Bollettino SPI Vol. 34 - Issues 1, 2, 3
Issue 1
Published in May 1995
- Playford G., Ribecai C. & Tongiorgi M. (1995)
Ordovician acritarch genera Peteinosphaeridium, Liliosphaeridium, and Cycloposphaeridium: morphology, taxonomy, biostratigraphy, and palaeogeographic significance
pp. 3-54
Lower to middle Ordovician marine strata of Öland, Sweden, contain abundant acritarch palynofloras especially notable for their diversity and excellent preservation. Quantitatively and qualitatively significant components include representatives of the peteinoid genera Peteinosphaeridium Staplin, Jansonius & Pocock, 1965, Liliosphaeridium Uutela & Tynni, 1991, and Cycloposphaeridium Uutela & Tynni, 1991, all characterized by their sphaeroidal, pylomate vesicles bearing conspicuous and distinctively laminate processes. Process morphology – pivotal to peteinoid taxonomy at genus and species levels – is analyzed in detail. It provides the main basis for taxonomic revisions and innovations, as follows: emendation of above three genera; institution of two new species, P. angustilaminae and P. eximium; elevated (subspecific to specific) status, new combination, and emendation of L. hypertrophicum (Eisenack, 1976); new combination and emendation of L. intermedium (Eisenack, 1976); emendation of P. bergstroemii Staplin, Jansonius & Pocock, 1965 (type species), P. velatum Kjellstrom, 1971 (neotype designated), L. kaljoi Uutela & Tynni, 1991 (type species), and C. auriculatum Uutela & Tynni, 1991 (type species); the new combinations L. pennatum (Deunff, 1977) and Ordovicidium asperum (Kjellstrom, 1971); and designation of a new neotype for P. trifurcatum (Eisenack, 1931 ex Eisenack, 1938) Eisenack, 1969. A comprehensive and critical literature survey reveals, inter alia, that certain species previously attributed to Peteinosphaeridium are not, or may not be, so assignable. The geographic and stratigraphic distributions of all species judged to be authentic or likely representatives of the three genera are documented. All three genera are confined to the Ordovician. From current records, Peteinosphaeridium extends from the lower into the upper Ordovician (uppermost Tremadoc – upper Ashgill); both Liliosphaeridium and Cycloposphaeridium are considerably more restricted stratigraphically (upper Arenig-lower Llanvirn and uppermost Arenig-mid Llanvirn respectively). Previously inferred, acritarch-based, biogeographic provinces for the lower and middle Ordovician are well-substantiated by the peteinoid evidence, in particular the differentiation of the Baltic Province from the Perigondwana Province, with different species of Peteinosphaeridium characterizing each and Cycloposphaeridium confined to the former. However, few data are available from South America, North America, North China, and Australia.
- Mazza P., Rustioni M., Aruta G. & Di Carlo E. (1995)
A Messinian Prolagus from Capo di Fiume Quarry (Palena, Abruzzo, Central Italy)
pp. 55-66
Prolagus is reported for the first time from Messinian beds of the Maiella Mountains. Its occurrence is testified by an incomplete, articulated skeleton. The general aspect of the fossil, its dimensions and proportions and the geographical proximity to the Gargano area, where rich collections of Prolagus remains were found in a recent past, are suggestive of a tentative attribution to P. apricenicus Mazza. The find reproposes the intriguing problem of the relationships of these Abruzzo-Apulian representatives with other Italian and European species and of the date and way of immigration into the area.
- Rickards R.B., Holland C.H. & Serpagli E. (1995)
Aspects of Silurian and Lower Devonian graptolite faunas and stratigraphy in southern Sardinia
pp. 67-80
The Llandovery stratigraphy established by Storch and Serpagli (1993) in south-western Sardinia is confirmed and reinforced in terms of the triangulatus Biozone. Earlier work in south-eastern Sardinia is briefly reviewed with particular reference to the biozonal concept. After brief refinement of the Wenlock stratigraphy, principles concerning the Wenlock-Ludlow boundary are discussed. Fresh records of Ludlow, Přídolí and Devonian graptolites are given, including the new form Saetograptus jaegeri for which a systematic description is provided.
- Mezzabotta C., Masini F. & Torre D. (1995)
Microtus (Tyrrhenicola) henseli, endemic fossil vole from Pleistocene and Holocene localities of Sardinia and Corsica: evolutionary patterns and biochronological meaning
pp. 81-104
A total of one hundred and ninety-eight first lower molars of the endemic vole Microtus (Tyrrhenicola) henseli have been studied. The remains are mainly from karst fissure fillings from eight different localities of Sardinia, and from one locality of northern Corsica. The samples have been examined and compared by means of morphological analyses, made with both qualitative and quantitative methods. A preliminary analysis of the microstructure of tooth enamel of a reduced number of molars has also been carried on: its results are fairly consistent with the trends evidenced by morphological analyses. This has allowed us to arrange the specimens of the studied sites into two main groups: the Pleistocene forms, including samples from six localities, that are less derived both in morphology and enamel microstructure (smaller size, simple anteroconid, open pinching of the neck, subequal thickness of trailing and leading edges, and sensibly thicker tangential zone relative to the radial one), and the Holocene forms, including samples of latest Pleistocene to early middle Holocene from two Sardinian sites and one Corsican locality, which are more derived (larger size, more complex anteroconid, pronounced pinching of the neck, thinner trailing edges and reduced layer of tangential enamel). They also display a lower degree of variability than the Pleistocene samples. In the group including the Pleistocene forms, the samples from the Sardinian localities of Capo Figari and Dragonara Cave show the most plesiomorphic morphologies, while those from Monte San Giovanni and Bonaria are more derived and closer to the Holocene forms. Among the latter, teeth from Corbeddu still display a relatively small size, comparable to that of the Pleistocene populations, coupled with derived features that are typical of the Holocene group. The specimens of the Corsican site of Fontaneddu appear to be clearly separated, relative to the Sardinian Holocene populations, in having larger size and narrower neck, very reduced layer of tangential enamel on the trailing edges, coupled with a relatively short anterior cap. The results of this study suggest a possible derivation of M. (T.) henseli from continental microtines of the Microtus (Allophaiomys) ruffoi –burgondiae lineage and allow an hypothesis on a fairly detailed biochronological subdivision of the Sardinian faunal complexus. The marked increase in evolutionary rates that occurred at the end of the Pleistocene was likely related to environmental changes and to the anthropic impact on the endemic fossil communities.
Issue 2
Published in November 1995
- Kassab A.S. (1995)
Biostratinomy of Upper Cenomanian oyster storm shell beds from the Northeastern Desert of Egypt
pp. 139-145
Exogyrine oysters abundantly occurr in the Upper Cenomanian Galala Formation exposed at the confluence of Wadi Qena and Wadi Abu Had area, Northeastern Desert, Egypt. They build sharp-based shell beds of thin stratigraphic intervals. Oysters of these shell beds belong to Ilymatogyra africana (Lamarck). They show a wide tolerance to face fluctuations in substratum. Two associations of llymatogyra have been distinguished in the studied shell beds: the cup-shaped reclining, which secondarily adapted to life on soft substratum, and the encrusting Ilymatogyra. Bed-by-bed biostratinomic analysis has revealed the nearshore shallow marine origin of such shell beds confirming their accumulation during storm events.
- Di Stefano A. (1995)
Calcareous nannofossils biostratigraphy of the Middle-Upper Miocene formations in the western sector of the Hyblean Plateau (South-Eastern Sicily)
pp. 147-162
In the western sector of the Hyblean Plateau (South-eastern Sicily) is exposed a Miocene pelagic carbonate sequence. These sediments have been studied by using a quantitative analysis of calcareous nannofossils on samples from six representative stratigraphic sections located in the surroundings of the Tellaro River Valley. A continuous sequence ranging from Late Burdigalian to Middle Tortonian has been detected combining the six sampled sections. In the study area, the existing standard biostratigraphic zonations based on calcareous nannofossils (Martini, 1971; Okada & Bukry, 1980) display a low resolution and a limited applicability, as some marker species are lacking (Catinaster coalitus, marking the NN7/NN8 boundary in the Martini’s zonation and the CN5/CN6 boundary in the Okada & Bukry’s zonation; C. calyculus, corresponding to the CN7a/CN7b boundary) or poorly represented (Discoaster kugleri, NN6/NN7 boundary in the Martini’s zonation and CN5a/CN5b boundary of Okada & Bukry’s zonation). Moreover, other biostratigraphic events, such as the Last Occurrence of Helicosphaera ampliaperta (NN4/NN5 and CN3/CN4 boundary) and the Acme End of Discoaster deflandrei (alternative event for the same boundary) are hardly detectable.
A new biostratigraphic zonal scheme has been recently proposed for the Miocene of the Mediterranean Region (Fornaciari & Rio, in press; Fornaciari et al., in press). The definitions of zones and subzones are based on biohorizons partly deriving from the standard zonations, such as the first occurrence (FO) and the last occurrence (LO) of Sphenolithus heteromorphus and Sphenolithus belemnos. Other biohorizons are based on abundance fluctuation of selected species, such as the absence-paracme interval of Sphenolithus heteromorphus, the first common occurrence (FCO) and the last occurrence of Helicosphaera walbersdorfensis, the first common occurrence of Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus, the last common occurrence (LCO) of Calcidiscus premacintyrei, the first common occurrence of Helicosphaera stalis. The nannofossils assemblage found in the Hyblean sequence fits well with the zones and subzones proposed in this new zonal scheme, in fact all the biohorizons utilized have been easily detected. Such evidences support the applicability and reliability of the new zonal scheme for regional correlation within the Mediterranean region.
- Bonci M.C. (1995)
The Upper Miocene diatoms assemblage of Cappella Montei (Alessandria)
pp. 163-191
The diatomaceous flora found in the spongolitic levels below the evaporitic Miocene succession of Cappella Montei (Serravalle Scrivia – Alessandria district) is analysed in detail. These spongolitic levels (about 8 m thick) represent the upper part of a pelitic succession sometime more or less sandy, belonging to the S. Agata Fossili Formation. This episode ends with a non spongolitic level of silty marls (about 40 cm thick).
The siliceous organic fraction is clearly prevailing, but is also associated with a relatively abundant calcareous organic fraction (10-18%). This fraction mainly consists of planktonic and benthic foraminifers and nannoplancton, with subordinate ostracods, echinoids spines, bryozoans and molluscs remains (Bonci et al., 1991). More subordinate are also fishes and plant remains. In the whole succession the foraminiferal P/B ratio is always in favour of plankton. Through the spongolitic episode it can be noted a quantitative generai decrease of foraminifers, the disappearance of agglutinated forms and Miliolids, the dominance of Bolivinidae, Buliminidae and Uvigerinidae and the size reduction of the planktonic forms. The nannoplancton diversity increases in these levels with appearance of frequent Discoaster and small Gephyrocapsa. The biogenic siliceous fraction is mainly composed of sponges spicules and diatoms with subordinate radiolarians, silicoflagellates, Dinophycee, Ebridacee and Archaeomonadacee (Bonci et al., 1991). The diatom appearance (sample 20) and disappearance in the spongolitic levels are very abrupt.
The diatom assemblage is composed of about 104 species (see taxonomic appendix), whose ecologic informations, geographic and stratigraphic distribution are presented: the composition does not change significantly in the different levels. The most common species are: Thalassionema nitzschioides, Thalassiothrix longissima, Actinocyclus ellipticus (also with forma lanceolata), A. octonarius, Coscinodiscus asteromphalus, C. marginatus, C. radiatus, Denticulopsis hustedtii, Hemidiscus cuneiformis, Paralia sulcata, Pseudopodosira westii, Chaetoceros spores and Endictya oceanica (only fragments). Other significant but less common species are: Actinoptychus senarius, Actinocyclus ellipticus var. elongatus, A. tenellus, Arachnoidiscus ornatus, Chaetoceros furcellatus, Cocconeis scutellum, Coscinodiscus curvatulus, C. oculus-iridis, Grammatophora angulosa, G. marina, G. oceanica, Lyrella hennedyi, Navicula pennata, Nitzschia cf. fossilis, N. praereinholdii, Plagiogramma staurophorum, Rhizosolenia styliformis, Stephanopyxis turris, Thalassiosira leptopus and Xanthyopyxis spp.
The presence of several benthic and meroplanktonic forms suggests an inner shelf deposition environment widely connected with the open sea, because of fairly good frequence of oloplanktonic species.
To stress the high frequence of some elements such as Th. nitzschioides, Th. longissima, Chaetoceraceae spores, which indicate high productivity related to colder waters rich in nutrients (like upwelling areas).
The presence of mesoeurihaline and meioeurihaline species indicates salinity values between 35 and 20‰. On the whole this assemblage indicates temperate-subtropical conditions.
The amount of the biogenic siliceous accumulation and the moderate preservation of the frustules suggest oxygen reduced conditions on the basin bottom; the less diversity in the benthic foraminifers and the predominance of Bolivinidae, Buliminidae and Uvigerinidae confirm this hypotesis. In conclusion, the assemblage indicates for this area a phase of high productivity developed in a protected environment with negligible continental detritic inflows, quite near to the coast, but widely connected with open sea.
At the top of the succession the abrupt interruption of the biogenic siliceous episode suggests a quick and distinct environmental change confirmed by changes in the benthic foraminifers association: the decrease of Bolivinidae and Buliminidae and the appearance of frequent Miliolids indicate the passage to a more litoral environment. This abrupt interruption of the siliceous episode could be related to the complex of environmental modifications introducing the evaporitic Messinian phase, documented in the area by the Gypsum Formation.
Significant biostratigraphic data are: 1) quite high frequence of Denticulopsis hustedtii, which is recorded before 8-7.8 m. y.; 2) presence of Actinocyclus ellipticus forma lanceolata (appearance at 9.9 m. y.); 3) presence of Thalassiosira grunowi (extinction at 7.4 m. y.); 4) presence of Nitzschia praereinholdii (extinction before 7.4 m. y.).
On these basis the spongolitic levels can be ascribed to the Late Miocene (Tortonian) in an interval between 9.9 and 8-7.8 m. y.
Stratigraphical and/or environmental differences seem to occur with related associations of Late Miocene diatomitic facies of Piedmont Basin and Western Mediterranean.
- Barra D. (1995)
First record of Nipponocythere Ishizaki, 1971 and Swainocythere Ishizaki, 1981 (Ostracoda) in the Late Quaternary in the Mediterranean Basin
pp. 193-200
The presence of Nipponocythere Ishizaki, 1971 and Swainocythere Ishizaki, 1981 is reported for the first time in Late Quaternary sediments of the Mediterranean Basin (Isle of Ischia, Campania, Southern Italy). Swainocythere, previously reported from Recent sediments of the Tunisian shelf, was previously unknown in the fossil record while Nipponocythere has never been previously cited from the Mediterranean Basin. The study of the benthic foraminifers and ostracods assemblages associated to the cited genera allowed to define a paleobathymetry of 70-100 m. The new subspecies Nipponocythere drapalaensis Bonaduce, Abate & Barra pithekoussaii n. ssp. is described and illustrated.
- Bellomo E. & Sabelli B. (1995)
A new addition to the Mediterranean Pleistocene «Boreal Guests»: Hanleya nagelfar (Lovén, 1864) (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) from Calabria (S. Italy)
pp. 201-204
Recent research at Contrada Case Alte (Reggio Calabria) led to the discovery of a few plates belonging to the polyplacophoran Hanleya nagelfar (Loven, 1864), a species previously known only from North Atlantic. These valves represent the first fossil record of this taxon which can be considered another «boreal guest» in the Mediterranean Pleistocene. The age of the outcrop is late Emilian or more recent.
- Azzaroli A. (1995)
A Synopsis of the Quaternary species of Equus in North America
pp. 205-221
Twelve, or possibly thirteen valid species of Equus are recognized in the Pleistocene of North America. They are distinguished by features of their skeletons, in particular of their skulls and dentitions, and also of limb bones.
The primitive lineage of E. simplicidens appears to have survived into the early Irvingtonian. E. idahoensis and the recently described E. enormis also lived between the late Blancan and early Irvingtonian. The latter belongs to the specialised lineage of E. stenonis, which is characterized by facial fossettes, an elongated rostrum and a deep narial notch. Among the middle and late Pleistocene species E. caballus and its close relatives E. niobrarensis and E. lambei (the latter possibly a subspecies of niobrarensis) may have been derived from the sturdy E. idahoensis, which may also have given origin, as a separate clade, to E. excelsus and E. occidentalis, both characterized by massive skulls and a stout build. The rather short limbed E. fraternus and E. conversidens, with lower incisors lacking cups and cheek teeth with a complexly wrinkled enamel, are closely related with South American horses; while the stilt-legged E. semiplicatus and E. francisci display the slender build of Old World hemiones. The affinities of the massive E. pacificus are less clear.
- Abbazzi L. (1995)
Megaceroides obscurus from the Val di Chiana (Cava Liberatori, Tuscany, Central Italy, Farneta f. u., early Pleistocene). Remarks on the early evolution and systematics of Megaceroides
pp. 223-234
Megaceroides boldrinii Azzaroli and Mazza, 1992 is considered to be a junior synonym of Cervus obscurus Azzaroli, 1953 from the Cromer Forest-bed Formation of Norfolk. This paper describes some remains of this species from Pleistocene sediments in Val di Chiana. M. obscurus is one of the most primitive representatives of the genus Megaceroides known to date. The occurrence of this species in assemblages characteristic of the Farneta f u. is an important bioevent in the latest Villafranchian. This species is phyletically linked to Eucladoceros.
- Capasso Barbato L.C. & Gliozzi E. (1995)
Biochronological and palaeogeographical implications of a well-balanced late Middle Pleistocene fauna from Quisisana-Certosa (Capri, Southern Italy)
pp. 235-261
The rich fauna found in the red clays at the base of the Quisisana-Certosa deposit (Capri) was collected at the beginning of the present century during the construction and enlargement of the Quisisana Hotel. Several faunal lists have been published by different authors but the vertebrate assemblage of Quisisana-Certosa has never been studied in detail.
The present morphometric study of the bone remains has provided new information, the modification of some previous identifications and the demonstration of the presence of species not previously recorded from Capri. The following species have been identified: Testudo hermanni Gmelin, Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus), Ursus spelaeus spelaeus Rosenmuller-Heinroth, Crocuta cf. C. crocuta spelaea (Goldfuss). Canis cf. C. mosbachensis Soergel, Panthera pardus (Linnaeus), Oryctolagus cuniculus ssp., Elephas (Palaeoloxodon) antiquus Falconer & Cautley, Mammuthus (M.) chosaricus Dubrovo, Stephanorhinus hemitoechus (Falconer), Equus aff. suessenbornensis Wust, Hippopotamus sp., Sus scrofa ssp., Cervus elaphus ssp., Dama sp., Bos primigenius Bojanus.
The mammal assemblage is comprised of both herbivorous and carnivourous forms, with the additional presence of a lagomorph. Each of the assemblages are represented by several species having very different habitat and feeding adaptations (e.g. elephants, rhinoceros, hippopotamuses, deer, bears, hyenas). The faunal association is, therefore, well balanced, of continental type, suggesting that, in the Middle Pleistocene, Capri was not yet an insland but merely an extension of the present Penisola Sorrentina.
From a biochronological perspective, the presence of Mammuthus chosaricus, Equus aff. suessenbornensis, Canis cf. C. mosbachensis and Ursus spelaeus spelaeus leads us to refer the Quisisana-Certosa deposit to the late Middle Pleistocene. This age is supported also by the presence of Acheulean artefacts which were collected in the upper portion of the red clays, comparable to those found in the Italian peninsula in the sequence of Torre del Pagliaccetto (lower levels) (Torre in Pietra, Rome).
Issue 3
Published in April 1996
- Dufka P. & Gnoli M. (1995)
A report on Silurian and lowermost Devonian chitinozoans from South-western Sardinia
pp. 263-269
Nineteen chitinozoan species were identified in several isolated blocks of micritic limestones from South-western Sardinia. Ludlow, Přídolí and lowermost Devonian (Lochkovian) chitinozoan assemblages were distinguished. The tentative chitinozoan stratigraphy of individual blocks is proposed. It supports the previous stratigraphic data based on bivalves from the same blocks.
- Aiello G., Barra D. & Bonaduce G. (1995)
Anchistrocheles interrupta a new deep-water marine ostracod species (Pussellinae, Ostracoda) from the Plio-Pleistocene of the Mediterranean Basin
pp. 271-274
Anchistrocheles interrupta n. sp. is described and illustrated. The generic attribution is discussed with the comparison of the characters of the carapace with those of the closely related genera Bythocypris Brady, 1880, Zabythocypris Maddocks, 1969 and Pussella Danielopol, 1973. The new species shows a stratigraphical distribution restricted to the Plio-Pleistocene of the Mediterranean. In Atlantic its first occurrence is recorded in the Late Tortonian.
- Barra D. & Bonaduce G. (1995)
The genus Cistacythereis Uliczny, 1969 (Ostracoda, Trachyleberididae) in the Recent of the Mediterranean Sea with a taxonomic revision
pp. 275-282
The systematic position of Cistacythereis and Hiltermannicythere is discussed and their subgeneric rank proposed. Samples collected in Recent sediments of the Mediterranean African coast and on the Tunisian shelf yelded two species of Cistacythereis (Cistacythereis) Uliczny, 1969 considered new for science, that is Cistacythereis (C.) carthaginiensis and Cistacythereis (C.) hannibalis, which are described and illustrated. The ecology of the subgenus is discussed, especially as far as the bathymetrical and climatic significance is concerned as a tool for paleoecological interpretations.
- Crispino P. & Esu D. (1995)
Non-marine Late Villafranchian molluscs of the Crostolo river (Emilia, Northern Italy). Systematics and Paleoecology.
pp. 283-300
This paper deals with molluscan assemblages of fluvio-lacustrine deposits that crop out along the middle section of the Crostolo river (near Reggio in Emilia, Northern Italy). They are considered of Early Pleistocene age. The molluscs are associated with abundant remains of Late Villafranchian mammalian faunas. Two of the recognised species of molluscs (Viviparus ampullaceus and Lymnaea bucciniformis) characterize the Villafranchian deposits of Italy; the first one is peculiar to the Late Villafranchian. Furthermore the presence of the genus Lithoglyphus, a Central Eastern European element, is recorded for the first time in Italy by the presence of one species. Paleoecological spectra concerning molluscan assemblages point to a temperate climate and a mesophilous woody environment associated with a fluvio-lacustrine biotope.
- Cigala Fulgosi F. (1995)
Rare oceanic deep water squaloid sharks from the Lower Pliocene of the Northern Apennines (Parma Province, Italy)
pp. 301-322
Three rare species of oceanic deep water squaloid sharks: Scymnodalatias aff. garricki Kukuev & Konovalenko, 1988, Zameus squamulosus (Gunther, 1877) and Scymnodon ringens Bocage & Capello, 1864, are recorded from a Lower Pliocene outcrop (lower part of the MPL 2 foraminiferal biozone) in the Northern Apennines (S. Andrea Bagni, Parma, Adriatic paleo-area, Italy).
Scymnodon ringens is a rare taxon in its fossil state, while the other two species are the first fossil occurrences.
Study of the largest group of teeth shows a close affinity with those of the living species Scymnodalatias garricki, of which the only holotype, caught in the water mass above the North Atlantic Ridge, a little north of the latitude of Gibraltar, is known. The teeth of the holotype are accurately described; some aspects of its body morphology are also reconsidered. 1he matching of the fossil teeth with those of S. garricki, whose variability range is unknown, receives further support from the relative geographical proximity between the distribution area of the living species and the Mediterranean paleo-area. Its taxonomic relationship with the two other species of the same genus from the southern hemisphere i.e. S. sherwoodi (Archey, 1921} and S. albicauda Taniuchi & Garrick, 1986, needs to be better defined, since current knowledge is based on one and on few specimens respectively.
While some fossil teeth may be attributed to Scymnodalatias, they show some slight differences from those of the S. garricki holotype. Until further data is produced, they may be interpreted for the moment as an expression of individual variability or, more probably, of gynandric heterodonty. When the living populations have been satisfactorily checked, the lesser width of the apron, which appears to characterize the lower fossil teeth, might prove to be a diagnostic character for a new fossil taxon. Without going any further into the meaning of the fossil fauna as a whole, these taxa alone show the presence in the Adriatic paleo-area, during the early Pliocene (lower part of MPL 2 biozone), of psychrospheric water masses (upper psychrosphere) of Atlantic origin and of a phase of maximum «oceanization» in the Mediterranean basin. Furthermore, considering other elements of the fauna, it appears evident that a stabilized open and deep sea eco-system occurred again after the Messinian salinity crisis. Although wider areas must be studied in order to exclude local causes, the apparent brief presence in the Lower Pliocene of these Atlantic immigrants (or reimmigrants after the Messinian salinity crisis) suggests that their disappearance from the basin might not have been caused by later known climatic deteriorations (intra-Pliocene and Quaternary), but mainly by the early failing of a sufficiently open and deep Atlantic – Mediterranean connection in the paleo-area of Gibraltar, and therefore of the conditions of maximum «oceanization» in the basin.
In the Appendix, the teeth of the holotype of Mollisquama parini Dolganov, 1984 are also described. Furthermore, it appears that Scymnodalatias oligodon Kukuev & Konovalenko, 1988 is invalid, since the holotype shows features of Centroscymnus.
- Di Stefano G. (1995)
Identification of fallow deer remains on the basis of its skeletal features: taxonomical considerations
pp. 323-331
The separation of the fossil remains referable to the Cervidae is an important purpose for paleontologists and archeozoologists. Most of the Eurasian Pleistocene localities yield deer remains belonging to species with very similar morphological features. If the fossil material is fragmented and/or lacks antlers remains it is often very difficult to recognize the different species. In this paper some morphological features that allow the separation between the European fallow deer (Dama dama) and the red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the postcranial elements are proposed. These features can be extended to all the Pleistocene fallow deer and can be considered as peculiar of the genus Dama.
- Petronio C., Billia E., Capasso Barbato L., Di Stefano G., Mussi M., Parry S.J., Sardella R. & Voltaggio M. (1995)
The Late Pleistocene fauna from Ingarano (Gargano, Italy): biochronological, palaeoecological, paleoethnological and geochronological implications
pp. 333-339
An abundant vertebrate fauna from an ossiferous breccia from Ingarano near Apricena (Foggia, Southern Italy) has been examined.
Carnivores are very frequent with lynx, red fox, normal and small sized wolf, lion, leopard and brown bear, while erbivores are not so much represented by cervids, rhinos (two different species) and idruntine ass. Raptors (Nyctea scandiaca in particular) and corvids are the best represented taxa in avifauna.
In the upper part of deposit some Middle Paleolithic artifacts (displaying evidence of the use of the Levallois technique) have been collected. The geochronological analysis of phosphatic encrustation of the speleothem give a measured age of 40±2 ky.
The occurrence of the modern fallow deer, the idruntine ass and the woolly rhino fits well with geochronological and paleothnological data and allow us to refer the fauna to the Late Pleistocene and in particular to the isotopic stage 4.
- Barbera C., Billia E., Candeloro M., Petronio C., Virgili A. & Zarlenga F. (1995)
Short report on Pleistocene fauna from Grotta Lina (Marina di Maratea, Southern Italy): palaeoecological and geochronological implications
pp. 341-350
A faunal assemblage from the continental deposit of Grotta Lina, Marina di Maratea (Potenza, Southern Italy) referable to a time span from late Middle Pleistocene (isotopic stage 9) to Late Pleistocene (isotopic stage 3/2) has been described. The biostratigraphical analysis allow us to refer the bedrock of the cave (a biocalcarenite with Cladocora) to the isotopic stage 7, the fossiliferous continental deposit to the stage 6, while a Tyrrhenian shoreline with Lithodomus holes affects the continental deposit at 8-9 m a.s.l. (stage 5 e). The mammal fauna studied may be referred to the late Middle Pleistocene, Vitinia Faunal Unit, Aurelian Mammal Age (AIQUA Working Group Inqua Berlin, 1995). The occurrence of Microtus ex gr. agrestis–arvalis, Capra ibex, rhino and a very big red deer suggest a palaeoenvironment with a partially wooded grassland with rocky areas and a temperate-cold climate.