The Ordovician-Silurian boundary: new data, new concerns

Despite International Union of the Geological Sciences (IUGS) ratification of the International Commission on Stratigraphy recommendation that the base of the Parakidograptus acuminatus zone be the base of the Silurian and that the boundary stratotype be at Dob's Linn, Scotland, numerous concerns continue to be expressed over the timing of the selection as well as the boundary and its stratotype. The richness of both graptolite and non-graptolite biostratigraphic data in numerous stratigraphic sections from many areas in China published at about the same time that the boundary and stratotype were approved formally and shortly after approval suggest the possibility that boundary designation may have been somewhat premature. The new data from China document clearly the major extinction of characteristic Late Ordovician taxa significantly below the presently accepted System boundary. The new data indicate that the re-radiation of graptolites after the extinction took place in the Glyptograptus persculptus zone, the graptolite zone subjacent to the P. acuminatus zone. New geochemical data from Dob's Linn reveal a change in chemistry in strata subjacent to the base of the G. persculptus zone that could be used as an aid in correlation. The new data suggest the possibility that the base of the G. persculptus zone, the relatively traditional base of the Silurian, could be as appropriate a System boundary as the base of the P. acuminatus zone.     

Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point (GSSP) of the Furongian Series and Paibian Stage (Cambrian)

The Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point (GSSP) of the Furongian Series (uppermost series of the Cambrian System) and the Paibian Stage (lowermost stage of the Furongian Series), has been recently defined and ratified by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The boundary stratotype is 369 metres above the base of the Huaqiao Formation in the Paibi section, northwestern Hunan Province, China. This point coincides with the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid trilobite Glyptagnostus reticulatus, and occurs near the base of a large positive carbon isotopic excursion (SPICE excursion).     

Introduction to an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification,Terminology, and Usage

International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification [Report No. 7a; editor H. D. Hedberg]: Introduction to an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. Lethaia, Vol 5, pp. 283–295. Oslo, July 15th, 1972. The International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification (ISSC), a subcommission of the IUGS Commission on Stratigraphy, has been working for the last 15–20 years towards the preparation of an International Guide to Stratigraphic Classification, Terminology, and Usage. The purpose of the Guide is to promote international agreement on principles of stratigraphic classification and to establish internationally acceptable stratigraphic terminology and rules of stratigraphic procedure. The Introduction explains the background of its preparation.     

华中西南区一条国际前寒武系与寒武系界线层型补充剖面

1992年,全球前寒武系与寒武系界线层型剖面和层型点确定在加拿大纽芬兰东南幸运角剖面,并以遗迹化石带Trichophycus pedium的底作为前寒武系与寒武系的分界点。但是,幸运角剖面主要是以硅质碎屑岩相为主,难以与含有丰富小壳化石和具有可对比的稳定同位素资料的碳酸盐相界线剖面进行对比。为此,提出我国云南会泽大海附近的一条以碳酸盐相为主的剖面作为全球前寒武系与寒武系界线层型剖面的补充剖面。理由是（1）在大海剖面上,震旦系灯影组白岩哨段、待补段和下寒武统牛家菁组的中谊村段,大海段之间为整合接触;（2）早寒武世早期地层单元含有丰富的小壳化石并且可划分出4个小壳化石组合带;（3）利用碳同位素资料可以将大海剖面与许多其它剖面相当地层对比;（4）著名的梅树村剖面离大海剖面不远,它们均含有丰富的小壳化石和遗迹化石,两者易于对比。文章进一步认为寒武系的下界放在第I小壳化石组合带（Anabarites trisulcatus-Protohertzina anabarica）的底,相当于大海剖面11层的底。     

准噶尔盆地北缘谢家阶底界—推荐界线层型及其生物—年代地层和环境演变意义

新疆准噶尔盆地北缘铁尔斯哈巴合地层剖面构造简单并含有丰富的晚渐新世及早中新世哺乳动物化石。其中铁尔斯哈巴合组及索索泉组沉积基本连续,两组界线位于剖面米距33m处。依据该剖面中8个层位和相邻的XJ99005剖面中18个层位上采集的化石以及它们的上下关系和生物组合性质,划分出5个哺乳动物组合带,其中两个位于铁尔斯哈巴合组中(铁-Ⅱ带),3个在索索泉组下部(索-Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ带)。从剖面的铁尔斯哈巴合组、索索泉组和哈拉玛盖组中以0．5m的间距采集了348组古地磁样品,获得的磁性剖面包含了16个正向带和16个反向带(事件),其中包含了相当于地磁极时间表中C7n～C5E段的完整磁极带。铁-Ⅰ～Ⅱ带与塔本布鲁克哺乳动物群相近,为中国已知位置最西、构成门类和数量最多的一个晚渐新世哺乳动物组合。索-Ⅰ带应为中国目前所知的最晚渐新世的哺乳动物带。早中新世索-Ⅱ带与谢家动物群和蒙古中部渐新世—中新世过渡带D带可以对比。早中新世索-Ⅲ带相当于过去使用的“索索泉动物群”,时代大致与乌尔图动物群相当。根据地磁极时间校正,铁尔斯哈巴合剖面中铁尔斯哈巴合组和索索泉组跨越了从24．5Ma(地磁极时带C7n．2n)到18Ma(地磁极时带C5Dr．2r)大约6．5Ma的时间,岩体平均沉积速率大约为2．5cm/千年。剖面中5个生物组合带的时间跨度大致分别为：铁-Ⅰ带：24．4～24．15Ma;铁-Ⅱ带：23．2～23．1Ma;索-Ⅰ带接近但还未到达渐新世/中新世界线的23．03Ma;索-Ⅱ带：21．9～21．7 Ma;索-Ⅲ带：21．68～21．15Ma。我们推荐将铁尔斯哈巴合剖面作为中国区域年代地层单位谢家阶(期)底界界线层型的一个候选剖面。与谢家阶底界相对应的界线暂定在剖面由底向上40．25m处,对应于地磁极时带C6Cn．2n底界。该界线位于索索泉组内部,索-Ⅰ和索-Ⅱ带之间。根据定义,该界线也分别对应于阿基坦阶、中新统以及新近系的底界,年龄为23．03Ma。文章还讨论了下列问题：1)索索泉组的绝大部分应当和谢家阶以及山旺阶地层对比,仅其底部含有索-Ⅰ带化石组合的部分可与塔本布鲁克阶地层对比。2)在进行生物地层对比时尽量使用不同的索索泉组哺乳动物组合带,传统的“索索泉动物群”仅大体相当于索-Ⅲ带。3)许多过去认为的渐新世哺乳动物分子的生存时代实际上延伸到了早中新世,仅以这些分子的存在,不能说明一个动物群及其地层的确切年代。4)塔本布鲁克动物群及相关的期、阶名为有效名称,具有合法性;该阶底界有待确立。5)如果山旺阶底界(谢家阶顶界)位于地磁极时带C6An．1r底,年代为20．43Ma,相应的界线应位于铁尔斯哈巴合剖面89．25m处,因此,铁尔斯哈巴合剖面中有可能产生谢家阶的单位层型,该阶的地质时间跨度为2．6Ma。6)5个生物带都是以兔形类、啮齿类以及食虫类等小哺乳动物为主要分子,而且同门类的属种问具有相当近的演化关系,说明这个地区从晚渐新世到早中新世的一段时期中,动物群性质没有明显变化,总体上反映了一个从早渐新世以来就比较干旱的环境;渐新世和中新世动物群成分在种一级上仍有明显差异;而相当于谢家动物群的索-Ⅱ带则带有明显的过渡性质。7)从索索泉组的岩性、分布的地理部位以及与甘肃秦安剖面相近的时代和动物群等来看,不排除含有风成沉积物的可能。     

Integrated stratigraphy and astronomical calibration of the Serravallian/Tortonian boundary section at Monte Gibliscemi (Sicily, Italy)

Results are presented of an integrated stratigraphic (calcareous plankton biostratigraphy, cyclostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy) study of the Serravallian/Tortonian (S/T) boundary section of Monte Gibliscemi (Sicily, Italy). Astronomical calibration of the sedimentary cycles provides absolute ages for calcareous plankton bio-events in the interval between 9.8 and 12.1 Ma. The first occurrence (FO) of Neogloboquadrina acostaensis, usually taken to delimit the S/T boundary, is dated astronomically at 11.781 Ma, pre-dating the migratory arrival of the species at low latitudes in the Atlantic by almost 2 million years. In contrast to delayed low-latitude arrival of N. acostaensis, Paragloborotalia mayeri shows a delayed low-latitude extinction of slightly more than 0.7 million years with respect to the Mediterranean (last occurrence (LO) at 10.49 Ma at Ceara Rise; LO at 11.205 Ma in the Mediterranean). The Discoaster hamatus FO, dated at 10.150 Ma, is clearly delayed with respect to the open ocean. The ages of D. kugleri first and last common occurrence (FCO and LCO), Catinaster coalitus FO, Coccolithus miopelagicus last (regular) occurrence (L(R)O) and the D. hamatus/neohamatus cross-over, however, are in good to excellent agreement with astronomically tuned ages for the same events at Ceara Rise (tropical Atlantic), suggesting that both independently established timescales are consistent with one another. The lack of a reliable magnetostratigraphy hampers a direct comparison with the geomagnetic polarity timescale of Cande and Kent (1995; CK95), but ages of calcareous nannofossil events suggests that CK95 is significantly younger over the studied time interval. Approximate astronomical ages for the polarity reversals were obtained by exporting astronomical ages of selected nannofossil events from Ceara Rise (and the Mediterranean) to eastern equatorial Pacific ODP Leg 138 Site 845, which has a reliable magnetostratigraphy.Our data from the Rio Mazzapiedi–Castellania section reveal that the base of the Tortonian stratotype corresponds almost exactly with the first regular occurrence (FRO) of N. acostaensis s.s. as defined in the present study, dated at 10.554 Ma. An extrapolated age of 11.8 Ma calculated for the top of the Serravallian stratotype indicates that there is a gap between the top of the Serravallian and the base of the Tortonian stratotype, potentially rendering all bio-events in the interval between 11.8 and 10.554 Ma suitable for delimiting the S/T boundary. Despite the tectonic deformation and the lack of a magnetostratigraphy, Gibliscemi remains a candidate to define the S/T boundary by means of the Tortonian global boundary stratotype section and point (GSSP).     

中国当阳跑马岗组白垩-古近系界线附近的轮藻组合

陆相白垩-古近系过渡段的生物地层记录通常稀少而不连续。从轮藻角度讲,中国当阳跑马岗组的白垩-古近系过渡段的生物地层记录是世界上迄今所知的最连续和最丰富的。该过渡段剖面的介形类也非常丰富,其它建立界线辅助层型所需的许多条件也很好,或许当阳跑马岗组剖面可作为白垩-古近系界线陆相辅助层型的候选剖面。对该剖面白垩-古近系界线附近的轮藻组合作了简要的介绍。     

The Downton Series as the fourth Series of the Silurian System

A review of lithofacies and fossil distributions in the Downton strata of the Welsh Borderland and Wales indicates that these beds form a suitable basis for definition of a chronostratigraphical division of Series rank within the Silurian System. The basal boundary stratotype for the Downton Series is defined at the base of the Ludlow Bone Bed Member of the Downton Castle Sandstone Formation in a section at Whitcliffe Road, Ludlow. Shallow water marine sediments span the boundary, with no evidence of a measurable time break. Correlation of the base of the Downton Series from eastern North America through Baltoscandia and Poland suggests that it lies at or very close to the base of the Monograptus ultimus Biozone and thus approximates to the base of the Přiacute;dolí beds of Bohemia. This paper formed a submission to the Subcommission on Silurian Stratigraphy in May. 1981. □ Silurian, Downtown Series, standard subdivision, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, correlation.     

A proposed new global stratotype for Aeronian Stage of the Silurian System: Hlásná Třebaň section,Czech Republic

The current Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP ) for the Aeronian Stage (Llandovery Series, Silurian System), on Trefawr track in the Llandovery area of Wales, is an inadequate marker for precise, global, correlation. The International Subcommission on Silurian Stratigraphy has, therefore, undertaken the selection of a new GSSP for this level. The lowest occurrence of the graptolite Demirastrites triangulatus , 1.38 m above the base of the black‐shale succession of the ?elkovice Formation at the Hlásná T?ebaň section in Central Bohemia, is proposed to mark the base of the Aeronian Stage. The section, which fulfils all formal requirements for stratotype of a chronostratigraphical unit, should be considered as a candidate for the new GSSP . An abundant, well‐preserved, diverse graptolite fauna occurs through the section along with common chitinozoans, which indicate that the Spinachitina maennili Biozone spans the boundary interval. The section comprises the lower–middle Aeronian (D. triangulatus–Lituigraptus convolutus graptolite biozones) along with underlying Rhuddanian (Akidograptus ascensus–Coronograptus cyphus biozones) and Hirnantian strata. Several graptolite genera of primary importance in global correlation (Demirastrites , Petalolithus , Rastrites and Campograptus ) first appear in the lower part of the triangulatus Biozone. The structurally simple section is somewhat condensed, but there is a uniform succession of black shale without any evidence of disconformity in the broad boundary interval. The C_org isotope record exhibits a minor positive excursion just above the base of the triangulatus Biozone, whereas TOC and N isotope and elemental geochemical records provide evidence for uninterrupted sedimentation under stable, anoxic conditions.     

湖北宜昌黄花场剖面中/下奥陶统界线附近的牙形剌

重点描述宜昌黄花场剖面中 /下奥陶统界线附近的重要牙形剌共 3属、5种和 2新种Bergstroe mognathussp .nov .,BaltoniodustetrachotomusLiandWangsp .nov .,并对Oepikodusevae带和Baltoniodustriangu laris带分子的首现位置及带的含义进行厘定。作者还在此剖面大湾组下段发现北美中大陆区暖水型牙形剌Tripoduslaevis和Protoprioniodusaranda ,并确定Tripoduslaevis的首现位置在Baltoniodustriangularis带底界之上 0 .3m处。Tripoduslaevis的首次出现曾提议为中奥陶统的底界的标志 (见陈旭等 ,2 0 0 0 ) ,在宜昌黄花场剖面上Tripoduslaevis的首现位置接近Baltoniodustriangularis带底界 ,对确定中 /下奥陶统界线很重要。由于在黄花场剖面可识别出Baltonioduscrassulus—B .gladiatus—B .triangularis演化谱系 ,作者建议以B .triangularis的首次出现作为中奥陶统的底界 ,宜昌黄花场剖面为中 /下奥陶统界线的层型剖面。同时 ,文中将本区的牙形刺带与世界其它地区作了对比。     

Search for impact remains at the Frasnian-Famennian boundary in the stratotype area, southern France

In order to detect whether the end-Frasnian worldwide biotic crisis is related to an extraterrestrial impact, the global stratotype section of the Frasnian-Famennian boundary and auxiliary sections within the stratotype area have been examined for impact indicators: iridium. Ni-rich spinel bearing spherules and glassy microtektites. This area is particularly well suited to the search for discrete events because it exhibits biostratigraphically continuous sections of sedimentologically homogenous off-shore deposits. Different environmental settings on oxygenated deep-water seamounts, such as the stratotype section at Coumiac, and in oxygen-depleted depressions (La Serre section) are available. The latter is investigated in more detail because it is the least condensed across the boundary, which is determined by the first occurrence of the typical morphotype of Palmatolepis triangularis, the indicator of the first Famennian conodont biozone. Samples from the biostratigraphically defined boundary and adjacent levels failed to provide significantly high Ir values and no Ni-rich spinel or microtektite has been recovered. This is in contradiction with the results of earlier investigations carried out by H. Geldsetzer on the same section. In contrast, the values of Ir concentrations that we measured are always very low or not detectable. The small overabundances observed in some samples, which are about two orders of magnitude lower than what is currently observed at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary, are probably due to the accumulation of the normal flux of cosmic dust during periods of relatively low depositional rates or to a terrestrial origin. At present, we have no evidence that an extraterrestrial impact occurred at the F-F transition.     

The new chronostratigraphic classification of the Ordovician System and its relations to major regional series and stages and to δ13C chemostratigraphy

The extensive work carried out during more than a decade by the International Subcommission on Ordovician Stratigraphy has resulted in a new global classification of the Ordovician System into three series and seven stages. Formal Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Points (GSSPs) for all stages have been selected and these and the new stage names have been ratified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy. Based on a variety of biostratigraphic data, these new units are correlated with chronostratigraphic series and stages in the standard regional classifications used in the UK, North America, Baltoscandia, Australia, China, Siberia and the Mediterranean‐North Gondwana region. Furthermore, based mainly on graptolite and conodont zones, the Ordovician is subdivided into 20 stage slices (SS) that have potential for precise correlations in both carbonate and shale facies. The new chronostratigraphic scheme is also tied to a new composite δ¹³C curve through the entire Ordovician.     

Geologic Time Scale 2004 – why, how, and where next!

A Geologic Time Scale (GTS2004) is presented that integrates currently available stratigraphic and geochronologic information. The construction of Geologic Time Scale 2004 (GTS2004) incorporated different techniques depending on the data available within each interval. Construction involved a large number of specialists, including contributions by past and present subcommissions officers of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS), geochemists working with radiogenic and stable isotopes, stratigraphers using diverse tools from traditional fossils to astronomical cycles to database programming, and geomathematicians. Anticipated advances during the next four years include formalization of all Phanerozoic stage boundaries, orbital tuning extended into the Cretaceous, standardization of radiometric dating methods and resolving poorly dated intervals, detailed integrated stratigraphy for all periods, and on-line stratigraphic databases and tools. The geochronological science community and the International Commission on Stratigraphy are focusing on these issues. The next version of the Geologic Time Scale is planned for 2008, concurrent with the planned completion of boundary-stratotype (GSSP) definitions for all international stages.     

U–Pb zircon age,sedimentary facies,and sequence stratigraphy of the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary,Daposhang Section,Guizhou, China

The Devonian–Carboniferous (D/C) boundary marks a major extinction event and an important evolutionary turnover in Paleozoic biotas, but understanding D/C boundary events is hampered by a lack of accurate and consistent ages. As a result, although a global stratotype section and point (GSSP) for the D/C boundary was defined in the section La Serre trench E’ (Montagne Noire, France) and accepted and ratified by the IUGS, problems arose concerning both the lithology of the La Serre section and the identification of S. sulcata. Due to these problems, in the very recent years, the ICS decided to reconsider the GSSP. The Daposhang section in Muhua, Guizhou, China, is one of the most important reference sections for the D/C boundary: it is a conformable succession across the D/C boundary that contains conodont faunas characteristic of restricted subtidal facies. A biostratigraphically well constrained tuff near the D/C boundary in the Daposhang section provides an excellent opportunity to date this important event in Paleozoic history. Sensitive high-mass resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb analyses were conducted on single zircons extracted from the tuff (between beds 0 and 1, which may be temporally equivalent to the Hangenberg black shale) as well as an analysis of sedimentary facies and sequence stratigraphy across the D/C boundary in the Daposhang section. Bed 0 is below the D/C boundary, in the Upper praesulcata conodont zone, and bed 1 is directly above the D/C boundary, in the sulcata conodont zone. Zircon analyses yielded 20 concordant dates that form a cluster with a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U concordia age of 359.6 ± 1.9 Ma. An abundance of bioclastic packstone and wackestone and a lack of obvious high-energy sedimentary structures or evidence of reworking in layers spanning the D/C boundary suggest conformable deposition in a quiet, restricted subtidal paleoenvironment. Fifty-nine fifth-order cycles combine to depict a shallowing-upward succession (beds 029-01; highstand systems tract of a third-order sequence representing the terminal Devonian). The highstand systems tract is overlain by a deepening-upward succession (beds 0-29; maximum flooding surface and transgressive systems tract of a third-order sequence representing predominantly the basal Carboniferous) that begins at the D/C boundary. Fischer plot analysis of high-frequency cycles at the D/C boundary confirms this well developed sea-level pattern, which, together with the tuff and black shale depositional events, has potential for global correlation. On the basis of this new single-zircon SHRIMP age and previously published work on the biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy of the D/C transition interval, the deposition of tuff took place at approximately 359.6 Ma, and the age of the D/C boundary at Daposhang, Guizhou, China, is estimated at 359.58 Ma.     

Extinction pattern of marine Ostracoda across the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary in the Cordillera Ibérica, NE Spain: Causes and consequences

This paper discusses the extinction pattern of the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary (PTB) ostracod assemblages at the Almonacid de la Cuba section (Cordillera Ibérica, NE Spain), which has been recently proposed as auxiliary boundary stratotype for the PTB. The ostracod record shows that the main Early Jurassic ostracod extinction event occurred not at the end of the Pliensbachian, but near the top of the Mirabile ammonite Subzone, Tenuicostatum ammonite Zone (Early Toarcian). On the basis of the evaluation of PTB ostracod record, a new causal explanation for the Early Toarcian ostracod turnover is proposed. This paper suggests that a reorganization of surface and deep-water circulations caused by the opening of the Hispanic Corridor could have generated a mild cooling episode, finally affecting the survival of healdioid ostracods.     

峡东震旦系陡山沱组宏体生物群*

描述了陡山沱组宏体化石11属11种(其中5新属,5新种).这一发现表明,多细咆后生动、植物在震旦纪陡山沱期已经繁荣.在后生动物中,除有大量软躯体动物外,具有内、外骨骼的动物已有少量出现,这是生命发展史上的重大事件.有的属种,有着复杂化的内部器官,或许代表着一个生物进化方向.在后生植物中,高级藻类已显示出初步的形态分化,在生态系中起了重要作用.它们排挤或取代了几乎与地球历史同样悠久的微生物群落.     

The base of the Middle Ordovician in China with special reference to the succession at Hengtang near Jiangshan, Zhejiang Province, southern China

Extensive work during the last decade has led to the recent decision by the International Subcommission on Ordovician Stratigraphy that the base of the Middle Ordovician Series should be placed at the base of the Baltoniodus triangularis Conodont Biozone in the Huanghuachang GSSP (Global Stratotype Section and Point) section near Yichang, Hubei Province, China. A review of the biostratigraphy of successions in many parts of China shows that for various reasons, it is currently difficult to recognize the precise boundary level in many regions, and additional studies are clearly needed. A newly exposed, previously poorly known, condensed section in deeperwater facies at Hengtang near Jiangshan in the Chiangnan (Jiangnan) belt has yielded a substantial number of important graptolites and conodonts through the boundary interval. It provides a more informative illustration of the relations between the ranges of several key taxa of these groups than any other section in China, and the level of the base of the Middle Ordovician appears to be within an about 1.8 m thick interval of Ningkuo Formation, and lies in the lower Isograptus caduceus imitatus Biozone.     

The Ediacaran Period: a new addition to the geologic time scale

The International Union of Geological Sciences has approved a new addition to the geologic time scale: the Ediacaran Period. The Ediacaran is the first Proterozoic period to be recognized on the basis of chronostratigraphic criteria and the first internationally ratified, chronostratigraphically defined period of any age to be introduced in more than a century. In accordance with procedures established by the International Commission on Stratigraphy, the base of the Ediacaran Period is defined by a Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) placed at the base of the Nuccaleena Formation cap carbonate directly above glacial diamictites and associated facies at Enorama Creek in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Its top is defined by the initial GSSP of the Cambrian Period. The new Ediacaran Period encompasses a distinctive interval of Earth history that is bounded both above and below by equally distinctive intervals. Both chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data indicate that the subdivision of the period into two or more series is feasible, and this should be a primary objective of continuing work by the Ediacaran Subcommission of the ICS.     

A Study on the Genus Indigofera Linn. from China

The genus Indigofera Linn. is one of the largest genera of papilionatae of Leguminosae. It comprises 700 species in the world, of which 80 species and 8 varieties occur in China. It was established by C. Linnaeus in 1752 and had been studied by J. Desvaux (1813), A. P. De Candolle (1825), G. Bentham ex Harvey (1862), G. Bentham et J. D. Hooker (1865), P. Taubert. (1894), P. Ch. Tisseraut (1913), and B. Gillett (1958) etc. In the present paper, the taxonomic history is reviewed and the evolutionary trends of some important morphological characters are discussed. According to the plant habit, characteristics of leaves, shape of fruits and the number of seeds per fruit, Indigofera Linn. from China are divided into 3 subgenera: Subg. I. Indigofera, Subg. II. Sphaeridiophors Desv., Subg. III. Acanthonotus (Benth.) Benth. et Hook. f., in Subg. Indigofera, 14 subsections are reported. A systematic key to the species is given.     

扬子区中奥陶统大湾阶底界精细生物地层分带与对比

系统研究湖北宜昌黄花场大湾组下段和重庆城口翁溪沟湄潭组下部笔石、牙形石和几丁虫生物分带及其对比关系。精细的生物地层学研究结果证明,在我国大湾阶底界界线层型剖面上的生物群组合存在冷水型分子与暖水型分子共生的特点,以牙形石Baltoniodus triangularis首现所确定的中奥陶统底界较nipodus laevis的首现低0．2m,位于笔石Didymograptus protobifidus／Corymbograptus deflexus带或几丁虫Conochitina langei／C．brevis带中部。中奥陶统底界上述牙形石、笔石和几丁虫的对比关系不受沉积相限制,在重庆城口翁溪沟含笔石碎屑岩相的湄潭组下部同样存在。宜昌黄花场剖面和该剖面上Baltoniodus triangularis的最初出现应是理想的全球中奥陶统底界线层型剖面和点。