Bollettino SPI Vol. 35 - Issues 1, 2, 3
Issue 1
Published in December 1996
- Vecoli M. (1996)
Stratigraphic significance of acritarchs in Cambro-Ordovician boundary strata, Hassi-Rmel area, Algerian Sahara
pp. 3-58
Palynological investigation of 37 samples cored from boreholes Nl-2 and Uc-101 in Cambrian-Ordovician boundary beds of northwestern Algeria (Hassi-Rmel area) enables the definition of three, stratigraphically successive acritarch assemblages: HM/A, HM/B, and HM/C, tentatively referred here to the uppermost Cambrian, basal lower Tremadoc, and lower Tremadoc, respectively. The first assemblage has been found in the lower and middle parts of the arenaceous «Grés de Bordj Nili» unit and includes, inter alia, Cristallinium randomense, Dasydiacrodium obsonum, Ladogella rotundiformis, Timofeevia phosphoritica, Trunculumarium sp., and Veryhachium dumontii. Assemblage HM/B (upper third of the same stratigraphic unit) is characterized by: Acanthodiacrodium complanatum, A. sp. cf A. angustum, Dasydiacrodium tumidum, Polygonium pungens, Stelliferidium cortinulum, and S. furcatum, together with an increase in abundance and differentiation of Diacromorphitae and Herkomorphitae. The third assemblage, HM/C, is marked by the introduction of: Cymatiogalea cristata, C. membranispina, C. gorkae, Polygonium gracile, Stelliferidium stelligerum, S. simplex, and, in the upper part, Vulcanisphaera britannica and Acanthodiacrodium ubui. Chronostratigraphic attributions are based on comparison with previously established acritarch zones correlative with macrofossil zones. Occurrence of graptolites of the Rhabdinopora flabelliformis s.l. group in the «Argiles d’El Gassi» confirms an early Tremadoc age for that unit. The discordance in the composition of acritarch suites between assemblages HM/A and HM/B is tentatively proposed here as a palynologically easily detectable horizon approximating regionally to the Cambrian-Ordovician boundary. In the systematic section, 51 acritarch species are described and illustrated, including the following new species: Acanthodiacrodium baculatum, A. capillatum, Baltisphaeridium verutum, Cymatiogalea parva, and Stelliferidium velatum.
- Nini C. & Rettori R. (1996)
A new species of Prodentalina Norling (Foraminiferida) from the Early Jurassic of Umbria-Marche Apennines
pp. 59-64
Herein it is described the new species Prodentalina nocchiae n. sp., from the Liassic (Late Pliensbachian-Early Toarcian) of the Umbria-Marche Basin. This rare species is morphologically peculiar for the general shape of the test and of the chambers and also for the curved, not depressed sutures.
- Bucur I.I., Senowbari-Daryan B. & Abate B. (1996)
Remarks on some foraminifera from the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) reef limestone of Madonie Mountains (Sicily)
pp. 65-80
The Upper Jurassic (Upper Tithonian) limestones of the Madonie Mountains bear a relatively rich assemblage of foraminifera. The association is dominated by encrusting types and miliolids, as well as by representatives of the genus Protopeneroplis. The present study offers some paleontological remarks on the less known encrusting foraminifera as well as on some species of uncertain systematic position. The new genus Mohlerina, with the type species Conicospirillina basiliensis Mohler, 1938, is introduced.
- La Perna R. (1996)
Phyletic relationships and ecological implications between Pagodula vaginata (De Cristofori & Jan, 1832) and Pagodula echinata (Kiener, 1840) (Gastropoda, Muricidae)
pp. 81-92
Two closely related species, Pagodula vaginata (De Cristofori & Jan, 1832) and Pagodula echinata (Kiener, 1840), have been recently distinguished (Bouchet & Warén, 1985) on the grounds of larval shell morphology. The former has a multispiral protoconch, indicating a planktotrophic development, whilst the latter has a paucispiral protoconch, referable to a non-planktotrophic development.
Both species occur in the Pleistocene deposits from Southern Italy. At that time, the two species lived in ecologically segregated populations, Pagodula vaginata being linked to deep-shelf and upper-slope bottoms, and Pagodula echinata to deeper bathyal bottoms. The extinction of Pagodula vaginata, in the upper part of the Lower Pleistocene or in the Middle Pleistocene, was probably caused by the Quaternary cooling.
Pagodula echinata could then spread upward to about 100 m, attaining its present bathymetric range.
The origin of Pagodula echinata is referred to Pagodula vaginata through a process involving the larval development, known as «loss of planktotrophy». Such a process probably occurred in the Mediterranean during the Middle-Upper Pliocene, within a general development of deepsea benthos.
- Mazza P. & Rustioni M. (1996)
The Turolian fossil artiodactyls from Scontrone (Abruzzo, Central Italy) and their paleoecological and paleogeographical implications
pp. 93-106
In 1990, a rich fossiliferous site was found in the outskirts of Scontrone (L’Aquila), in the National Park of Abruzzo. The site yields fossil remains of reptiles and continental mammals, which are contained in Lower Tortonian marine calcarenites. The macromammals are similar to those found in a recent past in the karst fissure fillings of the Gargano peninsula, which raises an intriguing problem of Late Neogene paleogeography. The present is a preliminary description of the artiodactyls from Scontrone. At least seven hypothetical taxons are recognized; one of these is referred here to Hoplitomeryx, a genus known until now only from Gargano. The hoplitomerycids are undoubtly the most puzzling and mysterious of the fossil mammals found at Scontrone. In the literature these artiodactyls are classified as representatives of the Cervoidea. The writers find that these bizarre creatures show a mixture of cervid-, giraffid- and bovid-like features, together with characters which are absolutely autoapomorphic. Therefore, trying to force the hoplitomerycids into the pigeon-holes of an established classification is probably premature or even inopportune. At the present state of knowledge, the most reasonable interpretation is to see the hoplitomerycids as peculiarly adapted holdovers of the primitive ruminant stock. The characters of the hoplitomerycids are suggestive of a life in a quite dense forest environment; the occurrence of warm and moist forests in the Abruzzo-Apulo domain is also documented by other multidisciplinary observations. An intriguing question is the source area of the Scontrone fauna. Two possible routes of immigration are suggested: one around, the other across the Adriatic sea, along the so called Apulo-Dalmatic archipelago. The former way of immigration seems however quite improbable in consideration of the fact that the Abruzzo-Gargano faunas are thoroughly distinct from the Miocene Romagna and Tuscan faunal associations.
Issue 2
Published in March 1997
- Bagnoli G. & Stouge S. (1996)
Lower Ordovician (Billingenian – Kunda) conodont zonation and provinces based on sections from Horns Udde, north Öland, Sweden
pp. 109-163
The Hunnebergian to Kunda conodont succession of the lower Ordovician Orthoceras Limestone on northern Öland, Sweden is described. The faunal succession is based on 57563 conodont elements recorded from two representative sections: North of Horns Udde and Horns Udde quarry. The new data allow the recognition and definition of 10 successive interval zones, each characterized by a nominate species and a distinctive conodont association. The interval zones are recommended to substitute the previous assemblage zones in future references to the conodonts of the Öland region. The interval zones are compared with earlier and corresponding zones of the lower Ordovician in neighbouring areas. The interval zones provide an alternative reference to former formally established zones as precise correlation across the East European Platform is possible.
The fauna changed from cosmopolitan in Billingen time to provincial in Volkhov time. The fauna assemblages changed from Pandemic forms to temperate water (Precordilleran) faunas and finally were replaced by cold water (Baltic Province) conodonts of the North Atlantic Realm.
The Baltic Province persisted throughout the lower Ordovician on the East European Platform. The change of fauna from Pandemic to provincial is connected with sea level changes and a shallowing of the shelf environs.
One new multielement genus is recognized: Lundodus; one multielement genus has been revived: Gothodus Lindstrom, 1955, and two
multielement genera are revised: Lenodus Sergeeva, 1963 and Trapezognathus Lindstrom, 1955. Four new species are named: Parapanderodus quietus, Protopanderodus floridus, Protopanderodus calceatus, and Scolopodus princeps, and 20 species are reported but not formally named because they are of low occurrences but with a known apparatus structure and because the number of specimens avaible was not adequate for their definition.
- Çapkınoğlu S. (1996)
Conodont fauna and biostratigraphy of the Famennian of Biiyiikada, Istanbul, Northwestern Turkey
pp. 165-185
A Famennian conodont fauna, restricted generally to palmatolepid biofacies, is obtained from Ayine Burnu in the southwest of Büyükada, Istanbul. A total of 31 species and subspecies are identified and figured, three of which are new: Mehlina arcuata n.sp., Palmatolepis
glabra angusta n. subsp., Polygnathus longiusculus n.sp.; one species (Polygnathus n.sp.A) is not formally named.
This fauna represents the Upper rhomboidea and Lower marginifera Zones, and its age range corresponds to middle Famennian.
- Cherchi A., Fröhler M. & Schroeder R. (1996)
Microfossils of the Tarthinia–Palaeomicrocodium group (filamentous cyanobacteria) from the Lower Cambrian of SW-Sardinia (Italy)
pp. 187-198
Small, irregularly spherical or cloud-like bodies with a central cavity have been found in the Lower Cambrian Gonnesa Group at Cala Domestica near Buggerru (Iglesiente, SW Sardinia). The clearly radial-fibrous aspect of the bodies suggest that these oganisms may be interpreted as filamentous cyanobacteria. A morphological and structural comparison with some, mainly Paleozoic, genera reveals that the Cambrian specimens most probably belong to Palaeomicrocodium (including the Middle Triassic forms described as Baccanella). Clear affinities exist also to the Lower Cambrian genus Tarthinia, which is, unfortunately, insufficiently known till now. Therefore, we prefer to describe our material under the term Tarthinia–Palaeomicrocodium group. .
- Manganelli G. & Giusti F. (1996)
A new cochlostomatid prosobranch (Mollusca, Gastropoda) from the Early Pliocene of Baize di Caspreno near Siena, Central Italy
pp. 199-211
Cochlostoma esuanum n. sp. is described from the non-marine early Pliocene of Baize di Caspreno (Siena, Italy). C.
esuanum is the first fossil Cochlostoma reported from the Neogene of Apennine Italy and together with C. excellens (Jooss, 1912) from the Upper
Miocene of Steinheim (Germany) is the second oldest, sure record of a Cochlostoma not related to the species of the Obscurella group.
- Abbazzi L. & Masini F. (1996)
Megaceroides solilhacus and other deer from the middle Pleistocene site of Isernia La Pineta (Molise, Italy)
pp. 213-227
Deer remains recovered at the middle Pleistocene (middle Galerian) site of Isernia La Pineta, are revised. A well diversified assemblage made up of Megaceroides solilhacus, Cervus elaphus cf. C. e. acoronatus, Dama cf. D. clactoniana and Capreolus sp. has been identified. The systematics of M. solilhacus and its relationships with the other species of the genus Megaceroides are discussed. The overall strucure of the antlers of M. solilhacus suggests that this species is closely related to M. verticornis. Nevertheless the absence of the spurious (first)
tine, the tendency to a strong reduction of the outer (second) tine, and the widely divergent beams, in the antlers of M. solilhacus, can be considered derived features within the genus Megaceroides.
Issue 3
Published in July 1997
- Di Stefano A. & Caliri A. (1996)
Biostratigraphy of the Pleistocene sediments of Naso near Messina (NE Sicily)
pp. 229-238
An integrated biostratigraphic study (planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils) has been carried out on the Pleistocene sediments outcropping along the western sector of the Tyrrhenian margin of the Peloritani Mountains, in Sicily. The Peloritani Mountains represent the southern edge of the Calabrian Arc (Amodio-Morelli et al., 1976) and are mostly composed of superimposed crystalline units (Kabilo-Calabride Units), which rest tectonically on an Apenninic-Maghrebian substratum, in response to Alpine Orogenesis. A compressive regime was active till Langhian time, then from the Early Serravallian a general transtensional regime, related to the onset of the opening of the Tyrrhenian Sea, took piace (Lentini et al., 1995). The present work is part of a wider program, carried on by University of Catania researchers, which aims at reconstructing the geodinamic evolution of north-eastern Sicily, linked to the opening of the Tyrrhenian Basin (see References). The goal of this study is to provide detailed bio- and cronostratigraphic data on Pleistocene sediments in order to contribute to the understanding of the relationship between tectonics and sedimentation, along the whole Tyrrhenian margin. The analysed sediments crop out near the town of Naso (Messina), and are characterized by different, partially eteropic, lithotypes (conglomerates, fossiliferous sands, calcarenites and marly clays). They rest uncomformably upon the Oligo-Miocene Capo d’Orlando Flysch, or directly on the metamorphyc substratum. A section has been sampled along the southern sector of the outcrop (ranging from 440 to 550 m a.s.l.), which is made of 30 meters of yellowish sand with conglomeratic intercalations, 40 meters of organogen calcarenites with sandy levels, 35 meters of fossiliferous sands and about 12 meters of marly clays. The results of the biostratigraphic analysis have been espressed through graphics and tables. The forams yielded in the basal samples are indicative of an infralitoral environment (about 50 m deep); the samples collected in the upper sandy interval (6-8) show an association indicating a depth of 70-80 meters. The sedimentation basin reaches a depth of about 100 m (sample 10) and even deeper in the last two. The Coccolithus pelagicus curve indicates two cold fluctuations separated by a warmer interval (sample 7) and a warm episode in the upper part. The whole section has been referred to the Globorotalia truncatulinoides excelsa Biozone (Sprovieri, 1993) on the basis of foraminifera, and to the Pseudoemiliania lacunosa Biozone (Rio et al., 1990) on the basis of calcareous nannofossils. The section is comprehended within the range of Gephyrocapsa sp.3 (sensu Rio, 1982). The absolute age for FAD and LAD of Gephyrocapsa sp.3 has been estimated (Castradori, 1993) at 0.944 Ma and 0.584 Ma respectively; on the basis of these biochronological data it is possible to estimate an uplift rate between 0.7 and 1.1 mm/y, for the study area.
- Serpagli E., Corradini C. & Olivieri R. (1996)
Occurrence and range of the Silurian conodont Coryssognathus dubius (Rhodes, 1953) in Southern Sardinia
pp. 239-243
The occurrence of Coryssognathus dubius in Sardinia is the first in the Northern Gondwana and allows to extend the last occurrence of this species to the end of the Pridoli.
- Bonci M.C., Magnino G., Pirini Radrizzani C. & Pronzato R. (1996)
Finding of Geodia (Demospongiae) sterrasters in the Late Miocene of Cappella Montei (Alessandria) and comparison with living forms
pp. 245-256
The spongolitic levels of the miocenic Cappella Montei section (Alessandria) bear a particularly rich assemblage of sterraster microscleres, very similar to sterrasters forming the cortical skeleton of sponges of the genus Geodia. The comparison between fossil and mediterranean living forms shows good similarities in the external morphology and considerable differences in the internal structures, which can
be ascribed to post-depositional dissolution processes.
The fossil record of the genus Geodia at Cappella Montei extends its areal distribution to the north-western Mediterranean area.
- Alméras Y. (1996)
The genus Caucasella Moisseev, 1934 (Brachiopoda, Rhynchonellacea) in the Middle Jurassic of the French North-Tethyan Realm
pp. 257-276
The study of numerous brachiopods (more than 700 specimens) collected in the Middle Jurassic of the French Border of the North-Tethyan Province (bordure vivaro-cévenole and Haut-Var) allows us to attribute to the genus Caucasella Moisseev the species voultensis Oppel, pseudoneumayri De Brun and trigona Quenstedt described as Gnathorhynchia Buckman by previous authors. Thus, the definition of Caucasella is better specified. The palaeontological study of these three species compared with Gnathorhynchia liostraca Buckman, type-species
of Gnathorhynchia, makes it possible to establish affinities and differences between Caucasella and Gnathorhynchia referred to the
Dimerellidae family of Rhynchonellacea by Ager (1965). Lastly, the stratigraphical distributions of C. voultensis, C. pseudoneumayri (latest
Bajocian – earliest Bathonian) and C. trigona (Early Callovian), already given in the French Jurassic Zonation based on brachiopods (Alméras
et al., 1991), are confirmed.
- Sami M. & Taviani M. (1996)
Lower Pleistocene record of the boreal guest Macoma obliqua (Sowerby, 1817) from the Romagna Apennine (N Italy)
pp. 277-280
The boreal guest Macoma obliqua (Sowerby, 1817) is recorded for the first time in the Pleistocene of the Romagna Apennine where it occurs in clayey-silty sediments of the Lower Emilian. This finding considerably extends the Pleistocene geographic range of this taxon within the Mediterranean basin, previously known to be limited to southern Italy.
- Nini C., Nocchi M. & Venturi F. (1996)
The Toarcian marly-calcareous succession in the M. Martani area (Northern Apennines): lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, paleoecology and effects of Tethysian events on the depositional environment
pp. 281-319
In the M. Martani anticline (between Terni and Perugia) a continuous stratigraphic succession of whitish limestones (Corniola), grey marls (Marne del M. Serrone), reddish nodular marls and limestones (Rosso Ammonitico Umbro-Marchigiano) and bivalve bearing limestones (Calcari a Posidonia) outcrops from the Late Domerian to the Early Aalenian in two sections: Pozzale and Cima Panco. In the Pozzale Section the Marne del M. Serrone Fm. (Early Toarcian) includes black shales indicative of a poor ventilation on the sea-floor related to a global transgressive event. The typical Rosso Ammonitico Umbro-Marchigiano stratigraphic unit (RAUM) follows, which is characterized by red marly-calcareous facies, pervasive bioturbation, a scarcity of detrital intervals, and a nodular structure in layers which are generally rich in ammonites and posidoniids. The RAUM can be subdivided in to three members on the basis of variable autochthonous nodularity and the increase of calcareous content. In the upper part, Aalenian in age, pebbly mudstones occur and the type of nodularity changes due to gravity episodes, recorded in some areas of the Umbro-Marchean Basin. No stratotype as a reference section of the RAUM, exists up to now.
The biostratigraphy has been based on ammonites. Research on this group led to the location of the Pliensbachian/Toarcian boundary and the
identification of an association of benthic foraminifers, most of them characteristic of the Pliensbachian, in the lower part of the Marne di M. Serrone. It has also revealed a lack of ammonites in the black shales and the occurrence of a new radiation since the H. serpentinus Zone, near
to the RAUM base.
Benthic foraminifers are common in the lower part of the Marne del M. Serrone, Early Toarcian in age, showing Pliensbachian affinity, high
species diversity and cosmopolitan character. They are abundant but small and oligotipic in the black shales, while they increase in size and in species diversity from the beginning of the reddish marly deposition, which is the oldest member of the RAUM.
Both the sedimentological and biological events occurring in the M. Martani area can be related to those of the Mediterranean Thethys, such as marine ingression and deepening in the Early Toarcian, the increase in the clay input, the scarce oxygenation on the sea-bottom and the related extinctions, the improvement in life conditions from the H. serpentinus Zone, and a positive li δ13C excursion in the lower part of the H. serpentinus Zone.
A transgressive-regressive cycle was inferred on the basis of the sedimentary record, the foraminiferal assemblages and stable isotopes.
- Venturi F. (1996)
Martanites, new genus of Harpoceratinae ammonites in the «Rosso Ammonitico umbro-marchigiano» (Hildaites serpentinus Zone, Early Toarcian)
pp. 321-330
Two new species of Harpoceratinae from the RAUM clayey-marly layer (H. serpentinus Zone, Toarcian) are here described. For these two species, coming from M.ti Martani, the new genus Martanites is proposed with species-type Martanites prorsiradiatus n. sp.
Such forms had already been described in Greece and in Algeria, but were attributed to other taxa (Protogrammoceratinae the former and Hildoceratinae the latter). The M.ti Martani specimens are internal mould preserved in marly red limestone and their sutures are perfectly mantained; 22 specimens, including fragments, have been collected (phragmocones ranging from 15 to 80 mm in size).
These taxa come from the lower part of the H. serpentinus Zone of Cima Panco section, together with other Harpoceratinae (Harpoceras
cf. H. serpentinum, Harpoceras sp. n. 1, Taffertia taffertiensis, «Harpoceratoides» mahgrebensis) and other species of Polyplectinae,
Hildoceratinae, Mercaticeratinae and Nodicoeloceratinae, some of which are species to be studied.
The genus Martanites has relatively evolute shells, slightly flattened, whorls bearing distant and heavy ribs, gently falcoid slightly projected
and fading at periphery. Their ventral area is large and inflated and the nuclears crossed by a rounded large siphuncolar relief, which rises on the chamber becoming a real keel. The suture is harpoceratina type, but seems less articulated if compared to other coeval genera (Harpoceras, Taffertia, «Harpoceratoides») coming from the same area.
The two new species here described are: M. prorsiradiatus, already mentioned, and M. evolutus; it is possible to distinguish one species from the other on the basis of the different involution, the whorl section, the number and ribbing of develops and for the lenght of E with respect to L in the suture.
This new genus helps to distinguish the Pliensbachian Protogrammoceratinae from the Toarcian Harpoceratinae and is coeval with the fìrst
Hildoceratinae, Mercaticeratinae and Nodicoeloceratinae at the beginning of H. serpentinus Zone.
This biological event is probably induced by environmental crisis represented by the disaerobic Umbro-Marchean facies. In the Pozzale section such facies is made recognizable by 3 meters of dark laminated marls; the same interval has been found also in Western Greece.
- Sarti C. & Gasparri F. (1996)
Balaenoptera of che Italian Pliocene from Gorgognano near Bologna
pp. 331-347
In 1965 a fossil rorqual skeleton in excellent condition was found in the Piacenzian (middle Pliocene) of Gorgognano (Pianoro) near Bologna (Italy). This locality is part of the ca. 250 Kmq Intra-Apenninic Basin. The specimen was recovered and restored by the Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Bologna University.
The Gorgognano rorqual was dated precisely using foraminifera (contemporaneous presence of Bulimina minima and Bulimina
basispinosa) from a sediment sample collected adjacent to the specimen.
A varied macrofauna was also found in these enclosing sediments. The most significant taxa include bivalves (Venus, Ostrea, and Pectinids
belonging mainly to the Amussium cristatum group), gastropods (Ficus) and scaphopods (Antalis). Finally, 20 cm under the plane of the skeleton a caudal spine of a batoid fish was recovered.
This fossil rorqual yielded information of systematic interest. The Gorgognano specimen shows many morphological similarities to the extant Balaenoptera acutorostrata. In particular, there is a close similarity in the flipper bones structure, particularly the radius and ulna, though some differences in the mandibular curvature and in morphological features of the stemum and the scapula were observed.
Differences, though, may be ascribed to intraspecific variability, which is present also in the living population. Further, the fossil shows perfect agreement with several specimens from the Pliocene which are curated in ltalian Museums.
Examples of Mysticeti from Valpadana are relatively numerous. Several specimens are lodged in the Capellini Museum, Bologna, where there are also the remains of the Gorgognano rorqual, together with examples of Delphinus brocchii and Cetotheriophanes capellinii, from near S. Lorenzo in Collina (Bologna) and Felsinotherium forestii, from Riosto Val Savena (Bologna).
Besides these, we may record the specimens discovered by Cortesi (1819) near Piacenza, the Balaenoptera found by Podestà in 1875 near
Castell’Arquato and the Balaenoptera recovered in 1899 on the Rio Stramonte, near Piacenza, all on display in the Paleontology Museum, Parma.
Finally, we mention the Balaenoptera conserved in the Geology Museum of the Province of Piacenza, Castell’Arquato, found in 1934 on Monte Falcone, near Castell’Arquato.
The morphology of the fossil rorqual is comparable with fossil and actual specimens, and particularly with the skeleton of Balaenoptera
acutorostrata coming from Norway and currently conserved in the Calci (Pisa) Museum.
The measurements of the Calci specimen were described by Caretta and were verified in loco in the course of this work. Caretta asserted the existance of a chronospecies including all the material of B. acutorostrata from the Pliocene until recent times. To distinguish the Pliocene
forms he created the subspecies Balaenoptera acutorostrata cuvierii. This subspecies may be distinguished from the extant B. acutorostrata on:
a predominance of specimens with supraoccipital frontals processes which are less oriented rearwards; zygomatic processes of the squamosals which are relatively elongated; and a predominance of individuals with 12 rib pairs.
The incompleteness of the Gorgognano skeleton does not allow us to assign it to the cuvierii subspecies. In particular the exact length of the specimen is unknown. The mandibular rami measure about 2,25 m, so a total body length of about 8,5 – 9 m may be estimated, in accordance
with the other authors’ data. Omura, for instance, describes specimens of extant B. acutorostrata 8,5 – 9 m long, with rami 2,25 – 2,45 m long.
The skeleton remains consist of: skull fragments – a part of the left maxilla and both mandibular rami -, 20 vertebrae (4 cervical, 6 dorsal,
6 lombar, 4 caudali plus some fragments of others, 6 chevron bones, 19 ribs, the sternum, the left scapula, both humeri, radii, ulnae, some phalanges and a pelvic bone. (The measurements are given in Tabs 1-3).
The tympanic bullae, the mandibles and the sternum were considered very significant for specific identification in the last century, but more recent works suggests that these parts of the skeleton are subject to considerable individual variation.
The vertebral formula of B. acutorostrata appears reduced when compared to other rorquals. Its typical composition is as follows: C7, D11, L12, Ca 18, total 48 (in some specimens reaching 50).
In confirming the assignment of the Gorgognano specimen to the species acutorostrata, comparison with the Calci specimen was particularly
helpful.
- Mazza P. (1996)
The Middle Pleistocene rhinoceros remains from Cesi (Colfiorito Basin, Macerata, Central Italy)
pp. 349-355
Rhinoceros remains from Cesi (Colfiorito Basin, Umbro-Marchean Apennines) are analyzed. On the basis of the results of detailed morphological and morphometrical analyses, the specimens are referred to a large-sized representative of Stephanorhinus hundsheimensis (Toula, 1902).
- Rook L. (1996)
Macaca sylvanus florentina (Cocchi, 1872) from the Pleistocene Mugello basin (Northern Apennines, Italy)
pp. 357-359
The Macaca remains described by Ristori in 1890 from the Mugello basin (Late Villafranchian) were re-discovered in the collections of the Museo di Storia Naturale e del Territorio (University of Pisa) and are here shown to be identical to those from the Upper Valdarno.