Patterns in deep-sea macrobenthos at the continental margin: standing crop,diversity and faunal change on the continental slope off Scotland

Depth-related patterns of macrobenthic community structure and composition have been studied from box-core samples from the Scottish continental slope where deep-sea trawling and oil exploration are becoming increasingly important. There is a strong pattern of declining biomass and faunal abundance with increasing depth, but results also indicate reduced biomass and numbers of macrobenthos in the shallowest samples from just below the shelf edge where there are coarse sediments and a regime of strong bottom currents. There is also reduced species diversity at the shallowest stations, probably caused by hydrodynamic disturbance, but no clear mid-slope peak in species diversity as described from the northwest Atlantic. Taxonomic composition of the macrobenthic community shows most change between about 1000 and 1200 m, expressed as a major dichotomy in multivariate analysis by cluster analysis and ordination. It also shows up as a step-like increase in the rate of accumulation of new macrofaunal species. This corresponds to a change in hydrodynamic regime, from a seabed rich in suspension- and interface-feeding epifauna, to one where biogenic traces from large, burrowing deposit feeders are well developed, and visible epifauna rare in seabed photographs. It also corresponds to the depth zone where earlier study of megafaunal echinoderms in trawl and epibenthic sled samples also shows a clear peak in across-slope rate of change in faunal composition.     

Landscape-scale drivers of fish faunal homogenization and differentiation in the eastern United States

Hydrobiologia - Establishment of nonnative fishes and extirpations of native fishes have homogenized freshwater fish faunas, yet our understanding of the drivers of this process remain limited. We...     

Palaeomagnetic stratigraphy of Pliocene continental deposits of the Bolivian Altiplano

Fluvio-lacustrine post-Miocene deposits of the Bolivian Altiplano have been sampled in 400 m of section in the La Paz and Avo Avo basins in order to provide a magnetostratigraphic scheme for chronostratigraphic interpretations. Stable characteristics components were isolated after stepwise AF or thermal demagnetizations. The directions of cleaned magnetization were compared to the normal and reverse dipole field directions at the site. The plot of the mean directions calculated for each stratigraphic level define successive magnetozones which can be identified on the standard geomagnetic polarity scale with the help of the K/Ar ages obtained on tuff layers. The deposition of the middle and upper part of the La Paz Formation covers the Gauss epoch. The Gauss/Matuyama (2.48 Ma) and the Gilbert/Gauss (3.4 Ma) limits are located in the top and the middle of the formation. The occurrence of the first glacial/interglacial oscillation can be placed in the early Matuyama (ca 2.2 Ma) in agreement with the oxygen isotopic record from the equatorial ocean.     

Topographic and faunal studies of shelf-edge prominences off the central eastern Florida coast

Eighty topographic transects were made off the central Atlantic coast of Florida between Cape Canaveral and Palm Beach, November, 1973 to September, 1974, aboard the Research Vessel Gosnold. Profiles obtained with a precision depth recorder indicated the presence of continuous and discontinuous structures on the outer continental shelf and at the shelf-slope break. Most conspicuous was a band of pinnacles, benches, mounds and troughs extending north from Fort Pierce to Cape Canaveral, Florida, and a massive mound occurring off St. Lucie Inlet. These occurred under the western edge of the Florida Current and along the edge of the continental shelf (about 80° W). From Fort Pierce southward to Palm Beach, these structures almost disappear. Dredgings in two selected areas of pronounced vertical profile, and preliminary visual and photographic observations made with the Johnson-Sea-Link I submersible, confirmed the existence of rich, sessile and motile invertebrate assemblages and fish populations associated with exposed limestone bedrock, talus, and the scleractinian coral Oculina varicosa.     

Syntaxonomy of the Onopordum acanthium communities in temperate and continental Europe

Ruderal communities dominated by Onopordum acanthium are encountered in those regions of Europe with a dry and continental climate. Variability in the climate and local phytogeography within these regions is reflected in the floristic variability of the communities studied. A floristic cline within the communities was summarised by means of multivariate classification and ordination methods. Two associations distributed in temperate Europe and belonging to the Onopordetalia, the Onopordetum acanthii s.str. and Carduo acanthoidis-Onopordetum acanthii, were distinguished; The Carduo acanthoidis-Onopordetum is varied and occurs in several geographic races and sub-races. The Onopordetum acanthii s.str. is confined to deep inner-montane valleys with a continental climate. The other Onopordum acanthium communities described from Spain belong to the Scolymo hispanici-Onopordetalia nervosi.Abbreviations CA = correspondence analysis - CLC = complete linkage clustering     

Radiolarian faunal turnover across the Oligocene/Miocene boundary in the equatorial Pacific Ocean

The global warming trend of the latest Oligocene was interrupted by several cooling events associated with Antarctic glaciations. These cooling events affected surface water productivity and plankton assemblages. Well-preserved radiolarians were obtained from upper Oligocene to lower Miocene sediments at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 199 Sites 1218 and 1219 in the equatorial Pacific, and 110 radiolarian species were identified.Four episodes of significant radiolarian faunal changes were identified: middle late Oligocene (27.5 to 27.3 Ma), latest Oligocene (24.4 Ma), earliest Miocene (23.3 Ma), and middle early Miocene (21.6 Ma). These four episodes approximately coincide with increases and decreases of biogenic silica accumulation rates and increases in δ¹⁸O values coded as “Oi” and “Mi” events. These data indicate that Antarctic glaciations were associated with change of siliceous sedimentation patterns and faunal changes in the equatorial Pacific.Radiolarian fauna was divided into three assemblages based on variations in radiolarian productivity, species richness and the composition of dominant species: a late Oligocene assemblage (27.6 to 24.4 Ma), a transitional assemblage (24.4 to 23.3 Ma) and an early Miocene assemblage (23.3 to 21.2 Ma). The late Oligocene assemblage is characterized by relatively high productivity, low species richness and four dominant species of Tholospyris anthophora, Stichocorys subligata, Lophocyrtis nomas and Lithelius spp. The transitional assemblage represents relatively low values of productivity and species richness, and consists of three dominant species of T. anthophora, S. subligata and L. nomas. The characteristics of the early Miocene assemblage are relatively low productivity, but high species richness. The two dominant species present in this assemblage are T. anthophora and Cyrtocapsella tetrapera. The most significant faunal turnover of radiolarians is marked at the boundary between the transitional/early Miocene assemblages.We also reviewed changes in other microfossil assemblages in the low latitudes during the late Oligocene through early Miocene. The microfossil assemblages of major groups show sequential changes near the Oligocene/Miocene (O/M) boundary (23.8 Ma). Many extinction events and some first occurrences of calcareous nannofossils and many occurrences of radiolarians are found from about 24.8 to 23.3 Ma, and first occurrences of planktic foraminifers and diatoms followed from 23.2 through 22 Ma. Hence, the O/M boundary is identified as a significant level for microfossil evolutions.     

A hominid tooth from Bulgaria: the last pre-human hominid of continental Europe

A hominid upper premolar was discovered in the Azmaka quarry, near Chirpan (Bulgaria). The associated fauna, especially the co-occurrence of Choerolophodon and Anancus among the proboscideans, and Cremohipparion matthewi and Hippotherium brachypus among the hipparions, constrains the age of the locality to the second half of the middle Turolian (ca. 7 Ma), making it the latest pre-human hominid of continental Europe and Asia Minor. The available morphological and metric data are more similar to those of Ouranopithecus from the Vallesian of Greece than to those of the early to middle Turolian hominids of Turkey and Georgia, but the time gap speaks against a direct phyletic link, and Turolian migration from the east cannot be rejected.     

The faunal communities of upland streams in the eastern region of Ireland with reference to afforestation impacts

Macroinvertebrates were sampled from forty-seven sites on upland soft water streams in eastern Ireland. Classification generated four recognisable faunal communities or site groups which differed in biological, physical and chemical character; these patterns were supported by ordination analyses. The environmental gradients which probably influenced water quality were broadly categorised into geology, distance from source or elevation and forestry. Faunal diversity and abundance were reduced in both high altitude and extensively afforested sites compared to moorland sites. Whereas, Plecoptera dominated the fauna at most sites, many taxonomic groups such as the Ephemeroptera and members of the family Elmidae were absent from high altitude and forested areas. The impact of afforestation was most evident at those sites which were located in forest plantations or were on catchments with extensive (>25%) closed canopy (>12 yr) afforestation. Low levels (<25%) of forestry in the absence of acid waters did not lead to impoverishment. This work reveals how plantation forestry in areas receiving only moderately polluted rain can be linked with acid waters and impoverished invertebrate communities. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Brachiopods and other fossils from the Permo-Triassic boundary beds of the Antalya Nappes (SW Taurus, Turkey)

An uppermost Permian-Lower Triassic biota of brachiopods, conodonts, algae and foraminifers from the Pamucak and Kokarkuyu formations at Çürük Da? (Antalya, Turkey) is here described. The brachiopods belong to two different assemblages: a lower assemblage, early Wuchiapingian in age, with Spinomarginifera cf. S. helica, Spinomarginifera cf. S. iranica, Alatorthotetina sp. ind., Orthothetina sp. ind., Ombonia antalyensis nov. sp. and few specimens of Pennospiriferinoidea; an upper assemblage, Changhsingian in age, comprising S. cf. S. iranica, Spinomarginifera cf. S. spinosocostata, Spinomarginifera sp. ind. and Orthothetina sp. ind., characteristic taxa of the low diversity survival brachiopod faunas of latest Permian age (Survival Fauna 1). The occurrence of the conodont Hindeodus cf. praeparvus above the brachiopod fauna confirms its Changhsingian age. The oolitic grainstones at the top of the Pamucak Formation contain Permocalculus sp., Macroporella cf. apachena, species of Hemigordius and Palaeozoic Lagenida. Coarse calcite fibrous cements pervade the oo-bioclastic grainstones, suggesting early marine cementation. The base of the Kokarkuyu Formation is characterized by the disaster forms Earlandia amplimuralis and “Cornuspira” mahajeri, gastropods and ostracods. The conodont Isarcicella lobata has been recovered 31 m above the base of the Kokarkuyu Formation, indicating the occurrence of the second Triassic conodont zone above the parvus biozone and below the staeschei biozone. The faunal content at the transition of the Pamucak and Kokarkuyu formations records the biotic survival in the aftermath of the end-Permian extinction. Facies evolution from lower energy inner platform wackestones and packstones to higher energy open platform oolitic grainstones indicates a transgression at the top of the Pamucak Formation, which continues into the Lower Triassic Kokarkuyu Formation.     

Sinopaninae and Arfianinae (Hyaenodontida,Mammalia) from the Early Eocene of Europe and Asia; evidence for dispersal in Laurasia around the Paleocene/Eocene boundary and for an unnoticed faunal turnover in Europe

Hyaenodontida are represented in Europe by three subfamilies: Proviverrinae, Arfianinae and Sinopaninae. Here, we review all the specimens of Arfianinae and Sinopaninae known to date in Europe and Asia. A new Galecyon species is erected: Galecyon gallus nov. sp. We discuss the taxonomic position of the two Asian hyaenodontidans Anthracoxyaena palustris and Arfia langebadreae; the genus Anthracoxyaena is synonymized with Arfia. The analysis of the European and Asian arfianines and sinopanines provides new data concerning the dispersals and faunal events that occurred during the Early Eocene in Laurasia. The Arfianinae and Sinopaninae appeared in Europe around the Paleocene/Eocene boundary (reference-level MP7). The sinopanines are widespread in Europe; they are known in Dormaal (Belgium, reference-locality of the level MP7), Rians, Soissons, Pourcy, Try, Le Quesnoy (France), and Abbey Wood (England). The analysis of the paleogeographic distribution of all Oxyaenodonta and Hyaenodontida at and after the MP7 supports the existence of two European provinces: the North Province and Mesogean Province. We show that the Arfianinae and Sinopaninae rapidly disappeared from Europe; they are unknown in Avenay (reference-locality of the level MP8+9) and younger localities. Their disappearance from Europe is synchronous with that of the Oxyaenodonta. These observations support the existence of a faunal turnover, which occurred between the reference-levels MP7 (Dormaal) and MP8+9 (Avenay). The hypothesis of a dispersal from Europe to North America during the Paleocene-Eocene transition for the Arfianinae and Sinopaninae is supported. Moreover, the study of Arfianinae supports a dispersal from Europe to Asia around the P/E boundary, followed by a short period of endemic evolution. However, our study does not support a close relationship between Arfia and the “Arfia-like South Asian Proviverrinae” (Kyawdawia, Indohyaenodon, Paratritemnodon and Yarshea).     

Vertebrate faunas and correlation of the Ludlovian-Lower Devonian in eastern Europe

Errol White was the first to elaborate an extensive scheme of vertical distribution of vertebrate remains in the Anglo-Welsh Lower Devonian (1950). This was shown later to be valid also in Western Europe (White, 1956; Schmidt, 1959) and comparable with Lower Devonian successions throughout the world (e.g. Denison, 1956; Obruchev, 1958; Friend, 1961). To White's papers we still turn when we wish to correlate any sections of that age with the English type one. Thus it seems appropriate to dedicate a paper in this volume to showing how on the foundation laid down by White a further construction can be built up in the vast area of eastern Europe.     

Sedimentary and faunal changes across the frasnian/famennian boundary in the canning basin of Western Australia

The Canning Basin of northwestern Australia is a key area for understanding global changes at the “Kellwasser Events” and the Frasnian‐Famennian boundary. Frasnian stromatoporoid‐coral‐cyanobacterial reef platforms stretched out for enormous distances along the palaeoshelf but in the early Famennian they were completely replaced by cyanobacterial reef platforms. An iridium anomaly in the sequence was formerly believed to be at or close to the boundary and was interpreted as possible evidence for an asteroid impact. Recent field work and detailed biostratigraphy in the area east and southeast of Fitzroy Crossing has given dating relevant to the timing and extent of sea level changes, hypoxic incursions and reef backstepping. Goniatites and conodonts provide correlations with the international biostratigraphy.

In the Horse Spring area the stage boundary falls within the Virgin Hills Formation which normally has a rich pelagic goniatite, nautiloid and conodont fauna. In the latest Frasnian (Zone 13 of Klapper 1989; regional Sphaeromanticoceras lindneri Zone) large allochthonous reef blocks moved downslope into the open marine basin. A diverse gastropod fauna is associated with the last atrypid brachiopods. The faunal record at the immediate boundary is obscured by dolomitisation but manticoceratid goniatites range into this level. There is no evidence for the organic‐rich dark Kellwasser limestone facies.

In the McWhae Ridge area two Frasnian goniatite horizons with Beloceras trilobites and the giant Mamicoceras guppyi and Sphaeromanticoceras lindneri transgress over the reef slope. Stromatolitic cyanobacterial beds mark condensations. Again there is no trace of the oxygen‐depleted Kellwasser facies. However, as at Horse Spring, manticoceratids persisted into dolomitic marker beds that have no other preserved macrofauna. The iridium anomaly associated with Frutexites postdates the Frasnian‐Famennian boundary and was formed by cyanobacterial concentration.     

A Megaraptor-like theropod (Dinosauria: Tetanurae) in Australia: support for faunal exchange across eastern and western Gondwana in the Mid-Cretaceous

The fossil record of Australian dinosaurs in general, and theropods in particular, is extremely sparse. Here we describe an ulna from the Early Cretaceous Eumeralla Formation of Australia that shares unique autapomorphies with the South American theropod Megaraptor. We also present evidence for the spinosauroid affinities of Megaraptor. This ulna represents the first Australian non-avian theropod with unquestionable affinities to taxa from other Gondwanan landmasses, suggesting faunal interchange between eastern and western Gondwana during the Mid-Cretaceous. This evidence counters claims of Laurasian affinities for Early Cretaceous Australian dinosaur faunas, and for the existence of a geographical or climatic barrier isolating Australia from the other Gondwanan continents during this time. The temporal and geographical distribution of Megaraptor and the Eumeralla ulna is also inconsistent with traditional palaeogeographic models for the fragmentation of Gondwana, but compatible with several alternative models positing connections between South America and Antarctica in the Mid-Cretaceous.     

Researching and teaching in the field of ethnic and racial studies: a view from continental Europe

In the first part of the article, I make a few general comments inspired by the reading of Banton's article. I claim that the field of ethnic and racial studies is often dominated by an "Anglo-Americentric" vision that leads to a negation of the variety of approaches to ethnic and racial studies throughout the world. I claim that a process of "decentration" is necessary in order to foster the diversity in our field. In the second part of the article, I make specific comments inspired by my experience as researcher and teacher in a fragmented society such as Belgium. One conclusion is that our teaching has to be contextualized in order to avoid misunderstandings and the reproduction of inadequate conceptions and confusions about ethnic and racial issues among our students.     

Two New species of Farrodes from continental South America with comments on the distribution of faunal components in Argentina (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae)

Two new species of Farrodes Peters are described. These new species are the first records of Farrodes from continental South America and Argentina, and represent a southward range extension of roughly 4.500 km. Both primary faunal components of Neotropical Leptophlebiidae are present in the north‐argentinean province of Tucuman (27° S). However, these two faunal components are geographically separated along a temperature‐elevation gradient. Farrodes and Thraulodes Ulmer of the Guiana & Brazilian Shields, Warm‐Adapted Genera are common in streams at elevations below 1,550 m. In contrast, the leptophlebiid fauna at elevations above 2,000 m is composed entirely of Patagonian Shield, South Andean, Cold‐Adapted Genera with Meridialaris Peters & Edmunds and Massartellopsis Demoulin being particularly abundant. Streams between 1,550–2,000 m in Tucumán Province remain uncollected and the elevation and conditions at which faunal mixing or replacement occurs remain unknown.     

The effect of commercial cuttings on faunal associations in taiga ecosystems: A case study of small mammals in eastern Fennoscandia

The general patterns of the effect of cuttings on the habitat structure, abundance, territorial distribution, and specific ecological features of 11 small mammalian species are analyzed based on long-term studies (1958–2013) covering the overall area of eastern Fennoscandia. The responses to concentrated cuttings common for most of the examined species include a decrease in total population size, transition to an arrhythmic population dynamics with drastic short-term rises and deep long depressions, formation of unstable mosaic spatial distribution, disturbances of the reproduction rates, and a decrease in reproduction intensity.