. montanarii, (SBZ 10) A. canavarii, A. schwageri. Among planktonic foraminifera appear (P 6/7, E 4/5) Acarinina pseudotopilensis, Morozovella subbotinae ; BiosZ 2. 3) Southward a narrow belt of limestones occurs in Ćićarija Imbricated zone with the same Paleocene and Ilerdian foraminifera, from Rosandra river to Voz peninsula (Island of Krk). Sedimentation continues without interruption from lower to upper Cuisian, extending in middle Cuisan southwards towards Istria. Larger foraminifera (SBZ 12) include the lineage of A. histrica with A. rakoveci, A. cuspidata. Marly and flysch beds of the lower Lutetian are characterized by (P 9/10, E 7/8) A. praetopilensis, A. bullbrooki, and M. aragonensis ; BiosZ 3/1, 2. 4) A parallel zone in the south, the imbricated Adria, is synchronously limited by Istrian dryland, the Adria basin open to east, and the Venetian basin to west. During the middle Cuisian a first transgression covers the land with lagoons, coal seams and bauxite pits. Deposits (SBZ 13, 14) of Alveolina nummulitic limestones follow the lineage of A. levantina, A. elliptica nuttalli, A. frumentiformis, Glomalveolina delicatissima, which pass into the youngest beds on the platform margin to nummulitic, assilina and orthofragmina limestones. They are overlain by Transitional beds and later by flysch, containing (E /10) Turborotalia possagnoensis and Hantkenina dumblei ; BiosZ 4/1, 2, known as the Dalmatian zone. 5) The boreholes of Istra more 5, 4 and 3 are located along the eastern rim of the Venetian basin. The hemipelagic sediments of Middle Eocene contain Morozovelloides crassatus, Acarinina mcgowrani, and in the Upper Eocene Turborotalia cocoaensis ; BiosZ 5. Fauna determined at the transition from the platform to flysch within the NW Paleogene tectogenetic units indicates a separated realm: a shallow carbonate platform with intraplatform barriers in the form of the archipelago extended across Friuli to the Trento platform, on the Lessini shelf, over the Venetian basin.

First, spherical to semi-spherical forms, ranging in diameter from 0.6 to 2 mm with a characteristic chess-board surface and common in Paleogene tropical shallow-water carbonates were described as bryozoans. Later, such forms were classified into the foraminiferal species Sphaerogypsina globulus. In a number of studies that followed, morphological variations of tests found in recent sediments and in rocks of different ages were reported (i.e. Miocene, Late Eocene and Recent). But, all globular gypsinids have been called S. globulus sensu lato because without detailed internal structural characterization, species identification of larger foraminifera is impossible. Without adequate test sections, making a link between Sphaerogypsina and stratigraphy was hampered, too. To obtain an oriented test section for the identification of Sphaerogypsina, which grows by adding chambers in alternated cycles, is difficult. Application of Xradia – ZEISS MicroXCT-400 on tests ranging from the Late Eocene (Hungary), Miocene (Austria) and Pliocene (Jamaica) to recent (Adriatic Sea, Red Sea and Atlantic) combined with studies of Middle Eocene (Jamaica, Venezuela) specimens performed by cathodoluminiscence and transmitted light microscope, document the complexity of test growth. Resolution on a micrometric scale displays the inner character such as the size and position of the embryonic chambers, size and shape of embryonic chambers, juvenile, adult and gerontic chamberlets, size of pores and radial stacked superimposed chamberlets. A biometric analysis of form reveals that: a) recent forms are smaller than fossil ones (Eocene A-forms attained up to 1.85 mm in diameter, Miocene 1.1 mm, recent ones vary from 0.56 to 0.9 mm) ; b) diameters of embryonic cycles have more or less constant values (Eocene of 0.21 mm, Miocene 0.21 mm and recent 0.19 to 0.28 mm) ; c) Miocene and Red Sea tests have the same values of protoconch and deuteroconch diameters, the Eocene test had the largest and the Adriatic form the smallest values ; d) the number of inserted radial stacks, varies according to the diameters of adult cycles. The position of embryonic apparatus wanders, from being at the centre to way off centre (with a different transition off centre). This study proved that differences in internal structures between the examined specimens ranging in age from Eocene, Neogene to Recent are of taxonomic importance and therefore fall within forms known as S. globulus more than one species exist (different genera are not excluded, however).

Naslage taložene na SZ dijelu Paleogenske Jadranske karbonatne platforme danas obuhvaćaju područja SI Italije, JZ Slovenije i JZ Hrvatske (Istra i sjeverni dio Kvarnerskog zaljeva), a sastoje se od nekoliko tektonskih jedinica. Za paleogensko razdoblje važne su one jedinice koje leže ispred čeone navlake deformiranog dijela Dinarske mezozojske karbonatne platforme (PLACER et al., 2010), a prostiru se od zapadnog ruba Goriških brda prema JI sve do doline Vinodola, a prema jugu do Jadranskog mora. Platformski razvoj dokazan je velikim bentičkim foraminiferama od granice K/Pg do srednjeg eocena (SBZ 1-SBZ 15 ; SERRA-KIEL et al., 1989), dok je paralelni dubljevodni razvoj dokumentiran planktonskim foraminiferama (granica K/Pg- E11 ; BERGGREN & PEARSON, 2005 ; WADE et al., 2011). Ova biostratigrafska interpretacija, zajedno s paleogeografskim i tektonskim zbivanjima pruža najkompletniji uvid u razvoj ovog dijela Mediterana (DROBNE et al., 2009). Na temelju detaljnih analiza podijelili smo paleogenske naslage u nekoliko biosedimentacijskim zona (BiosZ), a svaku od njih obilježavaju zajedničke paleontološke, stratigrafske i facijesne karakteristike. Ove zone nastavljaju se jedna na drugu od SI prema JZ.

Sediments of the Palaeogene Adriatic carbonate platform, a distinctive palaeogeographic unit, are today exposed along the eastern Adriatic coast for a distance of 800 km and a width of 100-130 km. The large number of identified alveolinid species (69) from the Early Ypresian (Ilerdian) to the Bartonian record the dynamics of their evolution, with emphasis on the following: (1) great species diversity and great abundance in the middle Ilerdian (SBZ 7-8) followed by a sharp decline in occurrences at the Ilerdian/Cuisian transition; (2) a diversity boom in the late Ypresian (late Cuisian, SBZ 11-12) and (3) an abrupt decrease in species numbers after the early Lutetian. This pattern shows a relationship between abundance and diversity and global sea-level changes in TA and AP events. The 'two peaks' model in alveolinid occurrence is present also in the 'Mediterranean assemblage' in the Pyrenees and within the middle Cuisian assemblages of various Mediterranean areas. Based on studies of numerous stratigraphic sections from the Palaeogene Adriatic carbonate platform, biosedimentary zones (BioZ 2, BioZ 3.1, BioZ 3.2 and BioZ 4) were determined, and each zone is characterized by specific alveolinid associations. These zones are distributed as belts stretching from NE Italy (Friuli region) to Montenegro. Alveolinid associations served as a base for a palaeogeographic map of the Palaeogene Adriatic carbonate platform from the Thanetian to the Priabonian.

The Dinarides, southwest vergent foreland fold and thrust belt, located on the convergent boundary separating the Adriatic and Tisza-Dacia microplates, are composed of several geotectonic units. The External (Karst) Dinarides, exposed along the eastern Adriatic coast, are composed of a thick section of Late Paleozoic to Eocene shallow- to deep-water carbonates and clastics. Their complex internal structure and complex relationship with adjacent regions/units (like undeformed Adria) still are waiting to be completely understood. The systematic paleomagnetic investigations coupled with biostratigraphical studies conducted for the last 25 years (Márton et al., 2003 ; 2008 ; 2010a, b ; 2014 ; Márton & Moro, 2009) resulted in data which bring more light on their geodynamic evolution. Investigations have been conducted on the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Eocene sediments from the north-west part (Istria), Gorski kotar region, Velebit Mt. ; several North Adriatic islands ; and further to the south to the Central Dalmatian islands. Some of the conclusions are: 1) close coordination from the late Albian onward for the Adriatic islands, although some tectonic models place investigated islands within different tectonic units ; 2) coeval paleomagnetic directions for the Adriatic islands and for “autochthonous“ Adria are co-incident from the late Albian onward ; and 3) the Northern Adriatic mainland rotated about 30° CW with respect to Adria (the timing of the rotation is not yet solved). References: Márton, E., Drobne, K., Ćosović, V. & Moro, A., 2003: Palaeomagnetic evidence for Tertiary counterclockwise rotation of Adria. Tectonophysics, vol. 377 (1-2), p. 143-156. Márton, E., Ćosović, V., Moro, A. & Zvocak, S., 2008: The motion of Adria during the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous: New paleomagnetic results from stable Istria. Tectonophysics, vol. 454 (1-4), p. 44-53. Márton, E. & Moro, A., 2009: New palaeomagnetic results from imbricated Adria: Ist island and related areas. Geologia Croatica, vol. 62 (2), p. 107-114. Márton, E., Ćosović, V., Bucković, D. & Moro, A., 2010a: The tectonic development of the Northern Adriatic region constrained by Jurassic and Cretaceous paleomagnetic results. Tectonophysics, vol. 490 (1-2), p. 93-102. Márton, E., Zampieri, D., Grandesso, P., Ćosović, V. & Moro, A., 2010b: New Cretaceous paleomagnetic results from the foreland of the Southern Alps and the refined apparent polar wander path for stable Adria. Tectonophysics, vol. 480 (1-4), p. 57-72. Márton, E., Ćosović, V. & Moro, A., 2014: New stepping stones, Dugi otok and Vis islands, in the systematic paleomagnetic study of the Adriatic region and their significance in evaluations of existing tectonic models. Tectonophysics, vol. 611, p. 141-154.

Sedanje študije so ponovno obudile stare raziskave o foraminiferi Sphaerogypsina Galloway, 1933, točneje S. globulus (Reuss, 1848). Ima sferično hišico v premeru 0, 5 do 2, 0 mm, površino z dvojnimi kamricami, značilno perforirano, v obliki šahovskega polja kot izraz dvignjenih radialnih sten kamric v poligonalni shemi. Pojavlja se v tropskih in subtropskih območjih, seže celo v zmerne pasove, tudi v Jadransko morje. Najstarejši primerki so znani že v spodnjem eocenu, nato skozi vsa obdobja do danes. Stratigrafsko zanimiva oblika je bila izziv za morfometrične in izotopske študije iz plasti zgornjega eocena Dalmacije, Madžarske, Romunije, oligocena iz Gorenjske, miocena iz Romunije. Za primerjavo so služili primerki, zbrani s potapljanjem na Floridi, Jadranskem morju in Akabskem zalivu. Rezultat so bile ugotovite o največjem obsegu hišic v zgornjem eocenu s padajočim obsegom do meje eocen / oligocen, nato rahlo dviganje do miocena s ponovnim povečanjem v srednjem miocenu in vztrajnim padanjem povprečja premera hišic v današnjih morskih obalah (0, 5 – 0, 6 mm). Na podlagi isotopskih analiz je mogoče sklepati v eocenu na paleotemperaturo morja med 24 º in 26º C, v recentnih morjih pa na nižjo glede na različito temperaturo voda pod termoklino. Rezultati se skladajo z znanimi globalnimi podatki. Ne dajejo pa odgovora na sistematično vprašanje ali res vsi primerki pripadajo vrsti Sphaerogypsina globulus (Reuss, 1848). In tu se prično sedanje študije ob uporabi edinstvene metode na Micro XCT_400 tomography na Zavodu za gradbeništvo v Ljubljani. Skenirana je celostna podoba izolirane hišice v treh smereh X, Y in Z, z stotinami posnetkov, brez poškodbe hišice. S tem je omogočena sistematična obdelava notranje strukture, vseh elementov od prolokula, embrionalnih kamer, juvenilnih kamric razporejenih v stolpiče in zapolnjene s kamricami v superpoziciji in alternaciji. Nato adultne in gerontne kamrice, samo nadaljujejo žarkovito rast stebričev - jaškov. Ker se naenkrat prerašča cela površina hišice, imenujemo ta element v strukturi cikel. Zelo pogosto ima embrionalni aparat ekscentrično lego v hišici, ostaja bolj ob robu, sferično obliko pa nadgrajujejo stebrički z več ali manj kamricami. Vse te strukturne mehanizme je mogoče sestaviti v tri dimenzionalno obliko (3D) in poiskati karakteristične znake, podobnosti in razlike med primerki oz. vrstami. Še več, lahko je izvajati tudi »volunometrične » izračune prostornine notranjih delov hišice. Ta možnost 3D tomografskih slikanj, danih v Ljubljani, je zbrala vrsto raziskovalcev iz sveta in njihov material, doslej obdelovan le v mikroskopskih preparatih in inštrumentu MicroCT. Na ZAG–u nam je uspelo pripraviti za obdelavo 5 hišic sferične foraminifere eno iz Akabskega zaliva Geziret Fara-oûn, 2 iz Kornatov (Adria), eno iz Floride pred zalivom Key Largo, iz globin 25m do 58 m. Poseben dosežek predstavljajo briljantne slike hemisferičnega primerka iz badenija, tip lokalitete Nussdorf v severni Avstriji, dobljene s pomočjo Freda Rögla, dolgoletnega skrbnika zbirk v Prirodoslovnem muzeju na Dunaju. Po preliminarnih študijah notranje in zunanje strukture hišic, nam je mogoče presoditi podobnosti med recentnimi primerki iz zahodnega Atlantika in Jadranom glede na razvoj po dimenzijah majhnega toda jasnega bilokulidnega embria, prostornih in voluminoznih kamric v kratkih strebričkih (7 do 10) eno-plastno lamelo ter maloštevilnih porah v krovnih plasteh (8 – 10). Poseben status ima akabska oblika z največjim ebrionalnim aparatom (100 x 67μm), samostojnimi stenami radialnih stebričkov, troplastne lamele in številne pore v krovni plasti kamric (30-35). Z odlično tomografsko dokumentacijo fosilne hišice Sphaerogypsina globulus (Reuss, 1848) smo pridobili možnost podrobnega preučevanja notranjih elementov (različen material v radialnih stenah in zapolnitvah notranjih prostorov) in iskanja filogenetskih smeri, biostratigrafske razširjenosti in prepoznavanja bioprovinc od eocena do današnjih morskih priobalnih podvodnih pokrajin.

The larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) from the Paleocene-Eocene boundary on the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform document foraminiferal turnover and complex environmental conditions. In studied shallow-water carbonate ramp sediments, the transition from Thanetian SBZ 4 to Early Ypresian (Ilerdian) SBZ 5 is marked by an abrupt appearance of LBF, dominance of complex miliolids, first onset of true spherical alveolinids, and large assilinids. The Thanetian SBZ 4 LBF characterized the diversification of Assilina azilensis, Ass. yvettae, rare occurrences of Glomalveolina levis, G. dachelensi, Nummulites catari, Hottingerina lukasi, Thomasella labyrinthica, complex miliolids (Lacazina blumenthali) and rotaliids. Close to the termination of the late Paleocene small sized foraminiferal specimens occur. The LBF assemblage is interpreted as the first stage of the Global Community Maturation (GCM) During the lowest Eocene (Ypresian, earlier part of the SBZ 5) generic and species level increased, small and less preserved alveolina, A. globula, A. dolioliformis, A. avellana, and large shell assilinid’s A. tectosaga appeared. Remarkable is abundance of “Lazarus spp.” as L. blumenthali, Th. labyrinthica, Pseudolacazina donatae and rotaliids. The high diversification of spherical alveolinids at most A. aramaea than A. dolioliformis, A. varians, A. globula, A. avellana, along with rare L. blumenthali, large Assilina ex gr. ammonea and Nummulites spp. characterize the following Ypresian sub-zone. The differences in species composition and test morphologies allow us to divide SBZ 5 into two subzone (SBZ 5A and SBZ 5B). In Ypresian SBZ 6 intraspecific variability of spherical and ovoidal large form of alveolinids (A. daniensis, A. solida, A. pasticillata and A. ellipsoidalis) continued to develop.

The aim of this study is to provide some basic information to tackle the systematics and the shell morphology of the globular foraminifer called Sphareogypsina Galloway, 1933. We focus on the species S. globulus (Reuss, 1848), which, first described as a Bryozoan, seems to be common in all palaeogene tropical shallow water carbonates. In fact, it has been recorded in Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Red Sea to Indo-Pacific sediments from the Palaeocene to the recent. Although some morphological variations have been reported (e.g., the proloculus size seems to be larger in the late Eocene than in the Recent) and few genera have been established, all rounded gypsinids are commonly called S. globulus sensu lato in every bioprovince and from the tertiary onward only due to the lack of detailed morphological characterization of the internal structures of the juvenile apparatus and its ontogenetic development. The main factor that hampers a detailed morphological description is the spherical morphology of the specimen which does not show any equatorial (or axial) plane where the whole embryo can be properly exposed and studied. This method offers an accurate interpretation of internal structures, dimensions of structural elements and volumetric rendering as well as the analysis of ontogenetic development of foraminiferal tests without test destruction. To accomplish these tasks, we have scanned almost 30 specimens of well preserved globular shpaerogypsinids using two main equipments (Micro XCT_400 Xradia – ZEISS from the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, and the MicroCT- Skyscan1173 from the Institute of Palaeontology, University of Vienna) and we have observed their embyonic apparatus. So far, the material we have studied encompasses specimens from the Cuisian (France), Priabonian (France and Tanzania), Chattian (France), Burdigalian (India), Badenian (Austria) Recent (Adriatic Sea, Bay of Aqaba, Florida, Okinawa). On all specimens we have observed the characteristic “chessboard surface” which seems to be a variable parameter to be kept into consideration for taxonomic differentiation. Shape and size of initial chambers and the building mechanisms of the subsequent chambers have been observed on a three dimensional basis and seems that a number of connections are open between the proloculus and all the surrounding chambers. The size (in term of volume) between proloculus and deuteroloculus points, at least in recent specimens, to a isolepidine embryonic apparatus where both chambers possess similar size (Recent specimen from Florida: P: 0.000049 mm3 ; D: 0.000041 mm3), while in specimens from the uppermost Eocene it seems to be slightly nephrolepidine (specimen from Tanzania: P: 0.000099 mm3 ; D: 0.000027 mm3). In many other specimens the proloculus is so small (diameter < 20 microns) that is hard to be recognized and it might point to microspheric generations. These first observed differences lead to the conclusion that a profound revision of the genus Sphaerogypsina is due and necessary (as was suggested by Hottinger et al., 1993), and the results must be compared with data from the literature to check if evolutionary trends are visible and/ or if palaeobioprovinces works as a boundary among taxa or if the genus was and is a cosmopolitan inhabitant of all shallow water deposits.

Ovaj rad sadrži opis rasprostiranja, diskontinuiteta u prostornom i vremenskom pojavljivanju velikih miliolida, organizama koji su živjeli u morskim plićacima od Kariba do Indopacifika u rasponu od gornje krede (konijak) do oligocena. Složene građe, organizmi-specijalisti (7 rodova, 47 vrsta) su izumrla skupina velikih bentičkih foraminifera čiji su fosilni ostaci brojni u sedimentnim stijenama nastalim u okolišima oligotrofičnih mora ekvatorijalnog Neotetis oceana. Stalne morske veze između istočnih i zapadnih rubova oceana, povoljne temperature morske vode i odgovarajući sistem morskih struja zaslužni su za distribuciju miliolida. Po prvi put, u konijaku, četiri roda (Periloculina, Lacazina, Pseudolacazina i Idalina) se pojavljuju u zapadnom dijelu Neotetis oceana, u Pirinejskoj bioprovinciji i predstavljaju endemsku zajednicu. Do kraja krednog razdoblja (santon-mastriht) miliolide će se proširiti u središnji dio Neotetisa, tijekom srednjeg do gornjeg eocena dva roda dospijevaju u Indopacifičko područje, a jedan rod u Karipsku provinciju. Četiri eocenske bioprovincije su prepoznate analizom dokumentiranih fosilnih nalaza vrsta/rodova miliolida: 1) Karipska, 2) “Europska” (zapadna, središnja i istočna), 3) Sjevernoafrička (južni rub oceana) i 4) Indopacifička. Endemizam će se ponoviti i to među predstavnicima fabularida tijekom srednjeg do gornjeg eocena u Karipskoj zajednici i roda Lacazinella tijekom srednjeg do gornjeg eocena do oligocena u Indopacifičkom području.

Recentne i fosilne kućice roda Sphareogypsina podvrgnute su promatranju na instrumentu Micro CT_400 XRadia-Zeiss Tomography. metoda se pokazala izvrstnom za nalizu unutrašnje građe kućice, pri čemu su svi detalji presječeni u 3 ravnine bili raspoloživi za promatranje, a kućica ostala neoštećena.

The taphonomic conditions of foraminiferal tests from shallow-water environments are the result of multiple taphonomic processes caused by the age of the sediments, sedimentary processes, depositional environment and burial history. The most important taphonomic processes affecting the composition of shallow, benthic foraminiferal assemblages are transport and destruction of tests. To evaluate these effects, we analyzed surface sediment samples collected at the Cladocora caespitosa bank in Veliko jezero, Island of Mljet, Adriatic Sea. The C. caespitosa bank ranges from depths of 6–18 m and covers an area of 650 m2, forming one of the largest banks of C. caespitosa found in the Mediterranean Sea. Veliko jezero is a karstic depression filled with saline water, connected to the open sea through a shallow, narrow channel, characterized by microtidal amplitudes and restricted antropogenic influence, while meteorological effects (surge, caused by wind and barometric pressure) are rare. Hand samples were collected by scuba diving at different water depths. In 2012 samples were recovered from 5 sites (7, 11, 12, 14 and 16 m of water depth ; 420 46 0'N, 170 22 8'E), while in 2005, samples were taken only at 16 m water depth. Grain size analysis of the sediments (Folk, 1954) showed that the structure of the samples at 7, 11 and 12 m mostly consist of sand while samples at 14 and 16 m are classified as slightly gravelly sand. The total foraminiferal assemblages (including both living and dead) were assessed, following standard procedure for foraminiferal analysis. The studied foraminiferal assemblages are low to moderately diverse. Shannon-Wiener index values obtained in this study are consistent with those typical of marginal marine environments (Murray, 2006). All samples from 2012 are characterized by dominance of three genera: Peneroplis (P. pertosus, P. planatus making up from 51 to 64% of the total assemblage), Elphidium (E. crispum varying from 18 to 30% of the total assemblage) and Quinqueloculina (reaching a maximum proportion of 12%). The dominant taphonomic characteristics of the assemblages include high fragmentation, high abundance of coloured tests (reworked) and low corrosion. According to taphonomic modifications, all types are classified into six groups: pristine tests, tests with the youngest whorl exfoliated, broken tests (a great portion of test is missing, but genus is still possible to define), tests with minor physical damages on the last chamber wall, abraded and coloured tests (yellowish or blackish). The Elphidium crispum population has a great proportion of pristine tests in all studied samples except from samples collected at 12 m. Broken tests are most common at the shallowest depth and coloured tests were very rare. By contrast, the tests of representatives of Peneroplis are coloured, either yellowish or blackish. The blackish tests dominate at shallower samples (57% of the population at sample from 7 m water depth), while yellowish tests are more common at greater depths (reaching up to 43% of the population in samples from 12 m of water depth). A low proportion of tests are well preserved. Broken and coloured tests of Quinqueloculina sp. show uniform distribution at all studied samples. The assemblage collected in 2005 at 16 m depth, apart for having lower species richness and diversity indices, shows a better preserved foraminiferal assemblage. In this well preserved assemblage, only broken Elphidium tests have been recorded. Our analysis shows a complex relationship between taphonomic modification of tests and water depth. Well preserved Elphidium tests representing about 80% of the population are found in the deepest sample (gravely sands) and in samples from 12 m water depth abraded tests prevail (61%). Strong domination of peneroplids seems to be related to Cladocora rubbly substrate, reflecting biological preferences of species. Robust tests of P. pertusus are abundant in deeper settings down to 16 m depth, and flat forms of P. planatus prefer shallow water settings. Clinging to small filamentous macroalgae, in almost vertical position with the aperture face turned toward algal filaments, these “purple gardeners” are successfully hiding from strong wave breakers as well as dwelling in geographically confined areas where bank construction offers somewhat protected areas. The studied assemblages are para-autochthonous, and taphonomic modifications observed are transport of tests from life position due to storms and tidal currents. Comparison with the previous study, conducted in 2005, revealed that along with expansion of the bank, the overall foraminiferal diversity increased, arenaceous (Textularia sp., Ammodicus sp.) and planktonic species (making up to 25% of the total assemblage) disappeared, and peneroplids flourished and dominated the assemblage.

Two sections placed on the NW part of the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform were measured and sampled in order to document the complexity of changes at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary. Carbon and oxygen isotope records in combination with detailed study of larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) are used to describe foraminiferal turnover in order to refine Shallow Benthic Zonation scheme (SERRA-KIEL et al., 1998).

Abundances and diversification of Nummulites, Assilina, Glomalveolina and complex miliolids characterize the Paleocene – Eocene transitional strata in the NW part of the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform. Geochemical characteristics, species composition of foraminiferal assemblage, allow to define the Paleocene SBZ 4. The Eocene SBZ 5 is subdivided into SBZ 5A (adult dimorphisms and intraspecific variability of complex miliolids, large assilinids and diverse alveolinids) and SBZ 5B (diversified spherical alveolinids).

This paper describes deeper water clastic to hemipelagic sediments from the Adriatic microcontinent, at the contact zone between the Adriatic and Dinaric carbonate platforms. The flysch section from Mt. Nanos contains a sedimentary sequence deposited close to the Paleocene/Eocene boundary. We dated this section biostratigraphically, reconstructed the paleoenvironments, and established a correlation with the northern part of the central Tethys. Samples were studied for calcareous nannoplankton, planktonic foraminifera, small and large benthic foraminifera, and ostracods. Calcareous nannoplankton assemblages of the Nanos section belong to the Discoaster multiradiatus zone NP 9 in the uppermost Paleocene. Planktonic foraminiferal assemblages allow the assignment to the biozone Morozovella velascoensis (P 5) in the uppermost Paleocene as well. Both nannoplankton and planktonic foraminifera are consistent with a period of global warming in the latest Paleocene just below the PETM. Nannoplankton assemblages are relatively rich in discoasters which suggests that they were deposited in a warm oligotrophic environment. Planktonic foraminifera indicate oligotrophic habitats, warm surface water and a well stratified water column with stable thermocline. Predominance of planktonic foraminiferal species and the presence of the deep-sea ostracod species Cytherella sp suggest sedimentation in deeper opensea environments. A peculiar sphaerical benthic foraminifer – Aberisphaera sp., which has been found in the NE Himalayas and in the Nanos section, possibly indicates a connection between these two geographically remote areas.

In order to add more information about complex origin of Promina Beds (traditionally interpreted as Paleogene molasse of Dinarides), two sections (Lišani Ostrovački and Ostrovica, Central Dalmatia, Croatia) have been studied in detail. Sampled carbonate sequences contain predominantly coralline red algae, larger benthic foraminifera and corals. Based on sedimentary textures, nummulitid (Nummulites s.str and Asterigerina sp.) test shapes and the associated skeletal components, altogether three types of the Middle Eocene (Lutetian to Bartonian) facies were recognized. The Ostrovica section is composed of alternating couples of marly limestones and marls, several decimeters thick with great lateral continuity. Two facies which vertically alternate are recognized as Nummulites - Asterigerina facies, where patchily dispersed large, robust and party reworked larger benthic foraminifera constitute 20% and small bioclasts (fomaniniferal fragments and whole tests less than 3 mm in diameters) 10% of rock volume and, Coral - Red algal facies with coral fragments of solitary and colonial taxa up to 1 cm in size constitute 5 - 40%, red algae 15 - 60% and lager benthic foraminifera up to 5% of rock volume. The textural and compositional differences among the facies suggest rhythmic exchanges of conditions that characterize shallower part of the mesophotic zone with abundant nummulithoclasts with deeper mesophotic, lime mud-dominated settings where nummulitids with the flat tests, coralline red algae and scleractinian corals are common. The scleractinian corals (comprising up to 20% of rock volume) encrusted by foraminifera (Acervulina, Haddonia and nubeculariids)or coralline red algae and foraminiferal assemblage made of orthophragminid and nummulitid tests scattered in matrix, are distributed uniformly throughout the studied Lišani Ostrovački section. In the central part of section, wavy to smooth thin (< 1 mm) crusts (laminas) alternating with encrusted corals occur. The characteristics of associated fauna and spatial relationship between corals and laminations indicate that this facies originated in a mid–ramp (shelf) setting.

Sediments of the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform, a distinctive paleogeographic unit, are today exposed along the eastern Adriatic coast for a distance of 800 km and a width of 100 - 130 km. The large number of identified alveolinid species (69) from the Early Ypresian (Ilerdian) to the Bartonian record the dynamics of their evolution, with emphasis on the following: 1) great species diversity and great abundance in the middle Ilerdian (SBZ 7 - 8) followed by a sharp decline in occurrences at the Ilerdian/Cuisian transition ; 2) a diversity boom in the late Ypresian (late Cuisian. SBZ 11 - 12) and 3) an abrupt decrease in species numbers after the early Lutetian. This pattern shows relationship between abundance and diversity and global sea-level changes in TA and AP events. The “two peaks” model in alveolinid occurrence is present also in the “Mediterranean assemblage” in the Pyrenees and within the middle Cuisian assemblages of various Mediterranean areas. Based on studies of numerous stratigraphic sections from the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform, biosedimentary zones (BioZ 2, BioZ 3.1, BioZ 3.2 and BioZ 4) were determined, and each zone is characterized by specific alveolinid associations. These zones are distributed as belts stretching from NE Italy (Friuli region) to Montenegro. Alveolinid associations served as a base for a paleogeographic map of the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform from the Thanetian to the Priabonian.

The Paleogene (Early Ypresian, SBZ 11 to Bartonian, SBZ 17) carbonates originated on the Adriatic carbonate platform are dominated by various larger foraminiferal facies with subordinate coralline red algae facies. Foraminiferal tests (studied from standard thin-sections) show evidences of mechanical, biological or chemical breakdown with intensity that varies between foraminiferal groups and depositional settings along the shelf gradient (from proximal restricted/lagoonal to outer ramp settings). Effects observed include breakage, cutting of test edges (poles), removal of surface layering, chamber-space infillings, borings, encrustation, corrosion, pitting and their occurrences vary from sporadic to very common across the groups. Breakages ranging from damage to the terminal chamber/whorl to disintegration into sandand fine-size fragments are recorded within larger benthic foraminiferal tests in alveolinid-, nummulitid- and orthophragminid-dominated facies. Partially broken tests are most common in alveolinids. The co-occurrence of wide size range of clasts and unequal preservation of alveolinid tests attest to high- to moderate-energy settings, with possible post-mortem reworking (bombardment with sand-sized grains including more persistent nummulitid tests) within a short distance transport. Bioerosion traces in alveolinids are present in forms that were post-mortem transported over a greater distance and settled down in lower energy environments (mid to outer ramp). The mid-outer ramp environments characterize a predominance of rotaliid foraminifera over miliolids. Nummulites tests show a number of mechanical damages (cutting of tests edges, exfoliation of the youngest whorls, broken tests) as result of post-mortem seaward transportation and/or predation. Coralline red algae are significant biotic constituent in Nummulitic packstones to wackestones, and multilayer algal encrustation stands out as the most common feature. The post-depositional alternations consist of filling the pore spaces by micrite mud or by sparite, of redistribution of the tests by transport and/or by bioturbation. The upper-most part of the Eocene shallow-water carbonate succession is represented by Orthophragminae-bearing limestones (ranging in age from the Lutetian to Bartonian). They are mainly composed of orthophragminid and nummulitid tests spread in mud matrix, the former with abundant traces of bioerosion. A statistical analysis of affected specimens reveals that 10% of them are with boring marks. These non–randomly distributed traces point out to the predators or parasites responsible for leaving them, because drilling attacks are size selective and a position of traces within the test suggesting that they were made to gain access to the inside of the host. The occurrence of traces was controlled by environmental parameters such as low sedimentation rate, mesotrophication, lower photic zones and low energy, parameters that characterize outer ramp settings. As subordinate features, glauconitic infillings are recorded in some chambers spaces, as well as mechanical damages of tests (accompanied with the extensive micritic envelope), altogether suggesting the possible post-mortem transport of from shallower part of ramp towards the upper slope.

From the Late Cretaceous to the end of Early Eocene the NW margin of the Paleogene Adriatic Carbonate Platform bordered on a deeper sedimentary basin characterized by clasitic sedimentation. The present study concerns two sections of the Upper Paleocene/Eocene sediments: Nanos section (S slope of Mt. Nanos) with clastic basin sedimentation and, Sopada section (Trieste-Komen Karst) with sediments deposited in the shallow-water carbonate platform. The Nanos section was studied for planktonic foraminifera, calcareous nannoplankton, and ostracods. The Sopada section was studied for stable carbon isotopes. Larger benthic foraminifera were studied in both sections. The age attribution of the Sopada sediments was done based on larger foraminifera. The presence of Assilina azilensis and Glomalveolina levis point out to SBZ 4, while Lower Eocene age (SBZ 5) was proven by occurrences of the index species Alveolina aramaea and A. latior. Thomasella labyrinthica, Lacazina blumenthalii, Pseudolacazina donatae, as well as ranikothalids, nummulitids and rotaliids were found in samples assigned to both biozones. CIE with pronounced negative δ13C values was detected in the upper part of the Paleocene corresponding to the extinction of some foraminiferal species. The assemblages found are comparable to those described from the Eastern Neotethys (e. g., Turkey and Egypt). The occurrences of planktonic foraminifera Morozovella aequa, M. acuta, and M. velascoensis indicate P5 biozone (the uppermost Paleocene and the lowermost part of the Eocene) for the sediments from Nanos section. Calcareous nannoplankton assemblage studied from the same samples contains Discoaster multiradiatus, D. lenticularis, D. mohleri and several species of the genus Fasciculithus. Listed species along with complete absence of Rhomboaster spp., are characteristic for NP9 biozone or the uppermost Paleocene. While the deep-sea ostracod species Cytherella sp. is considered as autochthonous, the larger benthic foraminifers were transported into the basin from the shallower parts. The findings of spherical foraminiferal form were of particular interest, because of its similarity to species known from the Megathaya region (NE India) (Tewari, Drobne, Pugliese, Melis, unpublished data). The identification was a challenge for us – we presumed that forms belong to the genus Aberisphaera. Mt. Nanos probably was the easternmost end of geographic range of the genus. The presence of the species supports the hypothesis of a possible connection between these geographically remote areas, the Paleogene Adriatic Carbonate Platform and Megathaya region.

Opisane su četiri faze u razvoju Jadranske karbonatne platforme tijekom paleogena, dokumentirane s mikrofacijesima i odgovarajućim foraminiferskim zajednicama, te uspoređene s drugim plitkomorskim karbonatnim okolišima Neotethys oceana.

Due to specific, restricted shallow-water environments that inhabited and relatively low abundances, the Paleogene conical foraminifera with agglutinated shells among larger benthic foraminifera are relatively unknown. They can be considered as a powerful tool in recognition of transgressions or shallowing upward sequences within regression. The assemblage passed through dramatic changes in composition and reduction in diversity when co-occurred with larger, complex miliolids. Up to now, 11 genera and 18 species are described from sediments deposited in Tethyan bioprovinces, in area stretching from Atlantic to Indo Pacific region. The appearance of diversified association of conical foraminifera coincides with the Late Paleocene (Thanetian, SBZ 3 and 4). In northern Tethyan bioprovince (W Pyreneans and Paleogene Adriatic Carbonate Platform) 7 species are found, while in Corfu 4, 1 in E Turkey and 8 in Iran. On the southern margin, these foraminifera are found in Oman and Somalia. Contrary to the Ilerdian (Ypresian, SBZ 5 -9), when conical foraminifera were rare, in the Cuisian (Late Ypresian, SBZ 10, 11-12), for the second time, they became abundant and their association was highly diversified. Species were found in the Middle - Late Cuisian and Early Lutetian sediments deposited on Apulia platform (Trentinara Fm), Adriatic Carbonate Platform (Coskinolina liburnica Stache was known from 1875), in Afghanistan (4 species) and Pakistan (3 species), while their findings in Balucistan is considered very important for paleobiogeographic interpretation. Interestingly, being absent from the southern margin of Tethys till the Late Lutetian, they populated shallow-water settings of Tunisia, Egypt, Somalia and Iran (Jahrum Fm, with 7 taxa still not well defined) from the Late Lutetian to the Bartonian. The distinguished internal architecture of shell was recorded in the Paleocene specimens as variable (embryonic trochospiral coiling, marginal trough with radial exoskeletal partitions or undivided marginal chamber lumen) and stable elements (overall simple conical morphology, adult uniserial chamber arrangement, pillars in itraseptal space, septum as apertural face and agglutinated walls without internal structures). The decreasing in test size and number of structural elements are evolutionary trends of these foraminifera. According to published data (not recently updated), in Caribbean region conical foraminifera are known from upper part of the Early Eocene, and continued to live up to the Late Eocene. 6 genera (2 known from Tethys) and 9 species were found.

The upper most part of the Eocene shallow-water carbonate succession, deposited on the Adriatic Carbonate Platform, is represented by Orthophraminae-bearing limestones (ranging in age from the Lutetian to Bartonian, SBZ 14-SBZ 17). They are mainly composed of orthophragminid and nummultid tests, the former ones with abundant traces of bioerosion. A statistical analysis of affected specimens, altogether 60 foraminiferal tests (drilling frequency of 10%, this estimation may be seriously affected by selective sampling biases), indicates that these datasets are quantitatively consistent and provides interpretable numerical data on drilling pattern. The foraminiferal tests bear either isolated elliptical marks (major axis from 0.4 to 1 mm) located in the central part of the test or series of elliptical marks (spaced at regular intervals of about 1 mm, with major axis from 0.4 to 1.25 mm ) lined along the equatorial layer (in Discocyclina individuals with Diameter/Thickness ratio greater than 2.2) or round, circular holes (range in size from 0.1 to 0.2 mm) in lateral layers of inflate Orbitoclypeus specimens (Diameter/Thickness ratio less than 2.2). Despite various limitation (such as only axial sections were available for study), the non –randomly distributed traces record: 1) predators (singular circular holes) or parasites (elliptical, singular to multiple holes) in orthophragminids ; 2) drilling attacks being size selective (traces show a relatively narrow size range) ; 3) the position of traces within the test suggests that they were made to gain access to inside of the host. The distributional pattern of ellipsoidal traces implies that microorganisms broke into the test along the equatorial layer benefiting from the cytoplasm concentration and complex stolon system as “possible routes”. Some “intruders” continued to grow as the “host” grew, living the set of marks evenly distributed along the equatorial layer, whole some “invaders” slicked with the embryonic part of test, including successive two chambers ; 4) temporal distribution of affected orthophragminids is potential tool as a paleoecological marker (Middle Eocene) ; 5) the occurrences of the traces in suggest that their distribution was controlled by environmental parameters (low sedimenatition rate, mesotrophication, lower photic zones, low energy).

The upper Maastrichtian of Adriatic platform is characterized by shallow water limestones showing the occurrence of rudist build-ups. In detail, the lithostratigraphic Maastrichtian member is represented by dark grey biomicrite, slightly bituminous. It shows an emersion breccia, tiny bauxite tracs, stromatolite laminas, repeated paleokarst evidence.

Idući od dana do priabona prikazan je razvoj zajednica alveolinskih foraminifera u okolišima Jadranske karbonatne platforme. Globalne promjene razine mora, klimatske promjene kao i utjecaj lokalne tektonike imaju za posljedicu podjelu alveolinske zajednice, u periodu od kviza do bartona, u dvije paleogeografske jedinice.

The Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform (PgAdCP), existed within the Central Tethys (around 32 N palaeolatitude) from the Paleocene (Danian) to the late Middle Eocene (Bartonian). Its depositional history differs from the stages-pattern recognized in the platformal development in the Tethys region in the Pyrenees and Egypt (Scheibner & Speijer, 2007). In the Adriatic, the shallow-marine carbonate regime is composed of various facies types which are defined upon the larger benthic foraminiferal associations and sedimentary structures. These facies are grouped into and record temporal and spatial demise of certain ecological conditions. Sedimentation within each zone started with restricted, marginal marine, paralic and pallustrine carbonates, that we consider as the initially phase to gaining full marine conditions. Once the marine regime was obtained, the shallow-marine settings supported the development of diverse and abundant foraminiferal assemblages. The biota suggests that platform jumped into the third Tethyan stage even though sedimentation started in SBZ1 (Serra-Kiel et al., 1998) and lasted until SBZ 9 (BiosZ 2), in SBZ 2 until three main biosedimentary units, BiosZ 2 to BiosZ 4 (Drobne 2003, Drobne et al., 2008). These zones followed one upon another in a step-wise geographic pattern SBZ 12 (BiosZ 3), and in SBZ 11 to SBZ 14 (BiosZ 4). Interestingly, the second Tethyan stage, coralgal facies, is recorded within the NW margin in the BiosZ 2 area only. The characteristics that differ the Pg AdCP from others are: (1) a reduced species richness in the Paleocene succession (3 assilinid species in Paleocene) ; (2) less diversified Eocene foraminiferal assemblages (eg. 8 species of Nummulites in the early Eocene and 12 species from the middle Eocene, Pavlovec 2003 vs. 76 for early and 62 for middle Eocene, Less 1998), (3) absence of some taxa (Spiroclypeus sp., Heterostegina sp., Pellatispira sp.) ; (4) absence of encrusting foraminifera ; (5) the regularity in occurrences of certain larger foraminiferal groups: complex miliolids and agglutinated conical forminiferas characterize the beginning of platform regime, which gave way to alveolinids, orbitolitids and nummulitids assemblages, and which eventually were replaced by operculinids and orthophragminids ; (6) concurrence of BiosZ 3 with Alveolina histrica lineage and Alveolina levantina lineage with BiosZ 4.

Sediments deposited on the Paleogene Adriatic carbonate platform (PgAdCP), unique and distinguished paleogeographic unit, are today exposed along the eastern Adriatic coast in length of 600km and in width of 100-130 km. 90 identified alveolinid species ranging in age from the Ilerdian to the middle Lutetian, depict dynamic of their evolution with emphasis on the following: 1) great species diversity and great abundance in the middle Ilerdian (SBZ 8) followed by sharp declination in occurrences at the Ilerdian/Cuisian transition ; 2) diversity boom in the late Cuisian (SBZ 11, SBZ 12) and an abrupt decrease in species numbers after the early Lutetian. This pattern shows relationship between abundance/ diversity and global sea-level changes in TA events. The &raquo ; two peaks&laquo ; model in alveolinid occurrence is present, also, in &raquo ; Mediterranean assemblage&laquo ; in Pyrenean and within the middle Cuisian association at different Mediterranean areas. Based on studies of numerous section on the PgAdCP, biosedimentary zones (BioZ 2, 3, 4) were determined, each zone characterized by its specific alveolinid associations. These zones distributed as belts, are stretching from the N Italy (Friuli) to the southeast to Montenegro. Alveolinid association served as base for paleogeographic maps of the PgAdCP from the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary to Priabonian.

Paleocene and Eocene sediments, ranging from the basinal to shallow-water platform facies, occur scattered around the vast region between the Adriatic Sea and the Pannonian basin. In order to correlate carbonates and clastic sediments and interpret them paleogeographically, identification of tectonic units is needed. Diversity and abundance of microfossils (representatives of the most far north Tethyan biota), larger benthic foraminifera, dasycladaceans, and bivalves in particular are considered as a tool for reconstructing shallow-water paleoenvironmental regions. Paleoenvironmental and paleobathymetric data from the investigated formations, coupled with palinspastic reconstruction, provide new insights into pre-Miocene paleogeography of the area. The tectonic units, from north to south, made of Paleogene deposits are the following: Transdanubia and Bükk region are considered to be part of the Pannonian unit, Krappfeld area is of the Eastern Alps (ALCAPA, for the both units), localities along the Periadriatic Fault System partly belong to the Eastern Alps (those on the northern side) , partly (those placed south to the line) to the Southern Alps – Dinarides, the outcrops in the southern Pannonian basin are a part of Internal Dinarides, whereas the region made of sediments deposited on the Adriatic carbonate platform belongs to External Dinarides.