Bollettino SPI Vol. 24 - Issues 1, 2, 3
Issue 1
Published in January 1986
- Sprovieri R. (1985)
Paleoecological results from foraminiferal assemblage at the top of the Sicilian stratotype-section (Ficarazzi, Palermo, Italy)
pp. 3-11
On the basis of changes in the generally rich benthic foraminiferal assemblages from a short, closely sampled section representing the topmost part of the Sicilian stratotype section (Puleo quarry, Palermo, Italy) a sharp sea level drop has been detected, evidenced by a biocalcarenitic level interbedded in a predominantly marly sequence. The bathymetric change coincides with a drastic cold climatic event, which correlates with the top of the glacial isotopic Stage 22. The overlaying marly sediments are associated with the base of the interglacial isotopic Stage 21, and reflect a new sea level rise. On the basis of planktonic foraminifera clear climatic fluctuations cannot be recognized, even if generally antithetic, syncronous fluctuations in the abundance of Globigerinoides ruber and Globorotalia inflata clearly mirror the climatic curve inferred by the more evident Pteropods assemblage variations.
- Sprovieri R. (1985)
Paleotemperature changes and speciation among benthic Foraminifera in the Mediterranean Pliocene
pp. 13-21
Two discrete, short time intervals, during which two massive extinction events in the Mediterranean benthic foraminiferal population occurred, have been detected in the Pliocene. They are respectively dated between 3.2 and 3.0 MA, when at least 34 species disappeared, and between 2.6 and 2.4 MA, when at least 22 species disappeared. The two time-intervals coincide with two climatic crises, when a sharp temperature decrease occurred: the later is considered to coincide with the onset of the glaciation in the Northern Hemisphere.
Only during stable climatic regimes (subtropical, during the Early Pliocene) or with small climatic fluctuations (temperate, in the upper part of the Pliocene and in the Lower Pleistocene) the appearance of new benthonic foraminiferal species is recognized.
Therefore, climatic conditions (and strong climatic fluctuations) played a major role in speciation (and radiation) of the benthonic foraminiferal population during Pliocene and Early Pleistocene in the Mediterranean.
- Perri M.C. (1985)
A Spathian conodont fauna from the Cencenighe Member of the Werfen Formation (Scythian), Southeastern Dolomites, Italy
pp. 23-28
Oolitic limestones corresponding to the Cencenighe Member of the Werfen Formation yielded the following conodont fauna: Neospathodus triangularis, Hadrodontina anceps, H. n. sp. A sensu Staesche, 1964, H. n. sp. M.C. The presence of Neospathodus triangularis (Bender, 1970) suggests a Spathian age for the Cencenighe Member. This opinion is also supported by the presence of foraminifera referred to Meandrospira pusilla (Ho, 1959) and of ostracods referred to Triebacythere Hirsch & Gerry, 1974.
- Ciampo G. (1985)
Ostracoda of the Tortonian/Messinian boundary of some italian sequences
pp. 29-110
The Ostracoda of the Tortonian/Messinian boundarv in Italy have been studied. The investigated sequences are: Rio Mazzapiedi, S. Agata Fossili, Mussotto (Piedmont); Cropalati (Calabria); Falconara (Sicily). 245 species were found, 80 of which are new species and three are new genera. The stratigraphic outline is from D’Onofrio et alii (1975).
Some ostracoda species seem to have a restricted range to the studied interval: e.g., Cnestocythere truncata (Reuss), Loxocorniculum quadricornis (Ruggieri), Nanurocythereis seminulum (Seguenza), Eucytherura poliphylla Ruggieri, etc.
The progressive isolation of the Mediterranean area from the Atlantic Ocean resulting in higher salinity, poor oxygenated bottom and decrease of primary productivity, is considered the main cause of the ostracoda extinction in the Lower Messinian.
The offshore associations (Cropalati, Falconara) disappeared in the Globorotalia mediterranea subzone and the near shore ones (Piedmont) at the base of the Globigerina multiloba subzone.
The new genera are: Egenacythere, Flexuocythere and Trinacriacythere.
The new species are: Argilloecia pera, Buntonia obesa, Bythocythere? parvula, Callistocythere assueta (in Ciampo, 1984), C. aurita, C. compressa, C. fluctuosa, C. gibbera, C. modica, C. obtruncata, C. perfossa (in Ciampo, 1984), C. personata, C. quadrangula (in Ciampo, 1984), C. sulcata, C. tetradactyla (in Ciampo, 1984), C. timida, C. unca, C. vidua, Cluthia adesa, Cytheropteron cornigerum, C. excretum, C. inusitatum, C. pyramidatum, C. striatum, Egenacythere bossioi, Eucytherura lamina, E. scripta, E. verrucosa, Flexuocythere colalongoae, Heterocythereis retrocostata, Kangarina ? imperfecta (in Ciampo, 1984), K. ? simplex (in Ciampo, 1984), Krithae aequabilis, K. sinuosa, Leptocythere insculpta (in Ciampo, 1984), Loxoconcha reticulopunctata, L. trapetia (in Ciampo, 1984), Loxocorniculum speciosum, L. tumidum, Microxestoleberis pustulosa, Monoceratina plaga, Neocytherideis cribrata, Pachycaudites armilla, Procytherideis ? exarata, P. ? pumilio, P. ? vulnerata, Rectobuntonia hilaris (in Ciampo, 1984), Sagmocythere crispa (in Ciampo, 1984), S. geometrica, S. oblonga, S. turrita, Saida cuneata (in Ciampo, 1984), S. ovata (in Ciampo, 1984), S. recta (in Ciampo, 1984), Semicytherura antecessa, S. biforca, S. bonardii, S. coeca, S. conglobata, S. cristata, S. denticulata, S. enormis, S. exigua, S. foeda, S. illigata, S. inepta, S. luculenta, S. ossuosa, S. resecta, S. solida, S. superba, S. turbulenta, S. unica, S. velata, Tetracytherura munda, Trinacriacythere cornuta, Typhlocythere sagitta, T. sicula, Typhloeucytherura hystrix.
Issues 2-3
Published in September 1986
- Di Geronimo I. & Bellagamba M. (1985)
Mollusc fauna from dredging BS 77-1 and BS 77-2 off North-Eastern Sardinia, Italy
pp. 111-129
The Mollusc fauna of two dredgings on the upper continental slope, off North Eastern Sardinia (Canyon of Capo Ferro and Canyon of Olbia) have been studied.
The paleobiocenotic study has shown the presence of two bathyal paleocommunities with esclusive characteristic species relating to the present Biocenosis of Bathial Muds (VP) and to the Biocenosis of White Corals (CB). The most meaningful species in the two stations (BS 77-1 and BS 77-2) are Alvania subsoluta, A. elegantissima, Leionucula corbuloides, Delectopecten vitreus, Cithna tenella, Dentalium agile, Entalina tetragona, Yoldiella micrometrica and Amphissa costulata the dominance of which exceeds the 65% of the community. In station BS 77-2 we can see, compared with the other station, a decrease of Alvania elegantissima, A. subsoluta and Amphissa costulata while there is a considerable increase of Cithna tenella, Leionucula corbuloides, Dentalium agile and Entalina tetragona.
The trophic analysis is very meaningful and shows a dominance, more clear in station BS 77-1 and less marked in station BS 77-2, of detritus-feeders on filter-feeders and a minor role of carnivores. But the last ones have a certain importance in station BS 77-1 where they are 18,69%.
The würmian age of malacofaunas is testified by the Celtic-lusitanian character of the studied paleocommunity in which the stocks of «Northern guests» (Spiratella retroversa balea, Chlamys tigrina) and of «Atlantic guests» (Assiminopsis abyssorum, Cyclostrema valvatoides, Cyclostrema normanni, Eulimella digenes, Yoldiella micrometrica, Yoldia minima, Acesta excavata) are of great paleoclimatic interest.
Two stocks of species belonging to the bathyal and circalitoral environment coming from sediments of Lower Pleistocene have been put in evidence in the two stations, mixed to the predominant würmian component. The paleobatbymetric analysis has permitted to establish carefully the original depth of the fauna sedimentation: about 600 m
for station BS 77-1 and about 800 m for station BS 77-2. These data agree with the würmian eustatic lowering. The differences checked with the paleobathymetric data of station BS 77-4 (Di Geronimo and Li Gioi, 1980) have permitted to suppose a different holocenic tectonic behaviour among the portions of Sardinian continental shelf on a E-W line, through the canyon of Molara
dividing the northern part of the Baronie Mounts.
- Galli G. (1985)
Application of Cluster analysis to Devonian carbonate microfacies, Carnic Alps, Italy
pp. 131-136
The Devonian shallow water back-reef limestones of the Cima Ombladet (Forni Avoltri, Carnic Alps, Italy) have been investigated. Percentages of
16 variables for 76 thin sections, by means of semiquantitative methods, have been determined. Q-mode cluster analysis has been used for objectively defining the facies present in the stratigraphic sequence. Microfacies have been subdivided by cluster analysis into four main groups: 1) reef flat; 2) open lagoon; 3) intertidal sand facies; 4) semirestricted lagoon. The facies being detected have been arranged by cluster analysis according to their order of deposition. As a result, a probabilistic paleobathymetrical profile has been drawn. It shows a great resemblance to the bathymetric profiles of the reefs existing inside the Great Barrier Reef.
- Gliozzi E. (1985)
Some fossil lutrine limb bones from the Quaternary of Alghero (Sardinia)
pp. 137-144
In this paper, some lutrine postcranial bones (humerus, IV metacarpal, I metatarsal, IV metatarsal, 1° phalanx) collected from the post-Tyrrhenian filling deposits of Dragonara and Omo Morto caves (Alghero, North-Western Sardinia) are studied. These skeletal portions are described and compared with the corresponding portions of Lutra lutra (Linnaeus) and Nesolutra ichnusae Malatesta. The comparisons give rise to the conclusion that Dragonara and Omo Morto otter was somewhat more adapted to acquatic life than Lutra lutra. After some considerations about the Pleistocene fossil Mustelidae of Sardinia, the fossil bones from Dragonara and Omo Morto caves are referred to Cyrnaonyx majori Malatesta.
- Checa A. & Oloriz F. (1985)
Evolutionary trends in Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian Subbetic Aspidoceratinae (Southern Spain). A proposition of Null Hypotheses about the evolutionary course in a highly significant group of tethydian Upper Jurassic ammonites
pp. 145-159
An extensive study of a large amount of « Aspidoceras » material from the subbetic Upper Jurassic has been carried out. Our principal aim has been to establish basic evolutionary conformations based on the modifications of earlier characters and the incorporation of changes and innovations. This methodology has allowed us to propose several hypotheses suggesting
possible relations among these basic evolutionary conformations and the establishing of evolutionary tendencies. The formulation
of these hypotheses and their comparative evaluation permits us to present deductive models which represent the opinion of the authors with regard to the evolutionary framework of the group examined. These patterns give us the null hypotheses which will be tested in the next searching phases — species treatment either local and/or monographic. Moreover, they imply new relations among species if they are conceived in a traditional view. The conclusions reached are the first hypothesis on stratigraphically
collected mediterranean « Aspidoceras ».
- Kotsakis T. (1985)
The fossil Trionychidae (Testudinata, Reptilia) of Italy
pp. 161-168
In this paper the italian fossil turtles ascribed to the genus Trionyx are examined. Thirty species and subspecies of this genus are reported for the fossils collected in italian territory (and Malta). A brief study has permitted to reduce their number to nine; among them are considered also some species not very well defined. The real number of Trionychidae lived in Italy is surely greater but many fossils are very fragmentary and not allows the observation of diagnostic characters.
- Aruta L. (1985)
Some representatives of the genera Leptocythere and Callistocythere (Ostracoda, Podocopida) from the Lower Pleistocene of Olivella, near Palermo
pp. 169-173
A rich ostracofauna was obtained from an Early Pleistocene outcrop at the locality Olivella near Palermo (Sicily).
The representatives of the genera Leptocythere and Callistocythere are here illustrated; three new species are erected, namely Leptocythere claviformis, Callistocythere auriculata, C. parallela.
- Bizzarrini F. & Braga G. (1985)
Finding of «Medusina» reiflingensis Kiesl. in the S. Cassiano Fm. of Badia Valley, Eastern Alps-Italy
pp. 175-177
The Authors inform about a impression of « Medusina » reiflingensis Kiesl. known up to this time only for a previous finding in the Aonschiefern (Upper Triassic) of Nordsteiermark (Austria).
- Mainelli M. (1985)
Fam. Diceratidae Dall, 1895, in ‘“Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology”’ of R.C. Moore, 1969
pp. 179-180
The description of Fam. Diceratidae Dall, 1895, in R. C. Moore (1969) is revised, to distinguish two types of hinge structure.
The first type characterizes the subfamily Diceratinae Dall, 1895. The second type characterizes the subfamilies Heterodiceratinae Pchelintsev, 1959; Plesiodiceratinae Pchelintsev, 1959; Epidiceratinae Rengarten, 1950.
- Manni R. & Nicosia U. (1985)
Saccocoma schwertschlageri Walther, 1904 junior synonym of Saccocoma tenellum (Goldfuss), 1829. Evidence of autotomy in fossil crinoids
pp. 181-183
Saccocoma schwertschlageri Walther is, in reality, synonym of S. tenellum (Goldfuss). The specimens ascribed to S. schwertschlageri are fossil records of autotomy.
- Cherchi A. & Schroeder R. (1985)
Vidalina radoicicae n. sp. and Pseudorhapydionina (?) anglonensis n. sp. (Foram.) from the Upper Cenomanian of Anglona region (NW Sardinia)
pp. 185-188
Vidalina radoicicae and Pseudorhapydionina (?) anglonensis, two new foraminifera from the Upper Cenomanian of Erula (Anglona, NW Sardinia) are described and figured.
- De Giuli C., Masini F. & Torre D. (1985)
Archipelago effect: an example from the fossil mammals of the Gargano, Italy
pp. 191-193
Some hypotheses on island endemism are considered and it is shown how the existence of an archipelago widely influences island communities. The study of the fossil mammals from the «terra rossa» fissures of the Gargano peninsula suggests that during Neogene times the area was part of an archipelago. Detailed analysis shows the development of different evolutive patterns in the Gargano paleo-island during the documented time span. These patterns can be explained considering interactions of the faunal exchange among different island and the geographic and climatic evolution of the area. A major conclusion is that variations in size or morphology alone cannot be used as chronologic tools if the existence of an archipelago is suspected and the documentation is scattered or poor.
- Malatesta A. (1985)
Causes and processes of body size variations and structural changes in Mediterranean islands Quaternary mammals
pp. 195-199
Several examples of reduction in body size and of morphological change in teeth and limbs in Quarternary mammals (goats, deer, elephants and hippopotamuses) of the Mediterranean islands are here discussed. Taking into account that, in these islands, transitional forms between the small sized insular forms and their continental large sized ancestors are currently missing, the conclusion is drawn that the body size reduction must have been attained very quickly. Predators, whenever they are present, control the population size of herbivorous mammals, but it seems that they have no selection effect on the average body size of the individuals.
- Palombo M.R. (1985)
Large Mammals of Pleistocene Mediterranean Islands: times and ways of migration
pp. 201-224
A critical new examination and a short systematic analysis of the large pleistocenic mammals from the mediterranean islands with more or less pronounced endemic characters are presented. Then the faunistic history is examined of those islands which exhibit endemic faunas; the successions of faunas, when present, are put in evidence. With the purpose of poiting out times and ways of immigration, the data obtained from the examination of faunas are compared and integrated with geologic data, mainly neotectonic, which may help in recognizing phases and ways of connection between islands and continent.
- Kotsakis T. (1985)
Insular vertebrates and palaeogeography: some examples
pp. 225-244
In this paper, after a brief theoretical introduction, some cases of colonization of insular areas by continental vertebrates are examined. In the Mediterranean area the palaeobiogeography of Aegean, Sicily, Sardinia, Baleares and Southern Tuscany (Maremma) during the Tertiary is illustrated. Other examples from Quaternary colonizations of Channel Islands (U.K.), Canaries, Saint Helena, Great and Little Antillas and Bahamas, Galapagos, Channel Islands (U.S.A.), Madagascar, Indonesia, New Zealand and New Caledonia are briefly discussed. Lastly, one probable case of a Mesozoic island in the area of the Italian Peninsula is pointed out.