Bollettino SPI Vol. 33 - Issues 1, 2, 3
Issue 1
Published in May 1994
- Sala B., Masini F. & Torre D. (1994)
Villanyian arvicolids from Rivoli Veronese, a karst fissure in the Adige Valley, Northeastern Italy
pp. 3-11
A micromammal fauna dating from the late Villanyian, collected in a karst fissure in Rivali Veronese, Northeastern Italy, is briefly discussed. Arvicolids represent the majority of the fossil finds and are discussed in greater detail. The following taxa were identified: Erinaceus, Beremendia, Sorex, Talpa, Apodemus (two species), Muscardinus, Eliomys, Glis, Sciurus, one mid-to large-sized flying squirrel, Ungaromys, cf. Ellobius, Villanyia cf exilis, Dinaromys n. sp., Mimomys cf. pliocaenicus, Mimomys pitymyoides, and Mimomys tornensis. This is the first well documented Villanyian faunal assemblage found in Italy, and displays a marked affinity with the bioprovinces of Eastern Europe. The first finding of the genus cf. Ellobius to the west of the Ukraine and the Black Sea, and the presence of a new species of Dinaromys should be noted.
- Dommergues J.L., Ferretti A. & Meister C. (1994)
Late Sinemurian ammonite faunas in Central Apennine (Marche and Toscana, Italy)
pp. 13-42
Seven biostratigraphical horizons are founded on the ranges of 40 ammonite species within 5 sections of the Late Sinemurian in Central Apennine. For the first time some taxa (eg. Hypasteroceras montii (Meneghini), H. planulata (Fucini), Ectocentrites a!tiformis Bonarelli … ) are described in an acute stratigraphical framework within this area of historical importance. A new genus Paramicroderoceras is proposed to designate some large Eoderocerataceae from Raricostatum Zone. These species usually indicated as Microderoceras are already closed to the first Liparoceratidae s. l. (Tetraspidoceras and Vicininodiceras). Moreover, if in the Apennines the Arnioceras levels probably indicates the Obtusum Zone, those with Parasteroceras ( = Paroxynoticeras in litt.) are now attributed ta Raricostatum Zone taking in account the presence of Paltechioceras.
- Zaninetti L., Rettori R. & Martini R. (1994)
Aulotortus ? eotriasicus, n. sp., a new Middle Triassic (Anisian) foraminifer of the Dinarids and Hellenids
pp. 43-49
Aulotortus ? eotriasicus, n. sp., is a new name for an involutinid Middle Triassic (Anisian) foraminifer of the Dinarids previously described from the same locality of Bosnia-Herzegovina (material J.P. Cadet, sample KDD8) by Bronnimann et al. (1973a) and assigned to Involutina sinuosa pragsoides (Oberhauser, 1964). The analysed material is from the Middle Anisian (Pelsonian) carbonate reefal facies of the Dinarids (Prekarstic Subzone). The new species is common in a grey organogenous limestone, sometimes dolomitic, which is overlain by the Ammonitico rosso limestone of the Han Bulog facies (Trinodosus Zone). Aulotortus ? eotriasicus, n. sp., is associated with some index microfossils of the Anisian, among which the typical pelsonian foraminiferal assemblage of Meandrospira dinarica, Pilammina densa, Pilamminella grandis. From a taxonomic point of view, the morphological characters of the unpillared involutinid Aulotortus ? eotriasicus, n. sp., do not allow to assign the species to the pillared Upper Triassic to Jurassic (Cretaceous?) genus Involutina Terquem. The here proposed attribution to Aulotortus Weynschenk remains doubtful, as the recrystallized test does not exhibit any lamellar structure, which, according to Piller (1978), remains the only adequate feature to distinguish the unpillared triassic involutinid genera Aulotortus Weynschenk and Triadodiscus Piller. For the larger dimensions, the new species has been tentatively attributed to Aulotortus. Aulotortus ? eotriasicus n. sp., has also to be distinguished from the Middle (Ladinian) to Upper Triassic lenticular species pragsoides, to which it was assigned by Bronnimann et al., 1973. The new species essentially differs from «Involutina sinuosa pragsoides» (= Aulotortus pragsoides) in having a narrower tubular second chamber, a larger number of whorls, and in having a lenticular test subangular in outline. As far as the distribution of the new species is concerned, Aulotortus ? eotriasicus, n. sp., has also been recorded from the Middle Anisian (Pelsonian) of the hellenid locality of Hydra (Rettori et al., in press), where the Pelsonian age of the foraminiferal asseblage (Aulotortus ? eotriasicus, n. sp., Meandrospira dinarica, Pilammina densa, Pilamminella grandis etc.) has been established on the basis of Conodonts (Angiolini et al., 1992).
- Bravi S. (1994)
New observations on the Lower Cretaceous fish Notagogus pentlandi Agassiz (Actinopterygii, Halecostomi, Macrosemiidae)
pp. 51-70
A more comprehensive description of Notagogus pentlandi Agassiz, the type species of the genus, is given on the basis of the specimens in the collections of the Museum of Palaeontology of Naples and of the Natural History Museum in London. Four new well preserved specimens from the «Calcari ad Ittioliti» of Pietraroia (Southern Italy) are described. Newly described features are the mandibular sensory canal which is found to be completely enclosed by bone, the completely ossified coracoid. These features are unusual in macrosemiids and differentiate N. pentlandi from all the other members of the genus. An account about the structure of the caudal skeleton (poorly known in Macrosemiids) is also given. . Differences between N. pentlandi and N. denticulatus Agassiz are confirmed and based on the above mentioned features. N. denticulatus is proposed as the type species of a new genus Neonotagogus, grouping more derived species.
- Rook L. (1994)
The Plio-Pleistocene Old World Canis (Xenocyon) ex gr. falconeri
pp. 71-82
During Plio-Pleistocene times large-sized dogs with tendency to develop blade-like carnassials were widespread in the Old World. They are grouped into a supraspecific unit, Canis (Xenocyon) ex gr. falconeri. The species considered are Canis (Xenocyon) falconeri (early Pleistocene of Europe), Canis (Xenocyon) antonii (late Pliocene and early Pleistocene of Asia) and Canis (Xenocyon) africanus (Pliocene and early Pleistocene of Africa). The middle Pleistocene Canis (X.) lycaonoides clearly appears to be derived from Canis (X.) falconeri. Morphological evidences allow the hypothesis that the living genus Lycaon may also have derived from the Canis (X.) ex gr. falconeri.
- Holland C.H., Gnoli M. & Histon K. (1994)
Concentrations of Palaeozoic nautiloid cephalopods
pp. 83-99
Examples are reviewed of concentrations of Palaeozoic nautiloid cephalopods of various ages from various parts of the world. They are found largely in Ordovician to Devonian carbonate rocks of relatively shallow water origin. Frequently they have been orientated by currents or waves. Problems of their taphonomy are considered. It is concluded that these cephalopods probably lived in schools, as do many modem cephalopods, and that they suffered mass-mortality, for which there are various possible explanations.
- Pasini G. & Colalongo M.L. (1994)
Proposal for the erection of the Santernian/Emilian boundary-stratotype (lower Pleistocene) and new data on the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary-stratotype
pp. 101-120
The Santernian is the basal chronostratigraphic unit of the Pleistocene, according to the Quaternary chronostratigraphic scale proposed in 1991 by the «Working Group for the Quaternary Stratigraphy» of the Italian Geological Society. In this paper the authors propose to locate in the Vrica section (Calabria) the Santernian/Emilian boundary-stratotype, in coincidence with the first appearance of Hyalinea baltica, proposed by Ruggieri & Sprovieri 1977a as marker of this boundary. H. baltica appears in the Vrica section 71.1 meters above the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary-stratotype, in coincidence or in proximity of first or last appearances of species belonging to calcareous plankton, which allow global scale correlations of this boundary. In the Vrica section it is possible to locate also the Santernian stratotype because: 1) in this section the Santernian sediments are continuous (unlike in the Santerno section, previously proposed as Santemian stratotype by Ruggieri & Sprovieri 1977a); 2) the Vrica section shows all the requisites requested by the International Stratigraphic Guide (Hedberg, 1976) for the definition of a stratotype. In the present paper the new age of 1.795 ± 0.030 Ma is proposed for the Pliocene/Pleistocene (or Neogene/Quaternary) boundary, and new information on the climatic change occurred in coincidence with this boundary is given.
Issue 2
Published in December 1994
- Giudici P., Pallini G. & Varola A. (1994)
Uppermost Campanian (N. hyatti Zone) Ammonite and associated fossils from the Salento (Lecce, South ltaly)
pp. 139-143
An unique, new ammonite fauna of some hundred adult specimens is referred to Nostoceras gr. hyatti Stephenson (80% of the ammonite association) and, limitedly (20% of the ammonite association), to Solenoceras gr. multicostatum Stephenson. The fossil assemblage was found near Vitigliano (Lecce Province, Salentine Peninsula), coming from the Upper Campanian, N. hyatti Zone, of the Poggiardo limestone. This is the youngest record of ammonites from ltaly and allows correlation with the faunas of the Mediterranean area, as those from lsrael. The present taxa were described from Europe, Africa and America and belong to the last heteromorph ammonites, characterized by a strongly uncoiled test, with trochospiral phragmocone and an U-shaped living chamber (Nostoceras) or with phragmocone parallel to living chamber (Solenoceras). The investigated assemblage is interpreted as storm layer, which accumulated by passive wave transport, and consists of unoriented tests. The very singular event is the association of two forms with different size: 10-13 cm in Nostoceras hyatti and 3-5 cm in Solenoceras multicostatum with a very different buoyancy. This fact make the possibility that the two forms are allied by biological affinity as, i.e., a dimorphic couple. Accompayining macrofossils are represented by others molluscs as bivalves (Grypheids, Pectinids and Rudists in fragments) and gastropods, brachiopods, echinoderms and crustaceans and some small size ichthyodontolites, with only the crown preserved (2 cm in hight maximum), which are probably referable to Scyliorhinidae. The crustaceans, disarticulated, are very important because in some sediments these forms are associated with the rudists, few and bad represented in the studied outcrop, and this fauna may be a valid element of correletion. The major part of the specimens is referred to Calappidae; some forms, very close to those of the family Cancridae, are also present.
- Reina A. & Luperto Sinni E. (1994)
New data on inner carbonatic platform deposits of upper Cretaceous in western Salento (Apulia, Southern ltaly)
pp. 145-153
The upper Cretaceous in facies of inner carbonatic platform, outcropping along the coastline between Cannole and Uluzzo in the north of Gallipoli (Lecce, Salento) is represented by three lithological units:
3 – grey vacuolar dolomites (Unit C); uppermost Maastrichtian? -Paleocene?
2 – micritic limestones (Unit B): upper Maastrichtian p.p.
1 – limestones with rudists (Unit A); lower Campanian
On the basis of the characteristics observed and of the bio and chronostrtigraphic data, Units A and B can be compared to the contemporaneous limestones of Salento. The only aspect which has to be defined concerns the stratigraphic relations between these two Units; in fact, no stratigraphic contact has been observed. Moreover, the chronologic interval regarding the middle upper Campanian and the upper Maastrichtian is not represented in any sample. So, we cannot exclude the hypothesis of the presence of a stratigraphic lacuna between the two Units. While waiting for more precise stratigraphic data about the geologic survey we prefer to put Units A and B under the same symbology. (Fig. 1).
From the stratigraphic viewpoint, it is particularly interesting to consider the results of the study concerning the outcrops of Unit C. This Unit has a high degree of lithologic homogeneity (exclusively grey vacuolar dolomites), it is different from the upper and lower units, not only because of its lithologic characteristics, but also on account of the presence at the contact of an erosional surface with red clay, sometimes associated with an unconformity. Moreover a substantial and often continuous wide has been ascertained. So, on the basis of what has been set out, seen also the rules of the Code of Stratigraphic Nomenclature, the Autors propose that Unit C is to be considered a new formation in the stratigraphic context of the Cretaceous of Salento. Other ascertainments in the territory of Salento could enable to identify new stratigraphic elements in order to determine a section type and a formational name more appropriate to Unit C.
- Parente M. (1994)
A revised stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous to Oligocene units from southeastern Salento (Apulia, southern Italy)
pp. 155-170
A revised stratigraphy of the late Cretaceous to Oligocene units of the southeastern Salento (Apulia, southern Italy) is proposed. In the study area this time interval is represented by six stratigraphic units:
1 – The «Santa Cesarea limestone»: the deposits referred to this unit are dated late Campanian on the basis of rudist assemblages and benthic foraminifers.
2 – The «Ciolo limestone»: this new unit is introduced to indicate upper Maastrichtian limestones containing larger foraminiferal assemblages attributable to the Lepidorbitoides socialis Zone and globotruncanids pointing to an age not older than the earliest Gansserina gansseri Zone.
3 – The «Torre Tiggiano limestone»: this new term refers to limestones with alveolinids and nummulitids containing larger foraminiferal assemblages indicative of different Middle Eocene intervals as the lower Lutetian (Alveolina stipes Zone) and the upper Middle Eocene (Alveolina elongata Zone).
4 – The «Torre Specchialaguardia limestone» this unit is introduced to indicate coral limestones containing larger foraminiferal assemblages of Priabonian age (late Eocene).
5 – The Castro limestone: this term is used in a restricted sense indicating the upper Oligocene reef complex whose larger foraminiferal assemblages indicate the lower Chattian (Cycloclypeus Zone).
6 – The Porto Badisco Calcarenite: the bioclastic deposits referred to this unit contain larger foraminiferal associations dated as upper Chattian (Miogypsinoides Zone).
The 4 Paleogene units are recognized as unconformity-bounded stratigraphic units on the basis of the stratigraphic relationships observed in the study area. The hypothesis that also the Ciolo limestone represents a UBSU is put forward on the basis of several arguments deduced from the stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous deposits of the Apulian Platform.
- Bosellini F.R. & Perrin C. (1994)
The coral fauna of Vitigliano: qualitative and quantitative analysis in a back reef environment (Castro Limestone, Late Oligocene, Salento Peninsula, Southern Italy)
pp. 171-181
The Castro Limestone, Middle Chattian in age, consists of various reef facies and has been described as a fringing reef complex developed along the Cretaceous-Eocene rocky coast of the Salento Peninsula. The reef facies outcropping near Vitigliano and the associated coral fauna, which have been previously interpreted to be part of a back reef subenvironment, are here defined both qualitatively and quantitatively. Together with palaeontological and sedimentological observations, three main quantitative methods have been used for the characterization of the back reef facies: 1) count of coral colonies on a subvertical measured surface, 2) line-transect, 3) quadrat. The composition of the coral fauna was identified in the field mainly at the generic level and abundance of the different genera has been analyzed. The results obtained from the various quantitative methods are compared and discussed. Moreover, the coral density has been quantified from both linear and areal measurements and has been evaluated to be around 20%. However, corals occur as scattered colonies and do not form a true framework.
- Esu D., Girotti O., Iannone A., Pignatti J.S. & Ricchetti G. (1994)
Lagoonal-continental Oligocene of southern Apulia (Italy)
pp. 183-195
In the frame of investigations on the continental and transitional Oligo-Miocene mollusk assemblages of southern Apulia, we present evidence of a spectacularly exposed succession recording a range of distinct depositional paleoenvironments and faunas. A first account is given on the sedimentological and paleoecological characters of this sedimentary succession, outcropping near Galatone (Lecce district, southern Apulia). Its age is tentatively referred to the Late Oligocene, in the light of the evidence from foraminiferal and mollusk assemblages. The succession records unusual taxonomic associations, as yet unrecorded from the Italian peninsula, and distinctive depositional features. This allows us to discuss some features of the rarely recorded shallow-water/continental transition, commonly biased in the Mediterranean Oligocene sedimentary record. While the foraminifera testify to the existence of similarities with coeval assemblages from the Middle East and SW Spain, the malacofaunas suggest strong affinities with eastern and southeastern Europe.
- Taddei Ruggiero E. (1994)
Neogene Salento brachiopod palaeocommunities
pp. 197-213
This is a study of some Neogenic to Pleistocenic sequences in which brachiopods are present, aimed at defining the brachiopod palaeocommunities in the various ages and environments. The oldest brachiopods are from Miocene: Terebratula sinuosa is found, associated with Aphelesia margineplicata on muddy bottoms of Upper Bathyal.
In the Upper Pliocene, the brachiopods are found in Uggiano la Chiesa formation: Terebratula calabra and T. siracusana in spicolithic sediments of a Circalittoral environment with muddy biodetritic bottoms; Neocrania anomala and Megathiris detruncata on coarsely biodetritic bottoms of the Infralittoral.
In the Lower Pleistocene, in Circalittoral environments, there are the more abundant paleocommunities: from biodetritic bottoms and Coralligenous: Neocrania anomala, Terebratulina retusa, Megathiris detruncata, Megerlia truncata, and M. monstruosa are found. Argyrotheca ageriana and A. cordata are to be added to this stock, within a depth range to 100 m; Platydia anomioides at a depth more than 100 m. In coarsely biodetritic bottoms one finds N. anomala, M. detruncata, M. truncata at a depth of 40-50 m. In monospecific levels, Terebratula scillae is frequently found in a very great number of specimens, on a muddy detritic substrate, at a depth between 100 and 150 m.
- Bianucci G., Landini W. & Varola A. (1994)
New remains of Cetacea Odontoceti from the «Pietra leccese» (Apulia, Italy)
pp. 215-230
New remains of odontocete cetaceans, from the Pietra leccese formation, belonging to Eurhinodelphis cristatus, Eurhinodelphis sp., Shizodelphis sp. (Eurhinodelphidae) and Squalodon sp. (Squalodontidae) are here described. These fossils were collected from Miocene sediments in quarries situates in the Cursi-Melpignano area (Apulia, Italy).
The genus Eurhinodelphis was already known from the Pietra leccese with E. salentinus Moncharmont Zei, 1950. However, this species is based upon a not well preserved skull that, in our opinion, can unlikely be referred to this genus. The same applies to other species from the Miocene sediments of the Mediterranean Basin such as Eurhinodelphis bellunensis Pilleri, 1985 and E. sassariensis Cappellini, 1878, which we exclude from the genus in agreement with other Authors. We report Eurhinodelphis, by contrast, in the sediments of Rosignano and Vignale (Piedmont) as well. The species E. cristatus is recorded for the first time in the Mediterranean Basin.
The genus Schizodelphis was already known from the Pietra leccese, but on the basis of a specimen which we assign here to an indeterminate odontocete. Other older records of this genus in the Mediterranean Basin have turned out to be misattributed specimens as well. The specimen described by Bassani & Misuri (1910) as Ziphiodelphis abeli from the Pietra leccese must, by contrast, be referred to Schizodelphis.
The genus Squalodon had already been recorded in the Pietra leccese but on the basis of remains of dubious taxonomic value. This genus turns out to be widespread throughout the Miocene Mediterranean Basin, although we assign some remains, previously referred to this taxon, to other systematic groups. All taxa from the Pietra leccese formation described in this paper have a North Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution.
- Bianucci G., Landini W. & Varola A. (1994)
Relationships of Messapicetus longirostris (Cetacea, Ziphiidae) from the Miocene of South Italy
pp. 231-241
Messapicetus longirostris Bianucci, Landini & Varola, 1992 (Cetacea, Ziphiidae) is known from a nearly complete skull collected in the lower Tortonian sediments of the Pietra leccese formation, at Cavallino near Lecce (Apulia, Italy). This genus can be referred to the tribe Ziphiini of the subfamily Ziphiinae in that it has closed mesorostral gutter and premaxillary crests which do not expand nor meet the nasals in their anterior part. Messapicetus, is the most primitive genus of the Ziphiini because it has rather small nasals and a peculiar morphology of the premaxillary crests that does not allow the development of a deep prenarial basin. The closed mesorostral gutter observed in Messapicetus is an important apomorphy of the Ziphiini and its absence in the living Ziphius is interpreted here as a reversion.
The peculiar morphology and significant lengthening of the rostrum lead us to suppose that there exist a particular trophic specialization related to the search for food at the sea botton, as pointed out by other Authors in some taxa of different famities (such as Eurhinodelphis).
Besides Messapicetus, only four fossil genera of Ziphiidae with well preserved skull remains are known. This family is uncommon in the Miocene Mediterranean Basin, even if some isolted periotics, previously referred to other families, belong, in our opinion, to the Ziphiidae.
- Mazzei R. (1994)
Age of the Pietra leccese in the Cursi-Melpignano area (to the south of Lecce, Puglia)
pp. 243-248
The Pietra leccese represents the oldest Miocene formation of the Salento. For the biostratigraphical study of this formation, which is based on the calcareous nannofossils, the area of Cursi Melpignano (to the N of Maglie) has been investigated. The analysis of the samples collected in some of the several quarries has allowed to ascertain that the Pietra leccese of this area extends from the Sphenolithus heteromorpus – Helicosphaera ampliaperta Zone to the Amaurolithus primus – A. amplificus Zone and, consequently, from the Upper Burdigalian to the Lower Messinian. In the glauconitic biomicrites (to be more precise in correspondence to the «linee delle cozze») two hiatus have been documented: the first one comprises the Serravallian part belonging to the Discoaster exilis, D. kugleri and Catinaster coalitus zones, the second one the Tortonian part of the Discoaster calcaris, D. berggrenii and Amaurolithus primus – A. amplificus (lowermost part) zones.
- Bossio A., Mazzei R., Monteforti B. & Salvatorini G. (1994)
Miocene succession in the type-area of the Calcareniti di Andrano (Apulia, South Italy)
pp. 249-255
In the area between Vignacanstrisi (in the north) and Tricase (in the south), a geological mapping program was conducted and micropaleontological analyses (Foraminifera, Ostracoda, calcareous nannofossils) were performed on all units of the Neogene succession. A total of four sedimentary cycles are recognizable. The Pietra leccese formation (upper Burdigalian -lower Messinian) and the Calcareniti di Andrano (lower Messinian) belong to the first cycle. The lowest part of the subject Miocene succession contains glauconitic calcarenites of limited thickness which generally overlie a phosphoritic bed. Locally, pale yellow homogeneous calcarenites are intercalated between the two lithotypes. These Miocene units occupy a very narrow strip bordering a broad area of calcarenites and stratified limestones (the typical Calcareniti di Andrano). The pale yellow calcarenites belong to the upper Langhian or lower Serravallian (Orbulina suturalis – Globorotalia peripheroronda Zone): the glauconitic, calcarenites to the Tortonian (Globorotalia acostaensis Zone, Discoaster calcaris Zone) or lower Messinian (Globorotalia conomiozea Zone, and Amaurolithus primus – A. amplificus Zone): and the overlying calcareous units, to the lower Messinian (Globorotalia conomiozea Zone and Amaurolithus primus – A. amplificus Zone in the lowermost part, “Non distinctive Zone” in the remainder). The pale yellow and glauconitic calcarenites were deposited in the distal portion of the outer neritic zone, succeeding lithotypes accumulated in a much shallower environment, reflecting the uppermost Miocene regression.
Martinis (1967) referred the Miocene succession of Andrano (type-area of the formation) in its entirety to the Calcareniti di Andrano. However, the basal phosphoritic layer and the pale yellow homogeneous and glauconitic calcarenites is here considered attributable to the Pietra leccese.
These lithotypes are of limited thickness due to hiatuses in the Pietra leccese, associated with bottom current action. The hiatuses are evident throughout the Salento area. Martinis (1967) and other Authors of the Carta Geologica d’Italia (scale 1:100.000), did not recognize the depositional process of the Pietra leccese. Mainly for this reason they hypotized heteropy between the Pietra leccese and the Calcareniti di Andrano. The present study indicates, however, that the latter represents the regressive unit of the Miocene cycle of Salento, and embodies the pre-evaporitic Messinian sediments.
- D’Alessandro A., Mastronuzzi G., Palmentola G. & Sansò P. (1994)
Pleistocene deposits of Salento leccese (Southern Italy): Problematic relationships
pp. 257-263
New data allow to better define the stratigraphic relationships of Pleistocene deposits of the Salento leccese. Five lithostratigraphic units have been recognized: the lower-Pleistocene «Calcareniti di Gravina» is overlaid by the post-Sicilian «Sabbie a Brachiopodi». The Middle Pleistocene «Argilliti di S. Pietro» in the northern side of the area, and the «Argilliti di Mondo Nuovo» to the South are transgressive on the «Sabbie a Brachiopodi». A younger deposit, the pre-Tyrrhenian «Panchina superiore del Salento», ends the local stratigraphic sequence. This is a thin sedimentary body located between 80 and 45 m of altitude, forming a wide terrace bordered to the east by the Aradeo-Cutrofiano «cliff».
- Bologna P., Di Stefano G., Manzi G., Petronio C., Sardella R. & Squazzini E. (1994)
Late Pleistocene mammals from the Melpignano (LE) «Ventarole»: preliminary analysis and correlations
pp. 265-274
Preliminary analysis on some faunal remains from the Melpignano (LE) area (with a premolar of Homo cf. neanderthalensis), allow the writer to a correlation between these remains (with others from nearby localities) and the faunal associations from the basal deposits of some caves: the caves opening between 2 and 8 mt a.s.l. and lying on Neotyrrhenian beach deposits. These faunal associations are referred to the Late Pleistocene.
- Bologna P. & Petronio C. (1994)
The first occurrence of Bison priscus Bojanus in the Melpignano area (Lecce, Southern Italy)
pp. 275-1278
A few bovid specimens of an unpublished mammal assemblage coming from the Melpignano area (Lecce) have been referred by the morphologic analysis to Bison priscus. This can be considered as the first occurrence of this species in the Salento area. The presence of B. priscus, as well as the whole Melpignano fauna, is referred to a temperate climatic phase of the Late Pleistocene by the correlations of the whole fauna with many other faunas in the Salento area.
- Rustioni M., Mazza P., Abbazzi L., Delfino M., Rook L., Petrucci S. & Vianello F. (1994)
The würmian fauna from Sternatia (Lecce, Apulia, Italy)
pp. 279-288
At the end of the 70’s fossil vertebrates were reported from a «ventarola» (karstic fissure) of the «Pietra Leccese», near Sternatia, a small village in the outskirts of Lecce. Although the material is fragmentary and poorly preserved, several species have been recognized, Equus caballus, Equus hydruntinus, Cervus elaphus, Dama dama, Bos primigenius, Capra ibex, Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, Crocuta crocuta, Martes sp., Mustela nivalis, Oryctolagus cuniculus, Erinaceus europaeus, Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus (Terricola) savii, Aves ind., Lacerta viridis, Testudo sp., Bufo viridis. Equus caballus is middle to small-sized; it is by far the best represented among the ungulates. The fox dominates amongst carnivores. Ibex is attested only by a right first or second lower maler. The presence of the fallow deer and of the hyaena and the absence of any kind of pachyderm may possibly suggest an attribution to the second part of the Wurmian Early Pleniglacial. However the possible occurrence of holdovers cannot be excluded. The complete absence of Microtus (Microtus) may even suggest an attribution to the isotopic stage 3. The fauna altogether suggests a mixed environment, with open tendentially dry spaces.
Issue 3
Published in December 1994
- Sprovieri R., Di Stefano E., Riggi A. & Busalacchi P. (1994)
The intra-pliocenic Section of Gibil-Gabel (Caltanisetta, Central Sicily): an high-resolution biostratigraphy exercise
pp. 289-298
An integrated calcareous plankton biostratigraphy and detailed quantitative analysis of the planktonic foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil assemblages in a section outcropping in the central Sicily are reported. The sequence is represented by the calcareous marls of the « Trubi» Formation in the lower part and by silty marls in the upper part. The section covers the stratigraphic interval from just below the extinction of Globorotalia puncticulata to just above the last common occurrence of Discoaster tamalis. The obtained quantitative data allowed a precise identification of the biostratigraphic boundaries and the correlation of all the recognized bio-events to the sequence of abundance fluctuations. The diffìculty to recognize with accuracy in a terrigenous sequence the upper boundary of the Discoaster tamalis Zone as defined by Rio et al. (1990) suggested to propose the re-definition of this biostratigraphic boundary in coincidence of the last common occurrence of the zonal marker, above an interval of paracme. This event is well correlatable in pelagic and terrigenous sequences and coincides with abundance fluctuation 115 of Globigerinoides ruber. On the base of the recognized sequence of abundance fluctuations in the calcareous plankton assemblage a sedimentary gap between the « Trubi» and the overlaying marls could be detected and the time interval covered by this hiatus was estimated with accuracy. The number of abundance fluctuations of the Gd. ruber taxonomic unit in the Gibil-Gabel section is well comparable with the number of abundance fluctuations already interpreted in other more or less complete Mediterranean sections. Several bio-events allow to easily recognize some well identified abundance fluctuations, which can be used as reference points to compare the number of the abundance fluctuations in the considered sections. Above the base of the Glacial Regime, the same number of abundance fluctuations in the planktonic foraminiferal assemblage was also recognized in the calcareous nannofossil Discoaster assemblage on the base of the abundance fluctuations of Discoaster pentaradiatus. The abundance fluctuations in the 2 fossiliferous groups are virtually coincident along the section and indicate that also in the Mediterranean basin the abundance fluctuations in the Discoaster assemblage were influenced by the periodicity of the obliquity astronomical cycles.
The high resolution set of samples collected in the part of the section above the top of the Discoaster tamalis Zone, where an high sedimentation rate is present, proved that a periodicity referable to the precession astronomical cycles is stili recognizable above the base of the Glacial Regime, when a periodicity referable to the obliquity astronomical cycles began to dominate the abundance fluctuations of the planktonic assemblages.
- Miculan P. (1994)
Planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the middle Miocene in Italy
pp. 299-339
A planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy is presented for eight Italian sedimentary successions of the middle Miocene. The study areas include the type area of the Langhian Stage (Bormida valley, Southern Piedmont), the type area of the Serravallian Stage (Scrivia valley, south-eastern Piedmont), the Marche region and Sicily.
In the interval between the FAD of Praeorbulina glomerosa sicana and the FAD of Globigerinoides obliquus extremus 7 planktonic foraminiferal biozones and 8 subzones have been recognized. They allow detailed subdivisions and correlations of the studied sedimentary bodies. The historical stratotype of the Langhian Stage (Cessole composite section) is biostratigraphically bracketed by the FAD of P. glomerosa sicana and the FAD of Orbulina universa.
The FAD of O. universa lies 45 metres below the base of the commonly accepted Serravallian stratotype in the Serravalle Scrivia section. The first appearances of P. glomerosa sicana and O. universa are easily recognizable events which provide valuable biostratigraphical criteria for correlation of the lower boundaries of the Langhian and Serravallian stratotypes, as historically fixed.
- Rettori R. (1994)
Replacement name Hoyenella, gen. n. (Triassic Foraminiferida, Miliolina) for Glomospira sinensis Ho, 1959
pp. 341-343
The new genus Hoyenella, gen. n. (type-species: Glomospira sinensis Ho, 1959), is herein introduced for a Triassic foraminifer of the Eastern and Western Tethys. The new family Hoyenellidae, fam. n. (type-genus Hoyenella, gen. n.) is also established.
- Ferrero E., Maia F. & Tonon M. (1994)
Miogypsinids of Monferrato: morphological and taxonomical features
pp. 345-368
Several sections of bioclastic turbiditic layers outcropping in eastern Monferrato (S. Michele Member auct.), are described. A study was made of Miogypsinid populations coming from such layers.
The S. Michele Member auct. outcrops as a sequence of coarse to medium-fine sandstones, sometimes gravelly and rich in bioclasts, grey coloured on exposed surfaces and yellowish on fractures, in graded beds variously indurated. Beds rich in clay-chips, siltstones with plant fragments and some cobbly rhodolithic conglomerates with serpentinitic and quartzose pebbles alternate with these sandstones. In other cases, muddy light coloured, levels which are sometimes very coherent or brittle and badly stratified, alternate with the sandstones. A few outcrops show thin beds of indurated sandstone, poor in bioclasts, alternated with fractured light pelites badly stratified.
Samples were taken from 12 outcrops with different amounts of fauna. Miogypsinidae prevail on other benthic Foraminifera. Planktonic Foraminifera are subordinate, and very often deformed and recrystallized. Fragments of Bivalves, occasional fragments of Echinoids and Bryozoa and very few otoliths and Ostracoda are observed. According to Drooger, 1952, the study of Miogypsinidae is based on biometry of embryonic apparatus parameters like the main spiral lenght (X), the y angle, the symmetry of the nepiont (V), and the protoconchal diameter (D1). Measurements were made on drawings obtained from specimens sectioned individually along the equatorial surface. The analytical data were then processed statistically and compared with the values for taxonomic units recognized in the literature. Student’s «t» test was used to compare the specific determinations thus obtained with all the populations assigned to these forms by other workers and hence confirm our species attribution. Analysis of covariance was then employed to evaluate correlations between the parameters and evaluate the effective links between the variables.
Over 400 specimens of 22 populations were examined and the following taxa were recognized: Miogypsina gunteri and M. gunteri–tani referred to Aquitanian and Lower Burdigalian, M. tani and M. socini referred to the Lower Burdigalian, M. globulina, M. globulina-intermedia and Miolepidocyclina negrii referred to Upper Burdigalian. The general picture of the statistical fìndings shows virtually normal X and V distribution within each assemblage, except for the frequency of very small samples. The range of y angle variations on the contrary is so great that no regular distribution can be established.
The plots relating the mean values of the main spiral (X) and the mean values of the y angle of all the samples show a clearly oriented trend. In fact these populations are located along a line representing the trend of y angle to assume higher positive values in function of the decrease of X. This trend is also confirmed by the good correlation between the two parameters inside each population. A less significant trend appears from the correlation between the main spiral (X) and the protoconchal diameter (D1), that indicates only a feeble connection between the shortening of the spiral and the increase of D1. The distribution of the mean values of the main spiral in relation to the symmetry of nepiont (V) shows that the shortening of the spiral is concomitant with the increase of V.
The populations of Miogypsina studied in eastern Monferrato evidence a sequence of species belonging to the Aquitanian and the Burdigalian. Miogypsina gunteri appears only at Monte Croce section, whereas M. gunteri–tani is present in the levels of Piancerreto and Murisengo. The beds of Villamiroglio, S. Rocco, S. Michele, Forneglio and Salabue, contain M. tani, and those of Villadeati contain M. socini. The species M. negrii is present in the samples of Casalino and Rio di Serralunga, while in the former section M. globulina was also identified. Populations of M. globulina–intermedia are found in the calcarenites outcropping near Moncalvo. As the planktonic Foraminifera in the examined samples are usually few and badly preserved, the data collected by a first investigation do not allow a more careful biostratigraphic setting. At this moment, however, a good fit results between the biozonation obtained by means of Miogypsinids and the biozonation based on planktonic Foraminifera.
Biostratigraphic data point out a succession of depositional events separated by time intervals, objectively delimited by palaeontological evidence due to the study of Miogypsinids. So it would be more suitable to split the S. Michele Member auct. into a series of distinct units each carachterized by a Miogypsinid biozone and its respective age, heteropic respectively to the Antognola Marls Formation, to the Pteropods Marls Formation and to the «Pietra da Cantoni» Formation.
- Rook L. & Masini F. (1994)
Orycteropus cf. gaudryi (Mammalia, Tubulidentata) from the Late Messinian of the Monticino Quarry (Faenza, Italy)
pp. 369-374
Aardvark remains from the late Messinian deposits of Monticino Gypsum Quarry (Brisighella, Faenza) are described and referred to Orycteropus cf. gaudryi. These finds represent the westernmost known record of Tubulidentata in the Late Miocene of Eurasia. Although very rare as a fossil, Orycteropus was a widespread taxon in the Mio-Pliocene of Eurasia at mediterranean latitudes.
- Schiavinotto F. & Verrubbi V. (1994)
Nephrolepidina in the Oligo-Miocene section of the Gran Sasso (Central Apennines): environment-evolution relations
pp. 375-406
A sequence of populations of Nephrolepidina in the calcarenitic Oligo-Miocene of the Gran Sasso has been subjected to biometric analysis of the embryonic and nepionic chambers. An evolutionary development was recognized which, in general, remains in accordance with the principles of embryonic and nepionic acceleration: a progressive increase in time both of the average value of the degree of embracement of the protoconch by the deuteroconch, and of the average number of adauxiliary chambers.
However, some deviations from the expected trends were also revealed, which therefore assume oscillating trends already recognized several times in orbitoidal larger Foraminifera. A correlation between deviations of the evolutionary characteristics and deviations in the average values of the diameters of the embryonic apparatus was also observed.
Resedimentation phenomena, which are also present, do not seem sufficient to explain, alone, the magnitude of these deviations. On the contrary, the data regarding the variations of the sedimentological and faunistic characteristics that intervene in the section would confirm the hypotheses of the intervention of some factors limiting the average dimensions of the embryonic apparatus: 1) reduction of the population density because of variation of the environmental conditions and/or because of competition between different taxa; 2) modalities concerning the adaptive strategies in relation to the environmental characteristics; 3) interaction of a possible paratrimorphous reproductive cycle.
Moreover, in conditions of reduced population density, as a bottleneck consequence there could be temporary affirmations of morphotypes with primitive characteristics, followed by resumptions of the overall evolutionary trends, in accordance with the «pulsating evolution» model recently proposed as an alternative to the «gradualist» and «punctualist» models.
- Bonaduce G., Abate S. & Barra D. (1994)
Kunihirella, a new marine ostracod genus (Podocopa, Cytheruridae) from the Early Pliocene of Eraclea Minoa (Sicily)
pp. 407-412
Kunihirella n. g. (type-species K. eracleaensis n. sp.) of the Eraclea Minoa Trubi Formation (Southern Sicily, Italy) is erected from the Early Pliocene. A second species, previously attributed to Swainocythere Ishizaki, 1981, is considered to pertain to the proposed new genus.
- Ciampo G. (1994)
A taxonomic note about Leptocythere transiens Pucci
pp. 413-414
Specimens illustrated by Doruk (1980) as Leptocythere multipunctata (Seguenza) and by Aruta (1986) as Leptocythere meridionalis Ruggieri, have to be really ascribed to Leptocythere transiens Pucci.
- Gnoli M. & Kisselev G.N. (1994)
Revision of the family Sphooceratidae Flower, 1962 (Orthocerida)
pp. 415-420
It is proposed to subdivide the family Sphooceratidae Flower, 1962 into two subfamilies:_ Sphooceratinae and Disjunctoceratinae. The new genera Disjunctoceras and Andigenoceras proposed here, are placed in the latter subfamily.