Decouverte de Weichselia reticulata (Stokes & Webb) FONTAINE emend. ALVIN,filicinee leptosporangiee,dans le Cretace inferieur de la province de Lerida (Espagne): Implications stratigraphiques et paleoecologiques

First discovery of Weichselia reticulata (STOKES & WEBB) FONTAINE emend. ALVIN, in the lithographiclimestones with fossil plants of Montsech, province of Lerida (Spain); stratigraphical and paleoecological implications on the presence of this leptosporangiate fern in this flora of Spain.     

New Early Cretaceous hymenopterous insects (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from Sierra del Montsec (Spain)

Four new species of Hymenoptera are described from the Early Cretaceous (Lower Barremian) lithographic limestones of the Sierra del Montsec (Lérida Province, NE Spain):Prosyntexis montsecensis n. sp. (Sepulcidae),Manlaya lacabrua n. sp. (Gasteruptiidae),Meiagaster cretaceus n. gen., n. sp. (Bethylonymidae),Angarosphex lithographicus n. sp. (Sphecidae). The Spanish assemblage extends our knowledge of the distribution of the Lower Cretaceous hymenopteran fauna and will throw light on its character in a probably dry environment with seasonal rainfall.     

Ostracodes de la Formation de Bhanness,Kimméridgien (Jurassique supérieur) du Liban central : taxonomie,paléoécologie et paléobiogéographie

A microfauna composed of 11 species of ostracodes belonging to 11 genera have been recovered from the Bhanness Formation of Kimmeridgian age, in Central Lebanon. Four species are new and are described herein: Ektyphocythere dahressawanensis nov. sp., Dicrorygma (Orthorygma) libanensis nov. sp., Citrella? elongata nov. sp. and Procytherura inflata nov. sp. From a palaeobiogeographical standpoint, this fauna characterizes the North Gondwana province which differs from the South Gondwana province, particularly by the presence of the genus Schuleridea and the absence of the genus Majungaella.     

Una nueva especie de Neuryurus Ameghino (Mammalia, Glyptodontidae) en el Pleistoceno tardío de la Mesopotamia de Argentina

Among the South American Pleistocene Glyptodontidae (Xenarthra, Cingulata), one of the most scarcely represented genus in the fossil record is Neuryurus Ameghino, in which the only well characterized species, until now, is Neuryurus rudis (Gervais), coming from the Ensenadan (early-middle Pleistocene) of the Pampean region, Argentina. In this contribution, we report and describe a new species of Neuryurus, coming from the Arroyo Feliciano Formation (early Lujanian; ca. 130 ka), Entre Ríos province, Argentina, in a particular palaebiogeographic context, more associated with the western sector of Uruguay and southern Brazil than the Pampean region. From a morphological perspective, this new taxon is characterized by: (a) the remarkable development of the foramina at the exposed surface of the osteoderms of the dorsal carapace, showing un aspect almost spongy; (b) the large diameter of the perforations observed in the ventral surface of the osteoderms, resembling to those present in the dorsal surface of the osteoderms of the Glyptodontidae Doedicurinae; (c) the evident thickness of the osteoderms, as in Glyptodon Owen; (d) area of contact and articulation of adjacent osteoderms very denticulate, with deep osseous interdigitating projections, as in Glyptodon and Glyptotherium Osborn, but here more evident; (e) larger osteoderms of the dorsal carapace showing, in the dorsal surface, many little conical tubercles, having some resemblance to Panochthus tuberculatus Burmeister. The presence of this new species in the early late Pleistocene of the Mesopotamic region is another element that adds to the biogeographical characterization of this particular area, especially evident during the warm and humid pulses of the late Pleistocene. In turn, this species represents the most complete record of the genus outside the Pampean region and partially complete the stratigraphic and geographic distribution of the genus.     

Taxonomy,ecology, and palaeobiogeography ofGervilleioperna (Gervilleiognoma) aurita n. subgen. n.sp. (Bivalvia) from the Middle Jurassic of northern Chile

A conspicuous, new species of the bivalve genusGervilleioperna occurs in coarse-grained bioclastic limestones and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of nothern Chile between 27° and 29° 40′ S. It is assigned to the new subgenusGervilleiognoma [type species:Gervilleioperna (Gervilleiognoma) aurita n. sp.], which appears to be endemic to northern Chile. On the basis of associated ammonites, the stratigraphic distribution of the new species can be restricted to the Early Aaleman (Manflasensis Zone) and thus it is of biostratigraphic value. The reconstructed life habit was mainly semi-endobyssate, resting on the thickened umbonal and anterior parts of the lower valve; the slightly twisted plane of commissure is oriented in an oblique position with respect to the substrate surface. The palaeogeographic distribution of the genus is briefly discussed.     

Dispersal of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> spp. by rainwater and pathogenicity on four plant species

Research focused on the occurrence of Fusarium spp. in atmospheric dust or rainwater is not common. Preliminary studies with four sampling dates in 2007 revealed that several species of Fusarium may also be conveyed by rainwater. In order to determine the regular presence of Fusarium spp. in rainfall water, samples were systematically collected for a year (from October 2009 to October 2010) in three points on the Mediterranean coast of the province of Granada (Spain) 10-km distance between them. Throughout the year of sampling, a total of 179 rainwater samples were collected during every significant rainfall event. Eight different Fusarium species were isolated from the rainwater samples: F. oxysporum (32 %), F. proliferatum (26 %) and F. equiseti (20 %) coincide with previous studies, while F. dimerum (3 %), F. semitectum (4.7 %), F. solani (8 %), F. avenaceum (0.5 %) and F. chlamydosporum (3.7 %) were isolated for the first time from rainwater. Results were consistent with previous surveys conducted 100 km away from the sampling sites. Inoculation of 39 different isolates from five different Fusarium species showed pathogenicity on plants. Disease severity differed depending on the inoculated plant species, which means that rain water can be an effective vector to transport new pathogens into new cultivated areas. This work reveals some epidemiological aspects of Fusarium genus in natural environments. Some of the isolated Fusarium spp. are potential mycotoxin producers, such as zearalenone, fumonisin, moniliformin or nivalenol.     

Ulphaceaster sarthacensis,nouveau genre et nouvelle espèce d’échinide Archiaciidae du Cénomanien (Sarthe,France)

A new genus and a new species of the echinoid family Archiaciidae from Cenomanian deposits in Sarthe (Paris Basin, France) are described. The genus Ulphaceaster nov. gen. can be distinguished from other archiaciids by its anterior ambulacrum, which is located in a deep groove running from the peristome to the apex where the test enlarges in a tea-spoon shape. The apical rostrum is taller and more slender than for species of the close genus Claviaster. The species Uphaceaster sarthacensis sp. nov. is known from the Saint-Ulphace locality only (Sables et Grès de Lamnay Formation, La Garenne quarry), where it is found in shallow marine sandy limestones, from infralittoral deposit environments.     

Une “Girvanelle” dulçaquicole du cénomanien du sud-ouest de la France: Girvanella (?) Palustris Colin et Vachard n.sp.

The first discovery in lacustrine limestones from the Cenomanian of the Sarlat area (Dordogne, SW France) of filamentous blue algae tentatively assigned to the genus Girvanella is described. Comparisons are made with other “true” Girvanella and with other fossil and recent fresh-water blue algae. The paleoecological value of this form is discussed.     

FENESTROCONIDIA CALOPLACAE,A NEW SPORODOCHIAL LICHENICOLOUS FUNGUS WITH CATENATE CONIDIOGENOUS CELLS

The genus Fenestroconidia is described to accommodate the new species Fenestroconidia caloplacae. This lichenicolous fungus produces black sporodochia, has conidiogenous cells arranged in chains, and simple, pale brown conidia with a subhyaline guttule-like zone. It is known only from central Spain (Cuenca province), growing in the apothecia of Caloplaca saxicola s.lat.     

Deux nouveaux gisements a otolithes de teleosteens,dont une espece nouvelle,dans l'Aquitanien continental du Midi de la France

The continental Aquitanian of Southern France has yielded an otolith fauna containing seven species pertaining to the Umbridae and Cyprinodontoidei. One new species is here introduced: genus Cyprinodontidarum feistae. Such an assemblage indicates lacustrine deposition with possibly lagoonal influence. Two zones have been established: a first one, corresponding to the Lower and Middle Aquitanian is characterized by Prolebias praecursor; the second one, representing the Upper Aquitanian, is more diversified and characterized by genus Cyprinodontidarum angulosus.     

Les Megacricetodon du gisement karstique miocène moyen de Blanquatère 1 (Pyrénées-Orientales, Sud de la France) : nouvelles espèces, implications biochronologique et phylogénique

Three Megacricetodon species are recognized in the Middle Miocene locality of Blanquatère 1 (Languedoc-Roussillon province, France). Two are new, the small-sized M. tautavelensis nov. sp. the medium to large-sized M. aunayi nov. sp., the third one being the already known M. “collongensis-gersii”, a medium-sized species found in other Miocene localities of the area. Size and morphology differentiate these species. Such a high number of contemporaneous species of the genus Megacricetodon is found for the first time in a Miocene locality in the region and indicate that the evolution of this genus in western Europe is likely more complicated. It may testify both of a biogeographical differentiation and of migration events. According to our calibration charts, the deposit is dated ca. 16 Ma ago. The position of Vieux-Collonges (MN 5) and Sansan (MN 6) on the biochronological scale is also discussed, as well as the estimated age of the biozonal boundaries MN 3/MN 4, MN 4/MN 5 and MN 5/MN 6.     

Réévaluation de la présence humaine au Pléistocène inférieur dans le Sud de l'Espagne

The Early Pleistocene locality at Venta Micena (Orce, Guadix-Baza basin, province of Granada, Spain) has provided four fossil remains - skull fragment VM-0, and long bone diaphyses VM-1960, VM-3691, and VM-12000 - which have been tentatively attributed to the hominids. Although several methodologies have been used to ascertain the human affinities of these specimens - including anatomical, morphometric and immunological analyses - the results obtained have not been conclusive, instigating a persistent debate. A taphonomic approach is used here for estimating the probability that a taxon the size of Homo sp. (~ 50 kg) could be represented in the fossil assemblage by four bone fragments and no tooth remain. A least-squares regression analysis between the percentage of teeth and the body mass estimated for each taxon of large mammals (N = 20) predicts a raw abundance of six teeth for Homo sp. in the assemblage. Given that up to the present moment no tooth remains attributable to the hominids has been unearthed during systematic excavations in the Venta Micena quarry, which has provided more than 15,000 fossils of large mammals, this argues strongly against the possibility that the three bone specimens could belong to Homo sp. The phalanx CV-0 from the Early Pleistocene site of Cueva Victoria (Cartagena, Spain) has also been attributed to the genus Homo. The taxonomic assignment of this specimen is biased, however, because it was not compared with Theropithecus oswaldi, the only primate species actually recorded from this karstic locality. A comparative anatomical and morphometric analysis of fossil and modern specimens of Theropithecus suggests that CV-0 can be attributed to T. oswaldi. As a result, Cueva Victoria does not contribute additional information concerning the first human settlements in Europe. By these reasons, apart from the paleoanthropological and archaeological findings from Atapuerca (TD lower levels and Sima del Elefante), the rich archaeological assemblages from Barranco León and Fuente Nueva-3 in Orce, dated 1.3-1.2 Myrs, which include fourteen hundred stone tools of Oldowan technology, constitute at present the only unequivocal evidence of human presence in Southeast Spain during Early Pleistocene times.     

Truyolsodontos estauni n. gen., n. sp., Truyolsodontidae,a new family of lamniform sharks from the Cenomanian of northern Spain

Truyolsodontos estauni n. gen., n. sp. is described based on fossil teeth from the middle and upper Cenomanian of northern Spain. The species Protoscyliorhinus magnusLandemaine, 1991 is withdrawn from the genus Protoscyliorhinus and placed in this new one. For the new genus, the new family Truyolsodontidae is proposed.     

A new dasycladalean alga from the Lower Cretaceous of the Eastern Carpathians (Romania): Andreiella rajkae nov. gen., nov. sp.

Lower Cretaceous limestones from Bicaz Gorges (Eastern Carpathians, Romania), developed in Urgonian facies, frequently contain dasycladalean algae. In limestone samples collected from the eastern sector of the Bicaz Gorges, we have identified a large dasycladalean alga that we assign here to a new species and genus: Andreiella rajkae nov. gen. nov. sp. The general morphological features and the calcification pattern distinguish this new alga from previously known dasycladaleans with two orders of laterals.