Search

Résumé L'étude stratigraphique, lithologique et sédimentologique de la Grotte du Bison a été examinée en partant des descriptions réalisées par A. Roblin-Jouve (micromorphologue de l'équipe) et des analyses sédimentologiques réalisées par J. C. Miskowsky. Cet article s'appuie donc sur une trentaine d'années d'observations méticuleusement notées dans les rapports de fouille. Les niveaux conservés dans cette cavité se situent entre un niveau post-Gravettien et un Moustérien à débitage Levallois et allure charentienne. Daté de moins 55 000 à moins 24 000 ans, nous suivons l'évolution de la Grotte du Bison, de sa naissance à son effondrement. Abstract The stratigraphic, lithological and sedimentological study of the Bison Cave was examined starting from the descriptions made by A. Roblin-Jouve (micromorphologist of the team) and sedimentological analyzes carried out by J. C. Miskowsky. This article is based on thirty years of observations meticulously noted in the search reports. The levels preserved in this cavity are located between a post-Gravettian level and a Levallois Moustérien à coupage and Charentienne look. Dated from minus 55,000 to minus 24,000, we follow the evolution of the Bison Cave from birth to collapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the results of a detailed isotopic (Sm-Nd, Pb-Pb, and δ34S) and geochemical studies of Neoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks from the Patom and Bodaibo domains of the Baikal-Patom belt (northern Transbaikalia). It was shown that the metasedimentary rocks of these domains are strongly variable in their geochemical and isotope geochemical characteristics. Regular variations in these characteristics were observed, and their correlation with the main stages of the evolution of the sedimentary paleobasin in the Neoproterozoic was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beginning of the Cambrian explosion is characterized by the onset of infaunalization and the appearance of systematic patterns of burrowing. The trace fossil Gyrolithes is common in the Ediacaran-Cambrian Global Stratotype Section and Point, where it shows a higher diversity and burrow depth than previously reported from any Cambrian spiral vertical burrows. Two ichnospecies are present: G. scintillus isp. nov. exhibits a small burrow radius to whorl radius ratio, whereas G. gyratus (Hofmann) exhibits an exceptionally large ratio that formerly led to its identification as an aberrant ichnospecies of Skolithos . The helical morphology of these Cambrian Gyrolithes is interpreted as having served two purposes: as an anchor in a relatively high-energy environment, and as an optimal shape for maximizing surface area for bacterial gardening. These shallow-marine gardening burrows share a similar feeding strategy as graphoglyptids, suggesting that shallow early Cambrian sediments may have been relatively poor in organics and thus further supporting the model for onshore-offshore migration of gardening burrows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature of the Cambrian Explosion, one of the most critical events in Earth history, has been a major topic of discussion. The trend of increasing morphological complexity and taxonomic diversity of trace fossils within this interval has been used as evidence of the true evolutionary nature of the Cambrian Explosion. However, the distribution of trace fossils is controlled by a complex interplay between evolutionary and ecological constraints. The pre-trilobite Soltanieh Formation of northern Iran displays a significant vertical facies recurrence, allowing comparison of identical environments through time; therefore, its study provides a test case for evaluating the role of evolutionary and ecological controls on lower Cambrian trace-fossil distribution. An integrated study of sedimentary facies, small shelly fossil zones, sequence stratigraphy, and distribution of associated trace fossils indicates a complex interplay of these two sets of factors. The distribution and preservation of diagnostic early Cambrian trace fossils in the Lower Shale Member of the Soltanieh Formation is very likely to have been controlled by facies, especially within storm-generated siltstone-shale intercalations providing better preservation potential for interfacial trace fossils, therefore delaying the stratigraphic occurrence of Treptichnus pedum . In contrast, evolutionary innovations exerted the primary control on trace-fossil distribution in the Upper Shale Member, where the vertical distribution of trace fossils strongly matches that observed worldwide. This result suggests that, although trace fossils provide a valid means of global correlation, placing trace fossil assemblages within a paleoenvironmental and sequence-stratigraphic framework is a prerequisite of any sound evaluation of the evolutionary and biostratigraphic implications of trace fossils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trepostome bryozoans, with their thick calcitic skeletons, formed the largest number of symbiotic associations with endobionts in the Phanerozoic. Such associations were also formed by cystoporates, fenestrates, cyclostomes and cheilostomes. Bryozoans formed most of their symbiotic associations with endobiotic cnidarians, and markedly fewer with endobiotic worms and endobiotic lophophorates. The majority of Ordovician endobionts colonized borings in living bryozoans, or bored themselves into living hosts, during the Ordovician Bioerosion Revolution, which created new niches for the evolution of symbiotic relationships. The bryozoans likely became more selective and less symbiont tolerant over the time. Assumed mutualistic endobionts were more common than likely parasites in Phanerozoic bryozoans. The decrease in diversity of parasitic associations and the increase in the number of mutualistic associations from the Ordovician to Devonian can be explained by the evolution of possible bryozoan defense mechanisms likely in the form of chemical secretions. Paleozoic endobiont faunas were more diverse than their Mesozoic and Cenozoic counterparts because of endobiont-friendly Paleozoic trepostomes, and because of the peak in diversity of bryozoans with massive colonies in the early and middle Paleozoic. • Trepostomes had largest number of symbiotic associations with endobionts in the Phanerozoic. • Bryozoans formed most symbiotic associations with endobiotic cnidarians. • Ordovician endobiont fauna was associated with borings in living bryozoans. • Mutualistic endobionts were more common than supposed parasites in Phanerozoic bryozoans. • Bryozoans became more selective and less symbiont tolerant over the time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil record from the Carpathian area plays a key role for the understanding of the processes leading to the faunal interchanges between western Europe and Asia Minor during the late part of the Middle Miocene. Important mammal successions are now available from the Central Paratethys, especially Hungary and Romania. Here, we present the current state-of-the-art of the ongoing research concerning these faunas, especially small mammals and herpetofauna. We underscore the relevance of the Middle to earliest Late Miocene fossil record from these countries for chrono(bio)stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental studies at the Eurasian scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the paleoecological significance of vertebrate coprolites collected from seven sections and three lithofacies of the uppermost Permian and lowermost Triassic succession from the Vyazniki site in the European part of Russia. The analyzed specimens (coprolites and possibly some cololites) were grouped into nine morphotypes (A–I). The coprolite morphotypes were characterized geochemically and compared to the record of other Permian and Triassic coprolites worldwide. Based on the stratigraphic position, shape, structure and composition, all morphotypes were linked to supposed producers. The phosphatic composition of most of the morphotypes and inclusions of arthropod remains, fish scales and bone fragments, suggest that they were produced by carnivores, but non-phosphatic, carbonate-rich, large and oval-shaped coprolites with impressions after plant remains have also been found. The extinction of terrestrial vertebrates around the Permian–Triassic boundary in Russia is interpreted to have occurred within a few thousands of years. Here, we show a pattern of coprolite morphotypes disappearing across this boundary that is consistent with a relatively sudden change in the vertebrate faunal composition across this interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With almost 200 species described from all over the world, Polycope Sars, 1866 is the most specious and eurytopic genus of the exclusively marine family Polycopidae. Unlike other members of the subclass Myodocopa, polycopids are commonly found in fossiliferous rocks from strata as old as the Carboniferous, which makes them a useful tool in palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. The genus Polycope in particular is an opportunistic group and can putatively serve as an indicator of organic rich, fine grained sediment, reduced sea ice, and increased productivity, which is especially important when correlating biological data with the Quaternary climate changes that often requires accurate generic and species identifications. Polycopid taxonomy is relatively complicated because species tend to have conservative shell shapes and the soft body is extremely reduced, which can lead to numerous misidentifications, especially when fossil and Subrecent taxa are mixed and the shell is the only available source of taxonomic information. Here we study Polycope species collected during the first cruise of the IceAge project from the margin off Iceland. In total, four species have been recovered from 200 to 2747 m depth. They have been identified as P. pseudoinornata Chavtur, 1983, P. punctata Sars, 1869, P. yasuharai sp. nov., and P. sp. This is the first time since the middle of the 19th century that members of this genus have been studied in the North Atlantic and Arctic using both their soft parts and shells. It allowed us to reconsider numerous previous records of Polycope from this region. Beside a critical overview of the polycopid diversity in the North Atlantic and Arctic, and detailed taxonomic (re)descriptions of the newly collected specimens, we also provide maps of their distributions, analyse their ecological preferences, and offer a preliminary phylogeny of the North Atlantic species of Polycope based on 28S rDNA sequences. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:17EB9011-1715-4C1A-A854-FD0770F36E76 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present paleoeconomy reconstructions for premodern agriculture, selecting, wherever required, features and parameter values specific for the Cucuteni-Trypillia cultural unity (CTU; 5,400-2,700 BC, mostly the territory of modern Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania). We verify the self-consistency and viability of the archaeological evidence related to all major elements of the agricultural production cycle within the constraints provided by environmental and technological considerations. The starting point of our analysis is the paleodiet structure suggested by archaeological data, stable isotope analyses of human remains, and palynology studies in the CTU area. We allow for the archeologically attested contributions of domesticated and wild animal products to the diet, develop plausible estimates of the yield of ancient cereal varieties cultivated with ancient techniques, and quantify the yield dependence on the time after initial planting and on rainfall (as a climate proxy). Our conclusions involve analysis of the labor costs of various seasonal parts of the agricultural cycle of both an individual and a family with a majority of members that do not engage in productive activities that require physical fitness, such as tillage. Finally, we put our results into the context of the exploitation territory and catchment analysis, to project various subsistence strategies into the exploitation territory of a farming settlement. The simplest economic complex based on cereals and domestic and wild animal products, with fallow cropping, appears to be capable of supporting an isolated, relatively small farming settlement of 50-300 people (2-10 ha in area) even without recourse to technological improvements such as the use of manure fertilizer. Our results strongly suggest that dairy products played a significant role in the dietary and labor balance. The smaller settlements are typical of the earliest Trypillia A stage but remain predominant at the later stages. A larger settlement of several hundred people could function in isolation, perhaps with a larger fraction of cereals in the diet, only with technological innovations, such as manure fertilizer and, most important, ard tillage. The ard radically relieves the extreme time pressure associated with soil preparation for sowing. It appears that very large settlements of a few hundred hectares in area, found in the CTU region, could function only if supported by satellite farming villages and stable exchange networks. In turn, this implies social division of labor and occupation, suffficiently complex social relations, stable exchange channels, and so on: altogether, a proto-urban character of such settlements. A model is proposed for the lifetime of a farming settlement, assuming that it is limited by the soil fertility (the depleted resources model), that provides a lifetime estimate consistent with the archaeological evidence available (100-150 years). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructions of paleohabitats are necessary aids in understanding hominin evolution. The morphology of species from relevant sites, understood in terms of functional relationships to habitat (termed ecomorphology), offers a direct link to habitat. Bovids are a speciose radiation that includes many habitat specialists and are abundant in the fossil record. Thus, bovids are extremely common in ecomorphological analyses. However, bovid phylogeny and habitat preference are related, which raises the possibility that analyses linking habitat with morphology are not 'taxon free' but 'taxon-dependent.' Here we analyze eight relative dimensions and one shape index of the metatarsal for a sample of 72 bovid species and one antilocaprid. The selected variables have been previously shown to have strong associations with habitat and to have functional explanations for these associations. Phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses of these variables, including habitat and size, resulted in estimates for the parameter lambda (used to model phylogenetic signal) varying from zero to one. Thus, while phylogeny, morphology, and habitat all march together among the bovids, the odds that phylogeny confounds ecomorphological analyses may vary depending on particular morphological characteristics. While large values of lambda do not necessarily indicate that habitat differences are unimportant drivers of morphology, we consider the low value of lambda for relative metatarsal width suggestive that conclusions about habitat built on observations of this particular morphology carry with them less 'phylogenetic risk.' We suggest that the way forward for ecomorphology is grounded in functionally relevant observations and careful consideration of phylogeny designed to bracket probable habitat preferences appropriately. Separate consideration of different morphological variables may help to determine the level of 'phylogenetic risk' attached to conclusions linking habitat and morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Linguliform brachiopods are traditionally considered a conservative group which seems to pass through the late Permian extinction without any significant loss and even appear to thrive immediately after the extinction peak. In the Southern Alps, lingulids are very common in the post-extinction Mazzin Member (early Induan) of the Werfen Formation. Sparse occurrences are also known in the overlying Siusi and Gastropod Oolite members (late Induan and early Olenekian in age respectively). The recent discovery of well preserved specimens from a pre-extinction bed of the Bellerophon Formation (Changhsingian) has permitted a detailed comparative analysis, mostly based on the interior characters, preserved in the lingulid succession from across the extinction beds. The following effects on the lingulid populations have been analyzed: i) change in taxonomic assessment; ii) adaptive strategies during the surviving and recovery phases; and iii) environmental proxy connected with the killing mechanisms of the late Permian extinction. The pre-extinction individuals belong to Lingularia? cf. smirnovae Biernat and Emig, a species that is characterized by large-sized shells with a short lophophoral cavity. The post-extinction populations belong to different species and, probably, even to a different genus. The first post-extinction population (early Induan), with small-sized shells and long lophophoral cavity, has been referred to Lingularia yini (Peng and Shi). It records the most severe effects of the late Permian extinction on the marine ecosystems. The late Induan–Olenekian Lingularia borealis (Bittner), with large sized shells and long lophophoral cavity, appears during the first phase of the Triassic biotic recovery. The main adaptive strategies of Lingularia yini, in comparison with the Permian species, include: i) shell miniaturization; ii) increasing of the lophophoral cavity surface (respiratory surface); and iii) increasing of shell width/length ratio. These modifications are interpreted as adaptations towards warming and hypoxia, two main killing mechanisms of the marine biota. The recovery species Lingularia borealis maintains a large lophophoral cavity, indicating an adaptation towards predominant low oxygenated bottom marine waters. The appearance and the great abundance of Lingularia yini in the Mazzin Member (early Induan) represent a proxy of dysaerobic conditions, which determined the appearance of the second phase of the Lilliput biota, characterized by the definitive disappearance of the rhynchonelliform brachiopods and calcareous algae in the Southern Alps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Using the megaherbivorous dinosaur assemblage from the Dinosaur Park Formation as a model, linear and geometric morphometrics are applied to examine the degree to which different feeding styles—as reflected by beak morphology—facilitated the coexistence of these animals on the Late Cretaceous island continent of Laramidia. Our findings indicate that megaherbivorous dinosaurs occupied a spectrum of feeding habits. The wide, square beaks of the ankylosaurs suggest that these animals were bulk-feeders that consumed more fibrous herbage than traditionally assumed. Conversely, the narrow, square beaks of the ceratopsids evoke concentrate feeders, although the large body sizes and sophisticated dental batteries of these animals suggest a diet of forbs and low-growing scrub, akin to the feeding strategy of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). Both nodosaurids and hadrosaurids had beaks of intermediate size and shape, suggesting that these were mixed feeders that consumed a diversity of plant types of variable nutritional quality. Contrary to previous suggestions, there is little evidence for different feeding styles within the aforementioned families. Feeding styles were evolutionarily stable, and lend further support to the contention that the fossil assemblage of the Belly River Group constitutes a chronofauna. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The most numerous forms of large deer Eucladoceros and Arvernoceros from Villafranchian localities of Sea of Azov Region and adjacent territories are described. Their characteristics of evolutionary changes in a structure of their antlers are marked. The partial revision of late representatives of genus Eucladoceros with allocation of some subspecies was carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trace fossils link paleontology and sedimentology in ways that most body fossils cannot achieve. A multifaceted approach to ichnology helps to bridge the gap the biologic and geologic standpoints, to connect different levels of analysis (conceptual framework, explanatory schemata and applications), and to reconcile dichotomic views (e.g., adaptationist vs. interactionist approaches, time's arrow vs, time's cycle perspectives) by integrating the multiple aspects of the science of animal-substrate interactions. In this context, ichnologic investigations provide important links among numerous different fields. Analysis of specific ichnofaunas using this integrated approach may result in important and meaningful contributions to our understanding of paleoecology, sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, reservoir characterization, biostratigraphy, evolutionary paleoecology, paleoceanography, and paleoclimatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the types, distribution and association of trace fossils and their paleoenvironment implications in the Ganxi section of Sichuan, Southwest China. Information on the Devonian strata in the Ganxi section is provided. There are 13 ichnogenera and 22 ichnospecies in the Lower Devonian Pingyipu Formation. Included is the sequence of evolutionary events of ichnofacies and ichoassociations from the Early to the Late Devonian in the Ganxi section.

The article focuses on a study which examined Ordovician chitinozoan diversity in South China and its relationship with the paleogeographic and paleoenvironmental evolution. A graphic correlation method was used in this study. Results of the study showed that the balanced total diversity (BTD) of chitinozoans gradually increased during the Lower-Middle Ordovician. It also found that the drop in chitinozoan BTD occurred concurrently with the evolution of Ordovician South China geography.

The article focuses on a study which examined spatiotemporal distributions and evolution patterns of Devonian reefs in South China. The five categories of reefs are fringing, intraplatform, marginal, slope and platform-basin. Results of the study showed that there was a gradual migration of Devonian reefs from the southwest to the northeast. It also found that both regional and global factors influenced spatiotemporal distributions of these reefs.

Ticks are monophyletic and composed of the hard (Ixodidae) and soft (Argasidae) tick families, as well as the Nuttalliellidae, a family with a single species, Nuttalliella namaqua. Significant biological differences in lifestyle strategies for hard and soft ticks suggest that various blood-feeding adaptations occurred after their divergence. The phylogenetic relationships between the tick families have not yet been resolved due to the lack of molecular data for N. namaqua. This tick possesses a pseudo-scutum and apical gnathostoma as observed for ixodids, has a leathery cuticle similar to argasids and has been considered the evolutionary missing link between the two families. Little knowledge exists with regard to its feeding biology or host preferences. Data on its biology and systematic relationship to the other tick families could therefore be crucial in understanding the evolution of blood-feeding behaviour in ticks. Live specimens were collected and blood meal analysis showed the presence of DNA for girdled lizards from the Cordylid family. Feeding of ticks on lizards showed that engorgement occurred rapidly, similar to argasids, but that blood meal concentration occurs via malpighian excretion of water. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S nuclear and 16S mitochondrial genes indicate that N. namaqua grouped basal to the main tick families. The data supports the monophyly of all tick families and suggests the evolution of argasid-like bloodfeeding behaviour in the ancestral tick lineage. Based on the data and considerations from literature we propose an origin for ticks in the Karoo basin of Gondwanaland during the late Permian. The nuttalliellid family almost became extinct during the End Permian event, leaving N. namaqua as the closest living relative to the ancestral tick lineage and the evolutionary missing link between the tick families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early Eocene great lakes of the Green River system preserved a rich fauna, allowing detailed study of the paleoecology of the area. Two genera, †Priscacara and †Mioplosus, are interesting because they are among the earliest well-known representatives of Percoidei sensu lato, and so offer a chance to explore the evolution of the North American fish fauna. A phylogenetic analysis including †Priscacara, †Mioplosus, and representatives of some 'basal' percoid families suggests that †Priscacara is a member of Moronidae, and that †Mioplosus has affinities with Lateolabrax, Siniperca, and Lates. †Priscacara is recovered as paraphyletic relative to the rest of Moronidae, primarily on the basis of meristic characters; in the absence of more robust evidence, both †P. serrata and †P. liops are retained within †Priscacara. The phylogenetic position of †Priscacara suggests a trans-Atlantic connection, because Moronidae contain genera from eastern North America and Europe. †Mioplosus is suggestive of an Asian link to the Eocene Green River system, due to its relationship with the Western Pacific Lateolabrax, the Asian Siniperca, and the African/Asian Lates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The encrusting tentaculitoid tubeworms (Middle Ordovician to Middle Jurassic) have their acme of diversity in the Middle Paleozoic and they form a part of the Paleozoic evolutionary fauna. Most of the morphological and ecological innovations of encrusting tentaculitoid tubeworms appeared during the initial phase of their evolution in the Ordovician and Silurian, and no innovations appeared after the Devonian. The evolutionarily most successful (long lasting) were general hard substrate encrusters, and the most successful morphologies supported this life mode. The morphologies that lasted the longest appeared in the beginning of tentaculitoid tubeworm evolution (during the Ordovician). The ecological innovations with the shortest durations were associated with highly dependent distorting symbiotic and endosymbiotic life modes. Predation pressure may have led to evolution of defensive morphologies (e.g. spines and thick vesicular walls) and endosymbiotic life mode in cornulitids, trypanoporids, Anticalyptraea and Streptindytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The enigmatic middle Eocene climatic optimum (MECO) is a transient (∼500kyr) warming event that significantly interrupted at ∼40Ma the long-term cooling through the middle and late Eocene, eventually resulting in establishment of permanent Antarctic ice-sheet. This event is still poorly known and data on the biotic response are so far scarce. Here we present a detailed planktonic foraminiferal analysis of the MECO interval from a marginal basin of the central-western Tethys (Alano section, northeastern Italy). The expanded and continuous Alano section provides an excellent record of this event and offers an appealing opportunity to better understand the role of climate upon calcareous plankton evolution. A sapropel-like interval, characterized by excursions in both the carbon and oxygen bulk-carbonate isotope records, represents the lithological expression of the post-MECO event in the study area and follows the δ 18O negative shift, interpreted as representing the MECO warming. High-resolution quantitative analysis performed on both >38μm and >63μm fractions reveals pronounced and complex changes in planktonic foraminiferal assemblages indicating a strong environmental perturbation that parallels the variations of the stable isotope curves corresponding to the MECO and post-MECO intervals. These changes consist primarily in a marked increase in abundance of the relatively eutrophic subbotinids and of the small, low-oxygen tolerant Streptochilus, Chiloguembelina and Pseudohastigerina. At the same time, the arrival of the abundant opportunist eutrophic Jenkinsina and Pseudoglobigerinella bolivariana, typical species of very high-productivity areas, also occurs. The pronounced shift from oligotrophic to more eutrophic, opportunist, low-oxygen tolerant planktonic foraminiferal assemblages suggests increased nutrient input and surface ocean productivity in response to the environmental perturbation associated with the MECO. Particularly critical environmental conditions have been reached during the deposition of the sapropel-like beds as testified by the presence of common giant and/or odd morphotypes. This is interpreted as evidence of transient alteration in the ocean chemistry. The enhanced surface water productivity inferred by planktonic foraminiferal assemblages at the onset of the event should have resulted in heavier δ 13C values. The recorded lightening of the carbon stable isotope preceding the maximum warmth therefore represents a robust indication that it derives principally by a conspicuous increase of pCO2. The increased productivity of surface waters, also supported by geochemical data, may have acted as mechanism for pCO2 reduction and returned the climate system to the general Eocene cooling trend. The oxygen-depleted deep waters and the organic carbon burial following the peak of the MECO event represent the local response to the MECO warming and suggest that high sequestration of organic matter, if representing a widespread response to this event, might have contributed to the decrease of pCO2 as well. Though the true mechanisms are still obscure, several lines of evidence indicate a potential pressure on planktonic foraminiferal evolution during the MECO event including permanent changes besides transient and ecologically controlled variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Tso Kar lake basin in Ladakh, northwestern Himalayas (33°18′N, 78°E, 4527m a.s.l.) is located close to the modern boundary of effective moisture transport from the Indian summer monsoon. In order to reconstruct the possible monsoonal impact on the hydrology of the lake basin during the last 15kyr, we studied the geomorphology of the basin and combined the results with multi-proxy records from Tso Kar lake sediments. Major analyses comprise geochemical data (high-resolution X-ray fluorescence, XRF), mineral composition (XRD), aquatic pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP). Although the chronological framework based on 41 14C AMS dates remains speculative for the Lateglacial and late Holocene periods, our results indicate major hydrological phases linked to regional climate variations and tectonic activity. The maximum glacier advance falls within the period between the global LGM and ca 15kyrBP, while the basin remained open and may have drained along the paleo Tso Kar River. Tectonic pulses may have triggered terrace development and the closure of the lake. The estimated mean vertical displacement rate accounts for 7–9mm/yr. Considerable summer monsoon moisture supply occurred for the periods around 12.5kyrBP and between ca 11.5 and 8.6kyrBP, indicated by deposition of more profundal lake facies and the development of aquatic fauna and flora. The lake level rise about 11.8kyrBP was due to intensified glacier melt and summer monsoon effective moisture supply. The lake reached its maximum level and extent between 8.5 and 7kyrBP under warm-moist climate conditions. Permafrost was absent from the basin. Summer monsoon influence weakened after 8kyrBP with a short reverse trend at ca 5–6kyrBP. The lake shrank gradually after 7kyrBP towards its lowest stand at about 4.2kyrBP, with return of permafrost activity. Subsequent terrace formation was probably amplified by tectonic movement. The lake remained at a low level with minor fluctuations. The results indicate that the orbitally driven regional climate variability is well reflected in the Tso Kar basin by hydrological variations. Considerable summer monsoon moisture seems to have influenced the area only during the early Holocene. The late Quaternary evolution of the Tso Kar was controlled by the interplay of climate forces, local morphodynamics and tectonic impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Large-bodied suspension feeders (planktivores), which include the most massive animals to have ever lived, are conspicuously absent from Mesozoic marine environments. The only clear representatives of this trophic guild in the Mesozoic have been an enigmatic and apparently short-lived Jurassic group of extinct pachycormid fishes. Here, we report several new examples of these giant bony fishes from Asia, Europe, and North America. These fossils provide the first detailed anatomical information on this poorly understood clade and extend its range from the lower Middle Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous, showing that this group persisted for more than 100 million years. Modern large-bodied, planktivorous vertebrates diversified after the extinction of pachycormids at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, which is consistent with an opportunistic refilling of vacated ecospace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Drilling predation is one of the most studied biotic interactions in the fossil record and potentially controls biodiversity, but its history may be confounded by natural patchiness across environments. This aspect has been inconsistently evaluated. The current study contributes to our understanding of drilling predation in the Northern Adriatic, which has been previously classified as a low-predation setting, and examines the roles of environment, patchiness, and ecology of prey organisms in modern seas. Nearly 49,000 molluscs from two intertidal and six sublittoral bulk samples along a transect in the Gulf of Trieste were analysed for drill frequency (DF) and prey effectiveness (PE), a measure of prey''s ability to resist predatory attacks. DF across all samples was 20.6%, but varied between the intertidal (1.4%) and sublittoral (27.4%). Among the latter, DF differed between the delta foreset beds (18.1%) and level bottom muds and sands (∼28% each). PE was low in the intertidal (1.1%) and sublittoral (4.5%). Overall DF and PE among the three mud samples varied by nearly 10%, while that within the two sand samples varied little; however, significantly different DFs were observed only among the families Nuculidae, Galeommatidae and Corbulidae in level bottom mud and Cerithiidae in level bottom sand samples. Only Corbulidae displayed significant variation in PE among level bottom mud samples (16.5–43.7%). PE varied significantly between level bottom sand samples only within the families Cerithiidae and Trochidae. Suspension-feeding bivalves and gastropods had the highest DFs (24.3% and 39.1%, respectively), and the value of epifaunal bivalves (32.0%) was nearly twice as high as that of infaunal bivalves (17.9%). DFs of cementing (43.0%) and byssate (27.0%) bivalves were higher than that of recliners (9.9%). Considering their cryptic life habits, parasitic gastropods (20.3%) and commensal bivalves (40.6%) had exceptionally high DF. For each ecological category, PE was highest on suspension-feeding (11.1%), infaunal (15.8%) and cementing (10.5%) bivalves, and on parasitic gastropods (11.9%). DF did not correlate with diversity indices or predator abundance in the sublittoral; therefore, drilling predation probably does not control diversity on the local scale here. DFs support paleoecological theory relating predation to changes in ecological guilds through the Phanerozoic. DFs were highest on suspension feeders, parasites and sessile prey, and were lowest on predators, recliners, and endobenthic molluscs. While cementation likely reduces bivalve susceptibility to durophages, it apparently does not to impede drilling predators. Finally, DF did not vary across size classes in any species examined except Venerupis rhomboides, where the smallest fraction was drilled more often. Additionally, as the proportion of large individuals in our samples was small, disparities in DF across size classes probably did not influence our results. With respect to predation intensity the relatively high DF in the sublittoral, as well as high DF and PE for various taxa and guilds, places the Northern Adriatic Sea among typical Cenozoic shelf environments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

New material of dsungaripterid pterosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of Tatal, western Mongolia, allows the diagnoses of Dsungaripteridae and Noripterus to be amended. All pterosaurs found at Tatal belong to Dsungaripteridae (either Dsungaripterus or Noripterus). The name Phobetor is a junior synonym of Noripterus. The differing shapes of the anterior tips of skulls, differing tooth morphologies and the coexistence of both Dsungaripterus and Noripterus may imply that they occupied distinct ecological niches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algae have always been the most diverse and numerous eukaryotic autotrophs in marine ecosystems. Both fossil and molecular data point to an early Proterozoic origin for algae. Although known for their long evolutionary history, the fossil record of algae is sparse and mainly remains of taxa with heavily calcified thalli are preserved. However, fossils of noncalcareous algae, known as extremely sporadic and occasional finds from different parts of the world, provide important insights into the palaeobiology of algal flora in the Earth.s past. Here we describe highly diverse flora of noncalcareous thallophytic algae from a Silurian age deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the life and works of Larry Coats, a paleoecologist at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been known as the professional climber, who had roped down the rock face to research lower ledges and overhangs. It is mentioned that Coats had found 1000-year-old granaries including the food storage caches made of mud, stone and wooden poles. Furthermore, the sky-high lodgings and accouterments that Coats discovered are part of the larger constellation of sites which recorded in the remote canyon.

With increasing interest in climate change and other issues associated with the history of the environment and anthropogenic evolution there is an ongoing requirement to investigate the Earth's natural systems. A key approach is for scientists to look back into geological time, perhaps millions of years, to see how the world has reacted to natural climatic changes in the past. Using evidence from the fossil record, fluctuations in palaeoclimate can be assessed with reference to changes in global floral and faunal patterns. Phytoliths, Greek for ‘plant stones’, is a fossil group that is being increasingly utilized in the understanding of past climates and environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploration well drilled at the Middle Eocene fossil site of Messel, near Darmstadt, Germany proved that the famous Messel oil shale was deposited in a maar lake. During a quantitative palynological investigation of the entire succession of lake sediments, a monospecific population of dinoflagellate cysts was encountered. Based on transmitted light and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies, they are assigned to the new peridinioid taxon Messelodinium thielepfeifferae gen. et sp. nov. because they are acavate and lack distinct apical or antapical horns. The dinoflagellate cysts exhibit considerable intraspecific variation in surface ornamentation. Messelodinium thielepfeifferae gen. et sp. nov. is abundant in sediments of the early holomictic stage of Lake Messel, but generally is reduced in frequency in the oil shale which represents the meromictic stage. These dinoflagellate cysts appear in peak abundances in mass flow and debris flow deposits in which material from the lake shore was transported downslope to the basin center. Thus, major concentrations of Messelodinium thielepfeifferae gen. et sp. nov. occurred in nearshore environments either due to primary population density of the parent motile stage, or due to secondary cyst accumulation by wind and wave action. The dinoflagellate cysts are notably absent in the uppermost 25 m of the core, where Botryococcus dominates. This shift in algal populations is interpreted as a response to changes in the chemistry of the water body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which reviewed the progress and challenges in reconstructing early hominid environments from equatorial Africa. It is stated that human evolution was the result of the interactions of early hominids with their physical and biological surroundings. The goal of human evolutionary paleoecology is reportedly to examine the interplay of environment, ecology and evolution of geological time scales. Findings of the study are analyzed.

The Eryuan palynoflora from the Late Pliocene of western Yunnan, China is described in this paper, and is compared with two contemporary palynofloras from Yangyi and Longling. The palynological data of the three locations are analyzed to reconstruct the climatic parameters of these areas at that time by using the Coexistence Approach. The Late Pliocene climatic parameters of Eryuan are estimated, i.e., the mean annual temperature ranged from 13.3 to 18.6°C, the mean temperature of the warmest month from 24.6 to 27.5°C, the mean temperature of the coldest month from 1.9 to 12.1°C, the difference in temperatures of coldest and warmest month from 14.2 to 16.6°C, the mean annual precipitation from 619.9 to 1484.3 mm, the mean maximum monthly precipitation from 143.8 to 245.6 mm, and the mean minimum monthly precipitation from 12.7 to 16.4 mm. Both paleovegetation and paleoclimate of the three localities are compared with the modern data at each location. The present study suggests a MAT decrease accompanied by a doubling of the MAP in the Longling area between the Late Pliocene and the present. This seems to be related to the uplift of Gaoligong Mountain in Longling which is now part of the eastern portion (Western Yunnan) of the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Grouping of the common and diverse Carboniferous dispersed miospore genus Lycospora is suggested. Authors divide Carboniferous lycospores into six subgroups, based on their morphology and the knowledge of their in situ records. The stratigraphical range of the cones is from the Langsettian to the Stephanian B. Six plant specimens from the Bohemian Late Palaeozoic continental basins belong to six Lepidostrobus species. Differing morphology of fructifications and their in situ spores lead to a separation of the cones into the following species: Lepidostrobus kohoutii sp. nov. containing Lycospora uzunmehmedii spores, Lepidostrobus cf. haslingdenensis containing Lycospora uber spores, Lepidostrobus sp. A yielded spores that compare with the dispersed species Lycospora microgranulata, Lepidostrobus sp. B possessed Lycospora cf. microgranulata spores, Lepidostrobus sp. C yielded spores of the Lycospora torquifer-type, and Lepidostrobus sp. D contains Lycospora cf. subjuga spores. It means, that each cone species yielded lycospores comparable to one dispersed spore species. The palaeoecology of the plant fossils is discussed. Their environment is typified by either clastic or mixed clastic/peat substrates and standing water. Therefore, they grew in clastic swamps developed along the lake margins or shallows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four neogondolellid conodont interval zones were recognized across the Changhsingian stage at Ganxi section, western Hubei Province, south China. They are in ascending order: the Clarkina wangi Zone, the Clarkina changxingensis changxingensis Zone, the Clarkina changxingensis yini Zone, and the Clarkina meishanensis meishanensis Zone. The present study suggests that the base of the Changhsingian can be defined by the first appearance datum (FAD) of Clarkina wangi within an evolutionary lineage from Clarkina longicuspidata to Clarkina wangi. The Wuchiapingian–Changhsingian boundary can be placed at the base of bed 104 at Ganxi section, south China because of the first occurrence of Clarkina wangi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the publication of Darwin's theory of evolution in 1859, lingulids have probably been the most widely quoted examples of arrested evolution. This, to some degree, may be because few anatomical features are impressed either on or inside valves so these may not adequately reflect the extent of change incurred during lingulid evolution. Two lingulid brachiopods, Lingulella chengjiangensis and Lingulellotreta malongensis, from the Early Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte (Yunnan, South China) show preservation of a series of soft parts, notably the lophophores, setae mantle canals and perfectly impressed visceral region, which are vital to understanding the evolution and lifestyle of brachiopods. Analysis of the valve interiors favours the claim that an epifaunal mode of life could be a plesiomorphic state in contrast to the infaunal one of modern lingulids. Based on these fossils, the three-pseudosiphon formation of setae found in Recent lingulids is proposed to be an apomorphy derived as an adaptation to an infaunal lifestyle. Comparison between the interior of the fossils with that of modern lingulids does little to support the widespread notion that the morphology of this lineage has remained remarkably constant since at least the early Palaeozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reefs were decimated by the Frasnian/Famennian (Late Devonian) mass extinction event (371 Ma), and are assumed to have survived only as depauperate calcimicrobial communities dominated by disaster taxa. Description of Famennian proximal reef-slope communities within the Windjana Limestone, Canning Basin, north-western Australia, shows that, notwithstanding the loss of large metazoans, novel ecologies were established in this setting by a rich biota of survivor and progenitor taxa. Diverse calcimicrobes together with algae, crinoids, bryozoans, brachiopods, and abundant sponges (stromatoporoids, inozoans, sphinctozoans, lithistids and hexactinellids) formed a reef framework of either elevated platy structures up to 4 m in diameter and 0.35 m thick, or mounds up to 15 m in diameter. This framework was dominated by a complex intergrowth of calcimicrobes, where Rothpletzella formed the primary framework, Ortonella, and Girvanella were secondary encrusters, and Shuguria spp. occupied small crypts 2–30 mm in diameter. Contiguous columnar stromatolites up to 50 mm in height and 1 m in width grew upwards from substrate sheltered beneath large sheltered primary cavities: based on minimum growth rates of 50–100 μm/year these are estimated to have been between 500 and 1000 years old. The elevated platy community is inferred to have grown in conditions of episodic siliciclastic sediment input; the reef mounds grew during either episodes, or in localised areas, of low sedimentation. At least 14 morphospecies of spicular sponges are now identified from the Windjana Limestone, where only two were previously documented. These fore-slope reef communities exposed in Windjana Gorge flourished in high-energy carbonate environments dominated by coated grain sediments, and where rapid, early lithification was pervasive. Such observations demonstrate that no protracted interval of time was necessarily required for post-extinction ‘recovery’ in regions where some reef-building taxa survived and suitable carbonate habitats persisted or returned. Moreover, they show that new ecologies, rather than remnants of the pre-extinction community, could be established rapidly. The reef-slope communities of the Windjana Limestone offer little evidence to support the ideas of resurgence or invasion of taxa from deeper waters after the Frasnian/Famennian extinction. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that similar microbial-sponge communities were already established in margin and reef slope communities in the latest Frasnian. As such, the most dramatic ecological changes caused by the extinction occurred in back-reef communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the first protozoological study in terms of paleoecology of long-term sediments and buried soils formed in the cryolite zone of northeastern Siberia are discussed. The data on testaceans (Protozoa: Testacea) inhabiting various sites of Bykovsky Peninsula, Laptev Sea coast near estuary of Lena, within the last 53 000 years (Late Pleistocene and Holocene) are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on protective colouration in animals including camouflage that decreases the risk of detection, and conspicuous colouration, which is often used in combination with chemical defenses to deter predators from attacking. Results of experiments regarding the efficacy of conspicuous colouration; How researchers tested for a difference in body size between species with different colouration modes and perform a comparative analysis based on phylogenetically independent contrasts to examine if evolutionary shifts in colour pattern have been associated with evolutionary changes in body size, using data for several species of moths; Larval body size for species with signalling and non-signalling larvae; Results suggesting that these two traits have not evolved in parallel; What the lack of association between evolutionary changes in colouration and body size may reflect; Why the predicted association between colouration and size may have been confounded by conflicting selection on body size in larvae and adults.

Reports on a new dromaeosaurid dinosaur, Microraptor zhaoianus gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation in Liaoning, China. Size and physical features of the dinosaur, which provide insight into the morphological transition to birds; Insights into the study of the paleoecology of some bird-like theropod dinosaurs.

The article discusses advances in early hominid studies in eastern Africa. Not only have early hominid fossils been preserved and discovered in eastern Africa, but geological circumstances have facilitated their accurate dating, thus, making the region an important area for investigation into early hominid evolution. The region contains the best-dated fossiliferous sequence including details about hominid morphotypes and taxonomy and the phylogenetic relationships of hominids. This literature aims at documenting early hominid behavior, in the light of better dating techniques, paleoecological investigations, and multidisciplinary approaches.