Bollettino SPI Vol. 50 - Issues 1, 2, 3
Issue 1
Published in September 2011
- Carnevale G. & Rindone A. (2011)
The teleost fish Paravinciguerria praecursor Arambourg, 1954 in the Cenomanian of north-eastern Sicily
pp. 1-10
Skeletal remains of the teleost fish species Paravinciguerria praecursor Arambourg, 1954 are described for the first time from the upper Cenomanian of the Peloritani and Nebrodi Mountains, north-eastern Sicily. Four partially articulated cranial fragments were collected from the bituminous shales of the Argille Varicolori succession outcropping near the towns of Floresta and Malvagna, in the province of Messina. The upper Cenomanian fossil fish-rich bituminous shales of the Peloritani and Nebrodi Mountains were deposited on a distal ramp along the North African continental shelf and represent sediments related to the Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. The finding of Paravinciguerria praecursor, previously described from the upper Cenomanian-lower Turonian deposits of Morocco and northern Italy, constitutes the eighteenth fish taxon to be described from the upper Cenomanian of north-eastern Sicily. The phylogenetic affinities of Paravinciguerria are discussed in detail in the present study. The assignment of this genus to one of the recognized protacanthopterygian subgroups is excluded here on the basis of anatomical features. Based on the structure of the upper jaw and hyobranchial apparatus, it is suggested that Paravinciguerria may be interpreted as a stem stomiiform, thereby representing the earliest member of this lineage.
- Farina S. (2011)
Late Pleistocene-Holocene mammals from “Canale delle Acque Alte (Canale Mussolini)” (Agro Pontino, Latium)
pp. 11-22
The classification of the fossil mammalian remains from the “Canale delle Acque Alte” collection is here revised. The stratigraphical provenance of the fossil material has now been reconstructed based on paleontological and sedimentological evidence derived from analyzes of the faunal assemblage and the sediment residue that specimens still preserve within bone cavities. Many species such as Hippopotamus amphibius, Dama dama dama, Megaloceros giganteus, Ursus spelaeus, Vulpes vulpes, Bos taurus longifrons and Capra hircus are recognized for the first time within the material sampled from this locality. The data obtained allowed assessment of the relative abundance of taxa based on calculation of the minimum number of individuals present. Hypotheses regarding the environmental conditions under which the fauna lived are also proposed based on the results and the ecology of the species identified. The fauna is attributed to a time interval between the end of the MIS 5a and MIS 3, while the specimens within the topmost level are Holocene in age.
- Trevisani E., Ragazzi E. & Roghi G. (2011)
First report of amber from the Early Eocene Belluno Flysch (Southern Alps, Northern Italy)
pp. 23-28
Amber of Early Eocene age is described for the first time from the Belluno Flysch succession from samples collected in the vicinity of the city of Belluno. The physicochemical properties of the amber have been analyzed with regard to obtaining paleoenvironmental and paleobotanical data in order to facilitate a comparison with other Eocene amber findings in the Venetian Prealps.
- Gallai G. & Rook L. (2011)
Propotamochoerus provincialis (Gervais, 1859) (Suidae, Mammalia) from the latest Miocene (late Messinian; MN13) of Monticino Quarry (Brisighella, Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
pp. 29-34
Nine specimens of fossil pigs are described here from the latest Miocene mammal assemblage of Monticino Gypsum Quarry (also referred to as Brisighella). The tooth remains consist of three elements of the upper dentition (I1, M3 and M2), and two of the lower dentition (P2 and M1 ). There are four post-cranial elements (astragalus, cuboid, navicular and third phalanx). The degree of dental wear, the closure of the root of the incisor, as well as the relative dimensions of the post-cranial remains indicate that the fossils belong to at least two individuals, a juvenile and an adult. The specimens have been assigned to the species Propotamochoerus provincialis (Gervais, 1859) based on a combinaton of dental morphometrics and morphological characters. Affinities may be shown with recent forms of Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758, based on aspects of the morphology of the post-cranial remains implying that the latter are quite homogenous within primitive or derived taxa of the family. As the post-cranial morphology of Propotamochoerus is poorly known the description given here of the findings at Brisighella is an important addition to the knowledge regarding the genus. The European distribution of Propotamochoerus provincialis (Gervais, 1859) ranges from the biochronological units MN13 to MN15. This description of the Brisighella specimens augments the knowledge of the Monticino Gypsum Quarry fauna, the most well-represented Messinian continental vertebrate assemblage in Italy.
- Bahrami A., Corradini C. & Yazdi M. (2011)
Upper Devonian-Lower Carboniferous conodont biostratigraphy in the Shotori Range, Tabas area, Central-East Iran Microplate
pp. 35-53
A rich and diverse conodont fauna represented by fifty-six taxa belonging to fifteen genera is described from three sections (Ghale-kalaghu, Howz-e-Dorah 1 and Howz-e-Dorah 2) in the southern Shotori Range (central Iran). The association, dominated by Polygnathus, has allowed a detailed biostratigraphy across the Devonian/Carboniferous boundary interval to be constructed, ranging from the Uppermost marginifera Zone to the anchoralis-latus Zone. The D/C boundary is narrowly constrained within a condensed interval at the base of the “Mush Horizon” between the Shishtu 1 and Shishtu 2 subformations.
- Monaco P., Famiani F., Bizzarri R. & Baldanza A. (2011)
First documentation of wood borings (Teredolites and insect larvae) in Early Pleistocene lower shoreface storm deposits (Orvieto area, central Italy)
pp. 55-63
Findings of isolated wood clasts (wood branches and/or portions of a tree trunk) in Early Pleistocene deposits within the “Chiani-Tevere” depositional cycle (Orvieto area, central Italy) are described. The specimens show pervasive borings developed parallel to the wood fibers, assigned here to Teredolites longissimus Kelly & Bromley, 1984 and doubtfully to T. clavatus Leymerie, 1842. Oriented thin section analyses of the grouped or isolated Teredolites specimens have shown that the borings vary in shape and diameter from circular to oval or flattened, have a thin lining and are sand-filled. On the exterior surface the characteristic elongated grooves of Teredolites longissimus arranged in the direction of the perforation may be observed. Two successive phases of bioerosion are identified: subaerial borings by insect larvae indicate terrestrial activity prior to transport and teredinids indicate a marginal marine environment. The macrofossil assemblages and sedimentological structures suggest storm events in a lower shoreface environment. The ichnological analyses of the boring history combined with the sedimentological data indicate a gradual transition from a fan delta to upper shoreface conditions.
- Dzik J. (2011)
The xenusian-to-anomalocaridid transition within the lobopodians
pp. 65-74
The morphological series composed of large xenusiids of the Chengjiang fauna of China and the basal anomalocaridids Pambdelurion and Kerygmachela from the Sirius Passet fauna of Greenland is supplemented with another xenusiid lobopodian, Siberion lenaicus gen. et sp. nov., from the Early Cambrian Sinsk Formation of central Siberia. Reduction and ventral bending of the proboscis in Siberion and the Chengjiang Megadictyon and Jianshanopodia may be a synapomorphy uniting these representatives with the anomalocaridids. Throughout the series, the raptorial appendages became larger and more sclerotised, while the gill-like structures on the trunk appendages were transformed from their originally tubular shape into a pinnate form and may eventually have given rise to the wide anomalocaridid flaps. Such a tendency can be rooted in the Aysheaia-like xenusians, that have raptorial appendages associated with a prominent proboscis. This results in a scenario of almost complete transition from early lobopodians to ancestral arthropods within the xenusian-anomalocaridid segment of the phylogenetic tree.
Issue 2
Published in June 2011
- Lombardo C., Sun Z., Tintori A., Jiang D. & Hao W. (2011)
A new species of the genus Perleidus (Actinopterygii: Perleidiformes) from the Middle Triassic of Southern China
pp. 75-83
Perleidus sinensis n. sp., a new species of “Subholostean” fossil fish of the order Perleidiformes is described herein on the basis of a single, well-preserved specimen collected from the Upper Member of the Guanling Formation (Pelsonian, Middle Anisian, Middle Triassic) outcropping near Luoping (Yunnan Province) in South China. The vertebrate assemblage yielded by these levels is proving to be of importance with regard to the marine Triassic ichthyofaunas, not only due to the variety, richness and quality of preservation of the faunas, but also from a paleobiogeographic point of view. The new taxon here described belongs to the genus Perleidus, so far represented only in the upper Ladinian of Northern Italy and Switzerland; this find reconfirms a very close connection between the Eastern and Western Tethys during the Middle Triassic, when many fish genera may have migrated from the Southern China Block to the Western Tethys area, giving rise to a notable radiation during some intervals of the Triassic. Besides Perleidus, other actinopterygians are common to both margins of the Tethys, such as Sangiorgioichthys, Habroichthys, Placopleurus, Peltopleurus, Peltoperleidus, Marcopoloichthys, Colobodus, Luopingichthys as well as the cosmopolitan genera Saurichthys and Birgeria.
- Schemm-Gregory M. (2011)
Lusitanispirifer lusitanensis n. gen. et sp. – A new delthyridoid spirifer and its palaeogeographical implications for the Dornes Syncline (Lower Devonian, Portugal)
pp. 85-94
A new genus and species of delthyridoid spirifer brachiopods, Lusitanispirifer lusitanensis, is established in the present study. The taxon is described from the Dornes Formation within the Dornes Syncline (Central Portugal) and based on the associated fauna a Siegenian to Emsian (middle to late Early Devonian) age is indicated. [Remark: Neritic Gedinnian strata represent the pelagic Lochkovian strata, neritic Siegenian strata represent approximately pelagic Pragian strata]. Due to its capillate micro-ornamentation the new genus is attributed to the northern Gondwana delthyridoid spirifer fauna, however, it also shows similarities to the genus Australospirifer from the Malvinokaffric Realm. The relationship of Lusitanispirifer with the other genera within the capillate family Filispiriferidae to which it has been assigned, and Australospirifer is discussed. Implications derived from this study are put forward regarding the palaeogeographic position of the Dornes Syncline area during the Early Devonian.
- Dominici S., Bartalini M., Benvenuti M. & Balestra B. (2011)
Large kings with small crowns: a Mediterranean Pleistocene whale barnacle
pp. 95-101
A large complete wall of the whale barnacle Coronula diadema (Linnaeus, 1767) occurring in early Pleistocene (Calabrian) mudstones near Riparbella (Tuscany, Italy) is described. Sedimentary facies analysis indicates that these deposits represent an open shelf setting, similar to many of those reported for whale fossils to date. The extant and fossil record of C. diadema and other species belonging to the genus and family are revised herein. The study confirms a global distribution for C. diadema and dates its presence in the Mediterranean from the early Pleistocene (Calabrian). A global distribution is attributed to the only other well-known fossil coronulid, Coronula bifida Bronn, 1831, which is common within the Pliocene record of the Mediterranean, and is documented in the Pliocene of the Pacific domain and in the earliest Pleistocene of the Atlantic [as C. barbara (Darwin, 1854)]. No overlap of stratigraphic ranges has been noted: C. bifida occurs in the Piacenzian-Gelasian and C. diadema is recorded from the Calabrian to the present. It is therefore suggested herein that C. diadema is a direct descendant of C. bifida and that the evolution of the former included a pronounced increase in size of the adult shell. The fossil record of large whales supports this hypothesis, which is further reinforced by the global character of its hosts such as the ocean-going humpback, blue, fin, and sperm whales. The general high host specificity of whale barnacles, which today include Cetopirus complanatus (Mörch, 1853) of the same family, can be extended back to the Pliocene. Considering these aspects, a coevolutionary trend towards an increase in size linking oceanic whales with coronulids is proposed.
- Kotsakis T., Marcolini F., De Rita D., Conti M. & Esu D. (2011)
Three Late Pleistocene small mammal faunas from the Baccano maar (Rome, central Italy)
pp. 103-110
Findings of small vertebrate remains are presented from three different localities of the Baccano maar area (Sabatini Volcanic District, Rome, central Italy), referred to as Baccano 1, Baccano 2 and Baccano 3 respectively. The first vertebrate assemblage (Baccano 1) occurs in palustrine sediments containing lignites in the southern part of the Baccano maar and contains a rich fauna of non-marine molluscs: Bithynia tentaculata, Stagnicola palustris, Galba truncatula, Planorbis planorbis, Acroloxus lacustris, Succinea sp. and Sphaerium sp. The small vertebrate assemblage from this site is composed of the following taxa: “Pisces” indet., Triturus carnifex, Pelophylax bergeri or Pelophylax klepton hispanicus, Rana dalmatina, Podarcis sp., Aves indet., Crocidura sp., Myodes glareolus, Microtus (Terricola) savii, Arvicola amphibius and Apodemus sylvaticus. The second assemblage (Baccano 2) occurs in strata of reworked pyroclastic deposits in the western-northwestern part of the Baccano maar area and includes the following taxa: M. glareolus, Microtus (M.) arvalis, M. (T.) savii, A. amphibius and Apodemus sp. The third assemblage (Baccano 3) occurs in the same area, however, within an alluvial deposit and comprises the following taxa: Sorex minutus, S. antinorii, S. samniticus, M. (M.) arvalis and Chionomys nivalis. The Baccano 1 assemblage is assigned in age to the early part of the MIS3, the Baccano 2 assemblage to the most recent part of the MIS3 or the beginning of MIS2 while the Baccano 3 assemblage is attributed to the last pleniglacial (MIS2).
- Violanti D., Bonci M.C., Trenkwalder S., Lozar F., Beccaro P., Dela Pierre F., Bernardi E. & Boano P. (2011)
Micropalaeontological evidences of high productivity episodes in the Zanclean of Piedmont (Early Pliocene, Northwestern Italy)
pp. 111-133
Quantitative and semiquantitative analyses carried out on calcareous (foraminifers, ostracods, calcareous nannofossils = CN) and siliceous (diatoms, radiolarians) microfossil associations preserved in diatomaceous silts and clays from Monferrato (Piedmont, Northwestern Italy), forming part of the Argille Azzurre (Blue Clay) Formation, document episodes of enhanced productivity during the Early Pliocene (Zanclean). This study represents the first documentation in Piedmont of Pliocene mixed calcareous and siliceous microfossil assemblages, generally reported from areas of upwelling and high productivity conditions. The assemblages collected from the sections of La Torretta, Castelcebro and Calliano allow a nearly coincident time interval to be proposed for their deposition, in the MPl 3 foraminiferal Zone (Globorotalia margaritae – Globorotalia puncticulata Zone), the MNN13 and/or MNN14-15 CN zones, the Nitzschia jouseae diatom Zone and RN11 (Stichocorys peregrina Zone) radiolarian Zone. High productivity in the water column is documented by the following: the frequent occurrence of diatoms, dominated by Chaetoceros RS, Thalassionema group and locally by Paralia sulcata, all related to upwelling conditions; the common to frequent presence of radiolarian; opportunistic phytophagous or dominantly phytophagous cool-water planktonic foraminifers (Globigerina bulloides, Neogloboquadrina acostaensis, Globigerinita glutinata and Turborotalita quinqueloba); benthic infaunal taxa, phytodetritus feeders or exploiting different trophic resources (Cassidulina carinata, Bulimina spp., Stainforthia complanata); the common ostracod Costa edwarsii and also by common Calcidiscus leptoporus, Helicosphaera carteri and H. sellii, also related to mesotrophic to eutrophic cool waters. The absence of the oligotrophic discoasterids may be another signal of high nutrient levels. Productivity was rather high in comparison with that suggested for coeval assemblages in Piedmont, devoid of siliceous microfossils and generally characterized by more diversified foraminiferal and ostracod assemblages. Nevertheless, the rather low diatom numbers suggest a moderate productivity in comparison with recent oceanic upwelling areas. The low Foraminiferal Number (FN) and benthic foraminifer and ostracod diversity may result from dilution of tests in the generally very abundant fine-grained terrigenous fraction, but could be influenced also by seasonal upwelling conditions. Similar very low FN characterized the MPl 3 assemblages in the deeper, epibathyal succession of Moncucco Torinese and suggest an increase of deposition rate, due to the warm, moist Early Pliocene climate. Seasonal successions of cool eutrophic (G. bulloides, N. acostaensis, T. quinqueloba) and warm oligotrophic taxa (Globigerinoides spp., Orbulina spp.) are suggested in the upper La Torretta section by their contemporary common occurrence.
- Villier B., Pavia M. & Rook L. (2011)
New remains of Paralutra garganensis Willemsen, 1983 (Mustelidae, Lutrinae) from the Late Miocene “Terre Rosse” of Gargano (Apulia, Italy)
pp. 135-143
A short account is presented here of the discovery of new material attributable to Paralutra garganensis Willemsen, 1983, the only carnivore species documented from the Late Miocene endemic “Terre Rosse” faunal complex (also referred to as the “Mikrotia fauna”). Although thousands of fossil remains of the “Mikrotia fauna” have been collected during extensive sampling campaigns carried out since the 1970’s, Paralutra garganensis was to date only represented by the type specimens. The recent revision of material belonging to the “Mikrotia fauna” housed in Museum collections in Firenze and Torino (Italy) and Leiden (Netherlands) has allowed the identification of the specimens described herein and, furthermore, has highlighted new evidence regarding the ecology of the species. The latter findings in turn broaden our understanding to date of the ecological structure of the “Mikrotia fauna”.
Issue 3
Published in December 2011
- Bonci M.C., Vannucci G., Tacchino S. & Piazza M. (2011)
Oligocene fossil leaves of the Perrando Collection: history, preservation, and paleoclimatic meaning
pp. 145-164
A study of the fossil leaves contained within the Perrando Collection from the lower Oligocene sections outcropping near Santa Giustina and Sassello (Tertiary Piedmont Basin, Central Liguria, NW Italy) is presented. The specimens were collected by Don Pietro Deogratias Perrando during the period 1857-1889 and are presently housed at the University of Genoa in Italy (Department for Studies on the Territory and its Resources). The exact location of the collecting sites has been verified in the field and the history of the Collection which had been subjected to repeated damage and deterioration over time has been reconstructed. Furthermore, the complete catalogue of the collection has been reconstructed and emphasis placed on the taxa identified by Principi and Squinabol traced to date.
A total of 771 fossil leaves of Dicotyledonous (Magnoliopsida) were measured in order to perform a paleoclimatic analysis utilizing the foliar physiognomy method. The data obtained allow the studied flora to be referred to the “tropical basal and premontane belt” as the group of large leaf species attained a proportion of 67.71%. In addition this study allows the paleoenvironmental setting of the sedimentary basin in which the leaves were buried to be better defined. The latter can be reconstructed as an alluvial plain with flooded areas, meanders and small lakes, located within the tropical basal and premontane belt.
- Manganelli G., Martini I. & Benocci A. (2011)
A new Janulus species (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Gastrodontidae) from the Zanclean (early Pliocene) of Tuscany (central Italy)
pp. 165-173
Janulus spadinii n. sp. (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Gastrodontidae) is described herein from the Zanclean (early Pliocene) of Balze di Caspreno (Tuscany). It belongs to a Macaronesian genus occasionally reported from the Tertiary of Europe. The new species is very similar to the Recent Madeiran Janulus stephanophorus by virtue of its shape, dorsal sculpture and radial rows of palatal teeth. It is also apparently similar to some fossil European species, however, due to insufficient information regarding the latter, no well supported distinction may be proposed at present. A brief survey of all the nominal taxa of the species-group assigned to Janulus is also provided.
- Bernor R.L., Kaiser T.M., Nelson S.V. & Rook L. (2011)
Systematics and Paleobiology of Hippotherium malpassii n. sp. (Equidae, Mammalia) from the latest Miocene of Baccinello V3 (Tuscany, Italy)
pp. 175-208
A new species of hipparionine horse, Hippotherium malpassii, is described from the MN13 interval from localities of the Baccinello V3 area (Italy). This species exhibits some advanced features of the facial region and cheek tooth dentition while other skull features and the postcranial skeleton are plesiomorphic. Research related to paleodiet suggests that Hippotherium malpassii was a mixed feeder, not as committed to grass feeding as many Central European species of Hippotherium. However, it may be considered as being similar to others such as Hippotherium primigenium from Eppelsheim (Germany) and Hippotherium microdon from Baltavar (Hungary). Studies of carbon and oxygen isotopes suggest that Hippotherium malpassii from the Baccinello V3 area lived in a forested context and it is inferred herein that it likely ate grass of relatively low abrasive character. Regarding the paleogeography of the species, Hippotherium originated in Central Europe early on in the MN9 interval (ca. 11 Ma) and underwent a modest evolutionary radiation there during the Vallesian and early Turolian (MN9-11). It is documented as having then dispersed throughout the Balkans into Greece during MN11/12 where it is represented by Hippotherium brachypus from the locality of Pikermi (Greece). During the interval MN12, the range of Hippotherium brachypus was extended and populations of very large size with massive metapodials evolved throughout this period. Hippotherium is not documented from the Baccinello area in Tuscany until the base of the MN13 interval (Baccinello V3 faunas) and may have immigrated from the Pannonian Basin, Hungary. The genus Hippotherium would appear to have become extinct at the end of MN12, the latter considered as being a result of increased continental drying and reduction of forest and woodland habitat. Its occurrence at Baccinello V3 in the MN 13 interval represents the latest occurrence of the genus in Europe.
- Schallreuter R. & Hinz-Schallreuter I. (2011)
New Ostracodes from the Öjlemyr Chert (Late Ordovician) of Gotland and Northern Germany
pp. 209-228
Twelve new ostracod species and five new ostracod genera are described from Öjlemyr Flint glacial erratic boulders of Late Ordovician age from the Isles of Gotland (Baltic Sea) and Sylt (North Sea) as well as from western Niedersachsen (North Germany). These taxa include some micro-ostracodes with adults <0.5 mm: Laterophores ferrettii sp. n., Postceratia fossula sp. n., Sagittovum? glabrum sp. n., Sudon microporatus sp. n., Buckelopsis dyca gen. et sp. n., Epiclinia epiclinata gen. et sp. n., Immanisator punctatus gen. et sp. n., Longisyltherella erratica gen. et sp. n., Aviacypris planta sp. n., A. coartata sp. n., A. truncata sp. n., and Dornbuschia bospi sp. n. The early occurrence of a typical platycope with a limen, and of podocopes with duplicatures is noteworthy.