Synthèse biostratigraphique du plio-pléistocène de Guadix-Baza (Province de Granada,Sud-Est de l'Espagne)

In the Guadix-Baza basin, a continental sequence 0214 ranging from the Upper Miocene (Upper Turolian) to the Middle Pleistocene (Cromerian) has been established. An essay of biozonation by means of the Rodent succession is proposed, based on the following biozones: Trilophomys castroi, Mimomys occitanus, Mimomys cappetai, Mimomys cf. reidi, Mimomys ostramosensis, Allophaiomys pliocaenicus, Mimomys savini and Arvicola cantiana.     

Suoidea du Miocène inférieur de Laugnac (Lot-et-Garonne, France)

The fossil vertebrate locality of Laugnac is the type locality of the Neogene mammalian zone MN2b. It has yielded many remains of Suoidea belonging to two different genera.Xenohyus venitor is characterized by its large size and especially its large central upper incisors, I1/ and I2/. It is quite difficult to know its phyletic relationships because the material is not abundant.Hyotherium cf.meisneri is more abundant with a quite good skull, pieces of skull, jaws and isolated teeth. It belongs to a peculiar lineage different from that ofH. major from Saint Gérand-le-Puy, France. It has some similarities withAureliachoerus aurelianensis from later geological levels (MN3-MN5).     

Une nouvelle espèce du genre Bohlinia (Mammalia,Giraffidae) du Miocène supérieur de Toros-Menalla,Tchad

New Giraffidae specimens discovered from the Late Miocene fossiliferous sector of Toros-Menalla (northern Chad) are described. These specimens are assigned to Bohlinia, a genus known so far only in some Late Miocene localities of Eurasia. This is the first occurrence of the genus in Africa. Analysis of the material allows us to describe a new species of giraffid, Bohlinia adoumi n. sp., probably close to the Eurasian forms.     

Une nouvelle espèce d'Apodemus (Rodentia,Mammalia)du Pliocène de la dépression de Guadix-Baza (Grenade,Espagne)

This paper describes a new species of Apodemus,A. agustii, a Middle Pliocene Muridae from the Guadix-Baza basin. Its morphology is far from that postulated as more frequent in Apodemus: its molars crowns are relatively high: there is no connection between t6 and t9 in M¹ and M². Taking in account this and its age, it is placed in an evolutionary branch, convergent with “Rhagapodemus” morphotype.     

Altération du système membranaire de protoplastes de feuilles de piment (Capsicum annuum) sous l'action du capsidiol

During infection with Phytophthora capsici, we demonstrated that susceptible induced pepper leaves produced apposition walls that protect host cells, but modifications perturbed the photosynthetic apparatus and crystal-like structures appeared in chloroplasts. We propose that these alterations may be due to the action of capsidiol synthesized by host cells. To confirm this hypothesis, we tested the action (1 h) of capsidiol (400 μg.mL⁻¹) on isolated leaf protoplasts and we observed the formation of crystal-like structures on the site of clustered thylakoïds. The destructuration is initiated by the deposition of a proteic osmiophilic substance within the lumen of each thylakoïd, then the process was extended to the other thylakoïds in the same group. Thus, a transversal arrangement progressively occurred and served as substitute for the initial vertical disposition of the membranes. Plasma membrane and cytoplasmic organelles were also altered and we observed that the endoplasmic reticulum was in cluse association with the plasma membrane, probably to play a detoxicating role.     

Nouveaux genres de Squaliformes (Chondrichthyes) du Paléogène des Landes (Sud-Ouest de la France)

Résumé  Parmi les nombreux squaliformes récoltés dans le Lutétien des Landes (SO de la France), deux genres et espèces nouveaux ont été reconnus:Squaliodalatias weltoni n. gen. n. sp. etAngoumeius paradoxus n. gen. n. sp. La morphologie dentaire du premier permet de le rapprocher des Dalatiidae. Les relations phylétiques du second taxon sont pour 1’instant moins claires, en raison de sa denture supérieure inhabituelle pour un Dalatiiforme aussi évolué au niveau de la denture inférieure. Ces taxa nouveaux viennent enrichir nos connaissances sur un groupe encore mal connu à l’état fossile en raison de son habitat bathyal ainsi que sur la mise en place et la radiation, encore trop peu documentée, des faunes profondes.      

Dicerorhinus miguelcrus afonti nov. sp., une nouvelle espèce de rhinocéros (Mammalia,Perissodactyla) du gisement pliocène supérieur de Layna (Soria,Espagne) et de la formation pliocène de Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales,France)

More than 90 remains of rhinoceroses bones and teeth have been recovered from the Layna Pliocene deposit. They correspond to a middle sized animal with stout bones and is quite different from both the large sized Pliocène D. megarhinus, the lower Villafranchian D. jeanvireti and the slim small Villafranchian D. etruscus. Its a new species belonging to the Dicerorhinus genus: D. miguelcrusafonti nov. sp. This species is also found in the Perpignan Pliocene formation, together with D. megarhinus.     

Holmesopteris faironiae,fougère nouvelle du Carbonifère supérieur des Monts Cantabriques (NW de l'Espagne) et de Belgique

Isolated fern rachises have been discovered in twoWestphalian A coal balls of Belgium and Spain. They represent a new taxon, Holmesopteris faironiae n.gen., n.sp., characterized by the special location of the protoxylem poles. The morphology, the anatomy and the foliar branching of this new taxon suggest that it may belong to the family Botryopteridaceae; Stephanian species of the genus Botryopteris seem closely related to the new fern.     

Contribution a l'étude de la spécificité parasitaire du champignon entomopathogèneZoophthora radicans (Zygomycètes,Entomophthorales)

Résumé En France, une quarantaine de souches de l'EntomophthoraleZoophthora radicans (Brefeld) Batko ont été isolées d'Homoptères, de Lépidoptères, de Diptères et d'Hyménoptères. Le champignon s'est révélé capable d'exercer une action épizootique à l'égard du LépidoptèreTortricidae: Tortrix viridana L., de l'HomoptèreJassidae: Opsius stactogalus Fieb. et de l'HomoptèrePsyllidae: Trioza urticae L. Le comportement pathogène de 8 de ces souches (1 provenant d'un Lépidoptère, 2 de Diptères, 2 d'Hyménotpères et 3 d'Homoptères, respectivement d'un Aphide, d'un Jasside, d'un Psyllide), a été étudié simultanément vis-à-vis du puceronAcyrthosiphon pisum Harris. Les 8 souches diffèrent entre elles par leur infectivité, leur aptitude à produire des conidies et à former des rhizo?des. Parmi les 4 souches isolées en même temps dans la même localité, c'est la souche issue de Jasside et à un degré moindre la souche provenant de Psyllide qui se développeraient le plus rapidement dans les populations de pucerons, car elles possèdent, comparativement aux 2 autres souches, isolées respectivement d'un Hyménoptère et d'un Diptère, une forte infectivité et la plus grande capacité de conidiogénèse. Ces faits établissent sur des bases quantitatives l'existence chezZ. radicans d'une adaptation des souches à un h?te d'une famille proche dans la classification de celle de l'h?te d'origine.

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Summary About 40 strains ofZoophthora radicans (Brefeld) Batko (Zygomycetes, Entomophthorales) were isolated in France from Homoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera. Epizootics occurred in populations ofTortrix viridana L. (Lep.: Tortricidae), Opsius stactogalus Fieb. (Hom.: Jassidae) andTrioza urticae L. (Hom.: Psyllidae). The pathogenic behaviour of 8 of these strains (1 from Lepidoptera, 2 from Diptera, 2 from Hymenoptera and 3 from Homoptera: respectively from an aphid, a jassid and a psyllid) was studied simultaneously on the aphidAcyrthosiphon pisum Harris. The 8 strains differed from one another in infectivity and in their ability to produce conidia and to form rhizoids. Among 4 strains isolated at the same time in the same local area, that from the jassid and, to a lesser extent, that from the psyllid, were highly infective and produced more conidia per aphid than those from the Diptera and the Hymenoptera, suggesting that the former 2 would spread more effectively in aphid populations. These results establish quantitatively the existence inZ. radicans, of an adaptation of strains to an host taxonomically related to the host from which the strain was isolated.

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avec la collaboration technique de Madame N. Delatre.     

Sélaciens nouveaux (Chondrichthyes,Neoselachii) du Paléocène supérieur de la région d’Ouarzazate,Maroc

Three new selachian species belonging to new genera from the Thanetian of Ouarzazate Basin are described: Tingaleus dakkai n. gen. et nov. sp., Microbatis sabatieri n. gen. et n. sp. and Garabatis atlasi n. gen. et n. sp. These new taxa as well as the associated selachian species confirm the original feature of this fauna in comparison with contemporaneous faunas occurring in the phosphate-bearing horizons of central Morocco.     

Nouvelles espèces de Madréporaires dans le Kimméridgien supérieur du Jura (France)

The study of an Upper Kimmeridgian madreporarianfauna collected in the southern french Jura (between Valfin and Belley), allowed: 1) to describe five Scleractinian new species: Mitrodendron biennensis nov. sp., Hexapetalum nemorosum nov. sp., Thalamocoenia gironensis nov. sp., Cryptocoenia stelliserrata nov. sp., Columnocoenia miniflora nov. sp. and a new variety of Heliocoenia (Kobycoenia) claudiopolisensisBeauv., 1964, characterized by its small calices; 2) to modify the diagnosis and the systematic position of the species Baryhelia crassa (de From.) which was created as Heterocoenia crassade From.; 3) to increase of a new species the genus Hexapetalum only known, till now, by its Stramberg Tithon type-species; and 4) to give some palaeoenvironmental conclusions = the Upper Jurassic reef formations in the Southern Jura grew in shallow water characterized by an abundant carbonate sedimentation. Genera associations and distribution confirm the presence, between Oyonnax and Belley, of a low energy area, protected by a barrier reef and, northern of this barrier, of a higher hydrodynamic environment.     

Première découverte de Viperidae (Reptilia,Serpentes) dans les îles Baléares (Espagne) : des vipères du Néogène de Minorque. Description d’une nouvelle espèce du Pliocène

Two viperid snakes, Vipera natiensis sp. n. (belonging to the Vipera aspis group) and Vipera sp., have been found in the Pliocene of Minorca. On the other hand, an indeterminate viperid extends back the fossil record of the family in the Balearic Islands, to the Middle Miocene. These fossils represent the first report of viperids from the Balearic Islands. Vertebra of Vipera natiensis sp. n. are characterised by a concave anterior border of zygosphene, dorsoventrally flattened, short (as wide as long) and blunt prezygapophyseal processes. Centrum convex in transverse section, subcentral margins poorly marked and presence of two well defined subcotylar tubercles. Hypapophysis located posteriorly on the centrum and not prolonged anteriorly, or only slightly prolonged as a keel. The dorsal border of the neural spine is slightly thickened; the posterior border of the neural spine is markedly inclined posteriorly; as a result, the spine forms a posterior point, which is more or less developed, depending on the position of the vertebra along the vertebral column. The presence of Viperidae in the Neogene of the Balearic Islands involves the existence of a terrestrial connection between this archipelago and the continent during the Early Miocene and/or Middle Miocene and perhaps the presence of a later connection during the Late Miocene.     

Quelques nouvelles espèces du genre Benthimermis Petter, 1980 (Benthimermithidae: Nematoda) du Sud de l'Océan Indien

Summary Some new species of Benthimermis Petter, 1980 (Benthimermithidae, Nematoda) from the South Indian Ocean. Six new species of Benthimermis collected from the shallows of the Crozet-Prince Edward ridge (South Indian Ocean) are described. Benthimermis australis n.sp. is the first species in the genus of which both male and female are known; the male differs from previously described males in lacking cervical alae as well as a cuticular ring-like thickening around the amphids; the female is characterized by a rounded tail with a thick mucron and with a cuticular thickening at its end. Benthimermis crozetensis n.sp., of which only the male is known, resembles B. breviptera in the form of the cervical alae and reproductive system, but is distinguished by the length of the cervical alae and tail, and the diameter of the anterior vas deferens. The following four species are known only by their females: B. hureaui n.sp. is distinguished by a short conical tail; B. edouardensis n.sp. is distinguished by a tail with a long terminal spike bearing refringment granules; B. marionensis n.sp. and B. arnaudi n.sp. are characterized by a short round tail without a cuticular thickening at its end and are distinguished from one another by the length of the ovaries. These species are the first in the Benthimermithidae which have been found in relatively shallow sediments (between 90 and 980 m). Keys to males and females of the genus Benthimermis are given. ac]19820408

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Quelques nouvelles espèces du genre Benthimermis Petter, 1980 (Benthimermithidae: Nematoda) du Sud de l'Océan Indien

     

Les bryocénoses du chaos gréseux du Moulin-des-Roches (commune de Senlisse,Yvelines, Île-de-France)

The populations of bryophytes on a sandy boulder field on the slopes of Rû-des-Vaux, Le Moulin-des-Roches, in the forest of Rambouillet (Ile-de-France) were analyzed. This site is already recognized as one of the most interesting for its bryoflora. The cartography and precise topology of more than six hundred stones throughout the entire boulder field were determined during summer. Then, two kinds of studies were undertaken. The first consisted of selecting 108 stones and analyzing the populations of bryophytes in terms of communities present and the position of species on the stones in relation to topology. All species were recorded, and the principle populations were mapped. Transects were used to describe the position of each species in relation to the others. The second kind of study involved enumerating all species present at the level of the sandy boulder field. The results show that two major topological situations occur : the colonization of saxicolous species on strong slopes lacking an organic deposit ; and a dominance of humicolous an lignicolous species on weak slopes lacking an accumulation. The mapped distribution of the 15 species makes it possible to determine areas of the high species richness and areas of conservation interest. Microtopography plays a major role in determining the distribution of species. The autecology of species and the various communities to which they belong are determined and linked to a sketch of bryosociologic dynamics. Recommendations for conservation management are proposed. It is important to maintain the light-reducing canopy of Quercus, Carpinus and Fagus because the bryophyte communities depend this for survival. Simple means are recommended to limit excess frequenting of the most remarkable sectors.     

L'ultrastructure du testicule de lézard vivipare (Reptile,Lacertilien)

Résumé Les cellules de Sertoli du testicule de Lacerta vivipara ont été étudiées en microscopie électronique chez des animaux récoltés entre le printemps et l'automne pendant deux années et chez des animaux hypophysectomisés en automne.Ces cellules contiennent de nombreuses mitochondries de petite taille à crêtes lamellaires, des ribosomes libres, un reticulum endoplasmique lisse moyennement développé, plusieurs petits dictyosomes formant l'appareil de Golgi, des liposomes et des microtubules. Elles renferment aussi de nombreux corps denses de grande taille qui paraissent être de nature lysosomiale. Le glycogène a été particulièrement étudié. Il est formé de particules dispersées au hasard dans le hyaloplasme. Des variations saisonnières dans la teneur en glycogène ont été notées. Chez les hypophysectomisés, les cellules de Sertoli contiennent de grandes quantités de ce métabolite dont les particules sont concentrées dans des petites plages, souvent autour des liposomes.Les rôles possibles des cellules de Sertoli sont discutés: soutien et apport de nourriture aux cellules germinales, production d'hormones et phagocytose des corps résiduels. Les variations de la teneur en glycogène sont également discutées.

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The fine structure of the lizard testisII. The Sertoli cells. Study of the glycogen

Summary Sertoli cells of the testis of Lacerta vivipara have been studied electron microscopically in animals obtained between spring and autumn during two years and in animals hypophysectomized in autumn.These cells contain numerous small mitochondria with lamellar cristae, free ribosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum moderately developed, several small dictyosomes forming the Golgi complex, lipid droplets and microtubules. There are numerous dense bodies of large size with an heterogeneous content which seem to be of lysosomial nature. Glycogen consists of particles dispersed at random in the hyaloplasm. Seasonal variations in the content of glycogen are noted. In hypophysectomized animals Sertoli cells contain large amounts of that metabolite whose particles are concentrated in small areas often around the lipid droplets.Possible role of the Sertoli cells concerning mechanical support and nutrition of the germinal cells, production of hormones and phagocytosis of residual bodies are discussed. The variations in the glycogen content are also discussed.

     

Observations nouvelles sur les otolithes des Téléostéens du Calcaire Grossier (Eocène du bassin de Paris)

An important new collection of otoliths from theCalcaire Grossier of the Paris Basin, as well as a critical review of already published material is studied and reveals the presence of 56 species. Five of these are new: Muraenesox spatulus, Genus Synodontidarum intermedius, Genus Ophidiidarum spinosus, Chanda bohlkei and Mene sekharani. The assemblage is indicative of tropical to subtropical marine and neritic environment with solid bottom. Biogeographically, it shows affinities with the recent Indo-pacific fauna. The association of the sites at Fercourt and Château-Rouge is clearly different from the one found at the sites of Condé-en-Brie and Damery, as it is less littoral than the second association mentioned.     

L'ultrastructure du testicule de lézard vivipare (Reptile,Lacertilien)

Résumé L'ultrastructure des cellules interstitielles du testicule de Lacerta vivipara a été étudiée entre le printemps et l'automne pendant deux années.Le retioulum endoplasmique lisse, et les mitochondries à crêtes tabulaires sont les organites les plus remarquables comme dans les autres cellules productrices de stéroïdes, mais les liposomes et l'appareil de Golgi sont bien représentés aussi.Les variations ultrastructurales les plus significatives apparaissent entre le printemps et le début de l'été. Au printemps, alors que les caractères sexuels secondaires sont hypertrophiés, un système remarquable de vésicules et de vacuoles se développe à partir du reticulum et probablement aussi du Golgi. Au début de l'été, lorsque les caractères sexuels secondaires sont atrophiés, les vacuoles sont moins nombreuses et le reticulum forme un réseau dense de tubules typiques, souvent étroitement associés aux liposomes; les crêtes mitochondriales sont gonflées.Ces images sont discutées en fonction de l'activité saisonnière d'élaboration d'hormones. L'hypertrophie des systèmes membranaires au printemps correspond probablement à la production ou (et) à l'excrétion des hormones androgènes. Au début de l'été, la cellule n'élabore pas d'androgènes, mais n'est peut-être pas complètement inactive: elle pourrait stocker des précurseurs hormonaux.

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The fine structure of the lizard testisI. The interstitial cells

Summary Interstitial cells of the testis of Lacerta vivipara have been studied electronmicroscopically in animals obtained between spring and autumn.Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria with tubular cristae are the most prominent organels, lipid droplets and Golgi apparatus being also well developed.The most significant ultrastructural changes occur between spring and the beginning of summer. In spring, during the hypertrophy of secondary sexual characters, a conspicuous system of vesicles and vacuoles originates from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and probably also from the Golgi apparatus. At the beginning of summer, when secondary sexual characters are atrophied, vacuoles are less prominent and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum consists of a dense network of typical tubules, often closely associated with the lipid droplets; the cristae of the mitochondria are swollen.These ultrastructural findings are discussed in relation to the production of hormones. The hypertrophy of membrane systems in spring corresponds presumably to production or (and) release of androgen hormones. In the beginning of summer the cell does not produce androgens, but probably is not completely inactive: it may store precursors of hormones.