First record of a belemnite preserved with beaks,arms and ink sac from the Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone (Kimmeridgian,SW Germany)

Klug, C., Schweigert, G., Fuchs, D. & Dietl, G. 2009: First record of a belemnite preserved with beaks, arms and ink sac from the Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone (Kimmeridgian, SW Germany). Lethaia, 10.1111/j.1502‐3931.2009.00203.x A recent discovery of an unusually preserved belemnite from Nusplingen comprises the extraordinarily rare remains of beaks and nearly in situ arm hooks, as well as the ink sac and an incomplete phragmocone. So far, Hibolithes semisulcatus ( Münster, 1830 ) is the only belemnite known from the Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone (Upper Jurassic, Late Kimmeridgian, Beckeri Zone, Ulmense Subzone; SW Germany) that has the same phragmocone shape and size, and thus we assign the new specimen to this taxon. The rostrum was probably lost due to a lethal predation attempt in which the prey was killed but not entirely eaten. For the first time a specimen reveals details of the belemnite beak morphology, which we compare with the beaks of other Jurassic coleoids. This specimen presently represents the only known rostrum‐bearing belemnite of post‐Toarcian age with preserved non‐mineralized body parts. With the new discovery, Nusplingen now represents the only locality which has yielded complete beak apparatuses from all major Jurassic cephalopod groups. □Beaks, Belemnitida, Coleoidea, Germany, Late Jurassic, morphology, taphonomy.     

A juvenile eurysternid turtle (Testudines: Eurysternidae) from the upper Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) of Nusplingen (SW Germany)

A juvenile turtle from the upper Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) of Nusplingen is identified as an eurysternid turtle. It differs in plastral morphology from a juvenile eurysternid turtle from the latest Kimmerdigian of Kelheim described in the 19th century, which represents a comparably early developmental stage. Both juveniles have primordial ribs not yet transformed into costals and lack all other carapacial elements whereas the plastral elements are well developed. The new specimen from Nusplingen has a more robust plastron type when compared to the very gracile, bow- or arc-shaped plastron type of the formerly described juvenile. Both plastron types are also represented by yet undescribed additional juvenile, medium-sized and/or larger eurysternid specimens. The juvenile specimens thus likely document the presence of two morphologically very similar eurysternid taxa in the Upper Jurassic of southern Germany. Both plastron types are different from those described for Idiochelys and Solnhofia but may resemble plastron morphology of Eurysternum, which is, however, only incompletely known.     

An ammonite–fish association from the Kimmeridgian (Upper Jurassic) of La Rochelle, western France

A partially disarticulated actinopterygian fish preserved in a large three-dimensional ammonite body chamber is described from the Kimmeridgian of western France. Taphonomic observations on the degree of preservation of the fish and the development of epibiont organisms on the inner wall of the shell indicate a rather long time interval before sediment totally filled the body chamber. The fish, referred to an indeterminate Macrosemiidae, probably used this empty ammonite ( Rasenioides , Aulacostephanidae) shell as a refuge, or possibly for spawning and/or brooding. It can be assumed that ammonite shells may have constituted common shelters for demersal fishes living in an open-marine shelf environment, near to a muddy bottom devoid of rocks.     

A Long Mortichnial Trackway of Mesolimulus walchi from the Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone near Wintershof,Germany

A 9.7 m long trackway was discovered in a plattenkalk quarry near the village of Wintershof, Bavaria, Germany, in 2002. The huge ichnofossil derives from the Lower Tithonian, Upper Jurassic Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone. The trackway is complete from beginning to end and consists of footprints, telson drag impressions, prosoma imprints and is identified as the ichnotaxon Kouphichnium isp. Preserved at the very end of the trackway is a complete specimen of Mesolimulus walchi confirming the trackway as a mortichnia (death march). Trackways and trace makers preserved together in the fossil record are rare and such specimens allow unique insights into behavior and ecology. The events that led to M. walchi preserved in this sediment are unknown; however, a most likely scenario is that the limulid was washed into the lagoonal environment during a harsh storm.     

Early jurassic (Upper Pliensbachian) gastropods from the Herforder Liasmulde (Bielefeld, Northwest Germany)

An Early Jurassic (Upper Pliensbachian) gastropod fauna from the Herforder Liasmulde (Herford Lias Syncline) near Bielefeld, Northwest Germany is described. This is one of the first detailed and illustrated reports of Pliensbachian gastropods from this area. Sixteen species are reported. Surface collecting yielded relatively large vetigastropods (pleurotomarioids amd trochomorphs). Bulk samples yielded abundant small caenogastropods (especiallyLevipleura blainvillei andKalchreuthia frankei) and cylindrobullinid opisthobranchs (e.g.Cylindrobullina dornend). These small species are also abundant in the Pliensbachian of South Germany (N Bavaria, Franconia). Therefore, this characteristic Pliensbachian microgastropod assemblage was widespread in Germany and probably also in other comparable marine deposits of Central Europe (e.g. the Paris Basin).      

A well‐preserved isopod from the Middle Jurassic of southern Germany and implications for the isopod fossil record

A new isopod species, Eonatatolana geisingensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from Middle Jurassic shallow‐water sediments of southern Germany. It shows not only the almost completely preserved dorsal morphology but, in addition, details of the cephalic appendages, the pereiopods, pleopods and uropods. The presence of ambulatory pereiopods I–VII of a wide tridentate mandibular incisor with prominently developed posteriormost tooth and a narrow frontal lamina indicates that the new species belongs to the subfamily Conilerinae of family Cirolanidae within the suborder Cymothoida. It is closer to the species of the modern genus NatatolanaBruce than to any fossil isopod hitherto described. The isopod fossil record as well as current practices of isopod taxonomy in palaeontology are discussed, and the facies distribution and fossilization of isopods is reviewed with examples from the Jurassic.     

A Suite of Dermestid Beetle Traces on Dinosaur Bone from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation,Wyoming, USA

Most studies of insect traces on fossil bone deal with one or two trace morphs found on isolated bone fragments, making it difficult to identify the trace-maker and its behavior. We report the discovery of a suite of insect traces on an articulated Camptosaurus dinosaur skeleton that permits the identification of the trace-maker and interpretations of its behavior. The traces include mandible marks, pits, and shallow bores on cortical bone, and deep, meandering furrows and tunnels (borings) on articular surfaces. The interiors of bones are intensely mined, and the cavities and borings are filled with fine bone fragments (insect frass). The distinctive mandible marks consist of opposing sets of parallel grooves, indicating the maker had two apical teeth set on symmetrical mandibles and that all of the traces were made by a single taxon. Comparison of the fossils with the mandible morphology and bone traces of extant insects indicates dermestid beetles made the traces. Based on extant dermestid behavior, soft tissues were likely absent and the bones were lipid-laden when the traces were made. Examination of more than 5,000 bones from the Morrison and Cedar Mountain formations shows insect traces on bone are common but overlooked and that many bones are substantially damaged by insect mining. The key to the recognition of these important yet subtle traces is a search model and an intense, oblique light source.     

Preservational modes of some ichthyosaur soft tissues (Reptilia,Ichthyopterygia) from the Jurassic Posidonia Shale of Germany

Konservat-Lagerstätten, such as the Toarcian (Early Jurassic) Posidonia Shale of southwestern Germany, are renowned for their spectacular fossils. Ichthyosaur skeletons recovered from this formation are frequently associated with soft tissues; however, the preserved material ranges from three-dimensional, predominantly phosphatized structures to dark films of mainly organic matter. We examined soft-tissue residues obtained from two ichthyosaur specimens using an integrated ultrastructural and geochemical approach. Our analyses revealed that the superficially-looking ‘films’ in fact comprise sections of densely aggregated melanosome (pigment) organelles sandwiched between phosphatized layers containing fibrous microstructures. We interpret this distinct layering as representing condensed and incompletely degraded integument from both sides of the animal. When compared against previously documented ichthyosaur fossils, it becomes readily apparent that a range of preservational modes exists between presumed ‘phosphatic’ and ‘carbonized’ soft-tissue remains. Some specimens show high structural fidelity (e.g. distinct integumentary layering), while others, including the fossils examined in this study, retain few original anatomical details. This diversity of soft-tissue preservational modes among Posidonia Shale ichthyosaurs offers a unique opportunity to examine different biostratinomic, taphonomic and diagenetic variables that potentially could affect the process of fossilization. It is likely that soft-tissue preservation in the Posidonia Shale was regulated by a multitude of factors, including decay efficiency and speed of phosphatic mineral nucleation; these in turn were governed by a seafloor with sustained microbial mat activity fuelled by high organic matter input and seasonally fluctuating oxygen levels.     

A new species of Theriosuchus (Atoposauridae, Crocodylomorpha) from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Guimarota, Portugal

A new species of an atoposaurid crocodilian, Theriosuchus guimarotae, is described from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Portugal. Theriosuchus guimarotae can be distinguished from other species of Theriosuchus by a lateral surface of squamosal bevelled ventrally; a rounded, caudally projecting and dorsally sculptured caudolateral corner of the squamosal; a premaxillomaxillary suture aligned caudomedially in dorsal aspect; a minimum space between the supratemporal foramina that comprises one third of the total width of the cranial table; a minimum width of the frontal between the orbits that comprises one third of the maximum width of the skull at the orbits; a dentition that comprises only pseudocaniniform and lanceolate-shaped teeth; the presence of an external mandibular fenestra and all vertebral bodies amphicoelous. Its osteology also sheds light on the diagnosis of Theriosuchus within Atoposauridae. The material additionally includes specimens representative of several ontogenetic stages, each of which is discussed here. With its Late Jurassic age, T. guimarotae represents the oldest well-preserved material of Theriosuchus and reveals further knowledge about the palaeobiogeography of the genus in western Europe.     

Non-rigid cryptic sponges in oyster patch reefs (Lower Kimmeridgian, Langenberg/Oker, Germany)

Summary Two patch reefs which predominately consist of the oysterNanogyra nana (Sowerby 1822) are exposed in Lower Kimmeridigian strata of the Langenberg hillrange, central Germany. Left oyster valves making up the frame-work of the reefs formed small abundant cavities that were inhabited by a unique sponge community. The excellent preservation of non-rigid sponges was related to early organomineralization within the decaying sponge tissue. As a process of sponge taphonomy, different types of microbially induced carbonates precipitated preserving spicule aggregates. Organomineralization within sponge soft tissues is especially favored with the Langenberg patch reefs due to the closed or semi-closed system conditions with the cavities. The δ¹³C values ofin situ formed microbialities reveal that carbonate precipitation was in equilibrium with Jurassic seawater. The carbon of the microbialites does not derive from the bacterial remineralization of organic matter, but is of a marine source. Likewise, organomineralization is probably related to bacterial EPS or decaying sponge tissues providing an organic matrix for initial carbonate precipitation. Biomarker analyses revealed, that the patch reef microbialites contain terminally branched fatty acids (iso-andanteiso-pentadecanoic acid) in significant concentrations. These fatty acids, like hopanoid hydrocarbons, are most likely of a bacterial source. This is in agreement with sulfate-reducing bacteria remineralizing the decaying sponges as further indicated by the occurrence of framboidal pyrite in sponge microbialites.     

A modern-type Kimmeridgian reef (Ota Limestone,Portugal): Implications for Jurassic reef models

Upper Jurassic reefs rich in microbial crusts generally appear in deeper (sponge—‘algal’ crust reefs) or in very shallow but protected settings (coral or coral-coralline sponge meadows with ‘algal’ crusts). Upper Jurassic high-energy reefs (coral reefs and coral-stromatoporoid reefs) normally lack major participation of microbial crusts but rather represent huge bioclastic piles with only minor framestone patches preserved. An exception to this rule is represented by the high-energy, coral-‘algal’ Ota Reef from the Kimmeridgian of the Lusitanian Basin (Portugal). The narrow Ota Reef tract rims a small intra-basinal carbonate platform exhibiting perfect facies zonation (from W to E: Reef tract, back reef sands, peritidal belt, low-energy shallow lagoon). The reef is dominated by massive corals (Thamnasteria, Microsolena, Stylina). Complete preservation of coral framework is rare: like other Upper Jurassic high-energy reefs, the Ota Reef is very rich in debris; however, this debris is largely stabilized by algal and microbial crusts, what contrasts the other examples and gives the Ota Reef the appearance of a typical modern high-energy coral-melobesioid algal reef. Further similarities to modern reefs are the likely existence of a spur-and-groove system, the perfect sheltering of inner platform areas and the occurrence of small islands, as indicated by local blackenings and early vadose and karstic features.     

Upper Pleistocene Panthera leo spelaea (Goldfuss, 1810) remains from the Bilstein Caves (Sauerland Karst) and contribution to the steppe lion taphonomy,palaeobiology and sexual dimorphism

Remains of the steppe lion Panthera leo spelaea (Goldfuss) from historical digs in the Bilstein Caves of Warstein (Sauerland, NW Germany) are described. Their age seems to be from the Early Weichselian periods (Upper Pleistocene). Whereas the Bilstein cave was inhabited by cave bears at that time only a few hyena prey remains, were most likely imported into the cave entrance by hyenas. Bite and crush marks on a few bones of Bison priscus, Bos primigenius, Cervus elaphus, a rhinoceros Coelodonta antiquitatis vertebra and even several chewed cave bear bones prove the hyena presence which is similar to other caves in the Sauerland hyena den cave rich region. Additionally some larger wolves subspecies Canis lupusspelaeus bones were found, but only few Crocuta crocuta spelaea remains are present. After taphonomic comparisons to six other hyena and cave bear den caves of northern Germany, this cave can be classified as a cave bear den, which was briefly used by hyenas only for food storage or commuting or cave bear predation site in one part of the Cave. The lion material refers at least to one young adult lioness, one more adult female and two male lions; therefore, at minimum, the remains of four adult individuals are represented. The absence of juvenile lion material, in contrast to cave bear cub remains in the Bilstein Caves, proves that P. leo spelaea did not use this and all other caves in the region to raise their cubs. The bone material from the Bilstein Caves would prove the same hyena-lion antagonism conflict being recently proven for the Perick Caves, Balve Cave or Martins Cave well. Other situations in caves such as the Keppler Cave and the Bilstein Cave initially show the more complex taphonomic situation of lion remains in European caves, especially in cave bear dens, where they seem to have hunted periodically cave bears, such as it is already proven for hyenas in the Sauerland Karst and other caves of Europe.     

Exceptionally preserved conulariids and an edrioasteroid from the Hunsrück Slate (Lower Devonian,SW Germany)

Abstract: Nineteen partial specimens of Conularia sp., together with an articulated agelacrinitid edrioasteroid and several discinid brachiopods, occur in close association with a probable biological substrate on a small slab of silty Hunsrück Slate (Lower Devonian, Emsian) from Bundenbach, Germany. Most of the conulariids occur in V‐like pairs or in a single cluster of 12 specimens arranged in a fan‐like radial pattern. Together with the edrioasteroid and (possibly) brachiopods, the conulariids probably were attached to the substrate in life and then were buried and possibly killed by a single influx of silty mud. The apertural end of many of the conulariids is partially covered by inwardly folded short lappets, which may have closed in response to rapid (but gentle) burial. Rock matrix in the apertural region of the peridermal cavity of nearly all of the conulariids exhibits irregular, variably dense concentrations of pyrite. The concentrations occur almost exclusively within the conulariids, where they probably formed as a result of the decay of retracted conulariid soft parts. Although the concentrations lack clearly defined anatomical features that can be unambiguously homologized with particular anatomical structures of any extant taxon, their form and distribution within the conulariids are consistent with the hypothesis that conulariids were polypoid scyphozoans.     

Late-glacial fluctuations of timberline in the Black Forest (SW Germany)

Based on pollen diagrams from nine sites at altitudes between 654 and 1280 m a.s.l. the Late-glacial fluctuations of the timberline are reconstructed and interpreted in terms of summer temperature.     

Sphenophyllum Brongniart (Sphenopsida) from the Upper Devonian of South China

Sphenophyllum Brongniart constitutes a common and important element in the Carboniferous and Permian floras around the world, but its records in the Devonian Period are limited and remain to be investigated with respect to their morphology, anatomy, and distribution. Diversity of Sphenophyllum during Late Devonian in South China was significant with the presence of the well-known species including S. lungtanense Gothan and Sze, S. pseudotenerrimum Sze, and S. changxingense Huang et al. In this article, we describe a new species of the genus, S. fanwanense n. sp., from the Fanwan section of Changxing County, Zhejiang Province, characterized by having at least two orders of axes, with six spoon-shaped leaves attached at the node. A comprehensive review of previous records of Sphenophyllum from the Upper Devonian of South China shows that at least four species (S. fanwanense, S. lungtanense, S. pseudotenerrimum and S. changxingense), each with distinct leaf morphology, occur in South China in the Late Devonian, mostly from the Wutong Formation (Famennian). Given the lack of concrete evidence for anisophylly or heterophylly among the Devonian Sphenophyllum species (and more broadly, the Devonian sphenopsids), we suggest that the development of these features later in the Carboniferous and Permian periods was likely related to an increase in complexity of forest communities through time.     

PHRAGMOTEUTHIDA (CEPHALOPODA: COLEOIDEA) FROM THE LOWER JURASSIC OF DORSET, ENGLAND

Abstract:  Phragmoteuthida from the Lower Jurassic (Upper Sinemurian) of Dorset, England, are fully described for the first time. Two species are recognized and described: Phragmoteuthis montefiorei (J. Buckman) and P. huxleyi sp. nov. Phragmocones have an apical angle of between 20 and 30 degrees, and relatively few chambers compared with belemnoids. The conotheca is multi-layered. The siphuncle is thick-walled. The pro-ostracum is long and three-lobed as in the Triassic species. Arms are short and bear pairs of slightly curved hooks. Shell and siphuncle structure do not indicate a close relationship with other coleoids.     

Sequence stratigraphy and paleo-oceanography of an open-marine mixed carbonate/siliciclastic succession (Late Jurassic,Southern Germany)

Summary The Late Jurassic epicontinental sea of South Germany protruded far to the North forming a wide bay which was rimmed by shallow-water platforms (Swiss and French Jura). This wide shelf is characterized by extensive downslope mud accumulations including siliceous sponge buildups. The bioherms are aligned along the more pericontinental parts of this shelf, which graded to the South into the Helvetic Basin of the Tethys Ocean. Five sedimentary cycles of Oxfordian to Middle Kimmeridgian age (ox. 2–ox. 3, ki.1.–ki.1.2, ki.3, ki.1.3–ki.2.1, ki. 2.1–ki. 2.2) were used for interregional correlation. Each cycle is characterized by a vertical suite from marl to pure limestone. The bases of the marls are characterized by abundant open-marine fossils, glauconite and phosphate (fish teeth and pellets) and interpreted as condensed sections. Deepening is indicated by bioherms changing their growth form before demise from large structures into small isolated buildups, which commonly occur within deeper water. Sequence boundaries, are present at the transition from marl into limestone. Two phases (middle ki. 1.3 and ki. 1/2) of debris-flow deposition, one accompanied by the sudden spreadout of biostromes and basinward shift of bioherms, are interpreted as lowstand phases associated with sequence boundaries. The remaining sedimentary cycles described here lack such lowstand deposits. Instead, corresponding positions in the cycles are characterized by omission features. This problem is still unresolved. It may either be due to sediment trapping on the ramp or to a changing origin of the cycles compared. It is proposed here that highstand sediments, having higher contents of fine-grained siliciclastics than lowstand deposits, formed during a humid and warm climate with high rates of continued runoff and sediment transport. Lowstand deposits consist of pure offbank carbonates, because the associated drier climate reduced fluvial input of terrigenous material. Corresponding patterns of climatic change are also seen in platform sediments from the Swiss Jura Range; however, climatic cycles correlate with eustatic sea level fluctuations in only about 50% of the cases. This misfit may partially result from problems with biostratigraphic correlation (boreal— Tethyan). Small-scale sedimentary cycles with an average duration of 66’000 years (Mutabilis chron, ki. 2) to 95’000 years (Planula chron, ox. 3) provide a tool for detailed stratigraphic correlation in biostromes, small scale lenticular bioherms (1–2 m thickness) and large bedded bioherms (many tens of metres thickness). Interruptions of bioherm growth are due to temporal oxygen deficiency related to plankton blooms. The bathymetrically deepest bioherms-small and lenticular in shape—therefore suffered the highest number of ecological break-downs, whereas massive bioherms continuously remained above the critical level.     

Sharks, Rays and A Chimaeroid from the Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic) of Ringstead, Southern England

Sampling of a lenticular concentration of vertebrate debris and associated sediments from the lower Kimmeridgian of southern England has allowed the study of a diverse and abundant assemblage of chondrichthyan remains. A number of previously undescribed species are recorded, of which three new species are named; Squatina? frequens, Synechodus plicatus and Protospinax planus. Additional diagnosis of the genus Paracestracion Koken is given to allow its identification from dental remains. Several nominal batoid species are synonymised with Spathobatis bugesiacus Thiolliere. This assemblage is considered to be typical of Middle–Late Jurassic neritic environments, and is compared to other contemporaneous selachian faunas.