Nouvelles données sur le genre Imerites Rouchadzé, 1933 (Ammonitida,Ancyloceratina) ; réponses et précisions apportées au travail de Bert,Delanoy et Canut, 2009

This work is mainly an answer to the work of Bert, Delanoy and Canut, on the genus Imerites Rouchadzé, and we add also some points to the knowledge of this genus. An answer is given for the implication of one of the authors (J.V.) of this present work, about the origin of the genus Imerites Rouchadzé, and some significant bibliographic references, not named in the 2009 work, are specified and placed in their context. The characteristics of the ornamental stage “Pseudoshasticrioceras” mainly defined by an oval and compressed section of the whorls and by regular ventrolateral clavi, well marked, which frame the venter in a typical way (Bert et al., p. 181), don’t allow to affirm the presence of this stage during the ontogeny of all species of the genus Imerites Rouchadzé, contrary to what Bert, Delanoy and Canut (p. 30, 31) wrote. The type-species of the genus Imerites Rouchadzé is made clear by the application of the rules of the I.C.Z.N. code. The article 23, with the paragraph 23.1 of the I.C.Z.N. code, imply the senior synonymy of Imerites cristatus (Orbigny) on Imerites giraudi (Kilian), even if the Kilian's species is still the type species of the genus Imerites Rouchadzé. The taxinomical validity of the species Imerites cristatus (Orbigny) is confirmed. Its morphological variability is clarified by the distinction of four referential morphotypes, Cristatus, Giraudi, Favrei and Raricostatum. Consequently, the assumption of a shape-dimensional dimorphism into the populations of the genus Imerites Rouchadzé is rejected, awaiting irrefutable proof. A new species, Imerites stephaniae sp. nov., is described. It was collected in the Gerhardtia sartousiana Zone, in the uppermost part of the Gerhardtia provincialis Subzone, and it is a probable ancestor of the cogeneric species of the Imerites giraudi Zone.     

L’origine des Imerites Rouchadze, 1933 : résultat d’une innovation chez les Gassendiceratinae Bert,Delanoy et Bersac, 2006 (Ammonoidea,Ancyloceratina)

The recent discoveries of remarkably preserved specimens of Imerites dichotomum (Ammonoidea, Ancyloceratina) bring new palaeontological precisions on this genus. The study of the ontogenic development demonstrates that Imerites directly derives from genus Pseudoshasticrioceras. So, their origin is within the Gassendiceratinae and not in the Heteroceratidae like it was usually admitted. On the other hand, the coexistence of macroconch and microconch specimens in the species of the genus Imerites confirms the hypothesis of a dimorphism. The new palaeontological data prove that “Crioceras” cristatus is a nomen dubium and must be abandoned.     

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.     

Sur l'origine du genre Microceratina Swanson, 1980 (Ostracoda, Eucytherurinae) et sa présence téthysienne dès le Jurassique supérieur

The discovery in the uppermost Jurassic of Lebanon of a species of the ostracod genus Microceratina Swanson, 1980 (Eucytherurinae), of which the oldest known species was until now of Maastrichtian age, confirms the Tethyan origin of this genus. Two new species are created: Microceratina bhannesensis nov. sp. from the Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Lebanon, and Microceratina azazoulensis nov. sp. from the Cenomanian of Morocco. The genera Chapmanicytherura Weaver, 1982 and Erratacytheridea Herrig et al., 1997, are considered as probable junior synonyms of Microceratina. An exhaustive bibliographical analysis allowed to identifying several other Cretaceous species susceptible to be assigned to the genus Microceratina.     

Anglesites gen. nov. (Ammonoidea, Ancyloceratina), un nouveau genre d’ammonites hétéromorphes du Barrémien supérieur du Sud-Est de la France

The revision of the Crioceras puzosianum d’Orbigny, 1842 made during the revision of the Paléontologie Française of d’Orbigny, shows that this taxon belongs to a new genus: Anglesites gen. nov. This new genus, from upper Barremian age, is monospecific for the moment and is homeomorphic to the Leptoceratoides from the Lower Barremian. It is temporarily included in the subfamily of the Leptoceratoidinae. A neotype for the “Crioceras” puzosianum d’Orbigny, 1842 is herein designated.     

Concerted Evolution and Higher-Order Repeat Structure of the 1.709 (Satellite IV) Family in Bovids

The 1.709 or satellite IV repeated DNA family originally isolated from the domestic cow was analyzed using Southern blotting, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and DNA sequencing in species belonging to the genera Bos, Bison, Bubalus, Syncerus, Boselaphus, and Tragelaphus. Hybridization indicates that the family has been amplified in Bos, Bison, Bubalus, and Syncerus but not in Boselaphus or Tragelaphus. Pericentromeric, higher-order repeat substructure exists in all species, with multimeric arrays ranging in size from 10 to 1500 kb. Sequence analysis of a 492-bp PCR product revealed comparable levels (0.2–4.5%) of intra- and interspecific divergence when species of Bos and Bison were compared, supporting the idea that species of these two genera should be recognized under the genus Bos. Alternatively, all Syncerus sequences cluster as a monophyletic group on an evolutionary tree and differ from those of Bos/Bison by about 13%. Comparing these findings with the fossil record indicates that concerted evolution has occurred since Bos/Bison and Syncerus last shared a common ancestor (5.0 MYA) but before the radiation of the genus Bos (2.5 MYA): GenBank accession numbers AY517856-AY517904. Pfizer Global Research and Development, Department of Pathology, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA     

Variations morphologiques des Toxaster (Echinoida : Spatangoida) en regard des fluctuations spatiales (Arc de Castellane, SE France) et temporelles (Valanginien-Hauterivien) du milieu sédimentaire : expression d'un potentiel adaptatif restreint

The impact of sedimentary conditions on the settlement, growth, and morphology of primitive spatangoid sea urchins of the genus Toxaster from the Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian and Hauterivian of the Provencal platform) is analyzed. The analyses concern spatial and temporal patterns of variation. The spatial approach is based on six isochronous populations of Toxaster granosus kiliani (424 specimens in total) dated from the Verrucosum biozone, and distributed along a proximo-distal gradient. The temporal approach concerns a reference section (Carajuan) ranging from the Lower Valanginian to the Upper Hauterivian, and involving the species T. granosus kiliani and T. gibbus. Sedimentary environments have been characterized by a factorial analysis of five characteristics of facies. Sea urchin morphology has been described with seven measures allowing the computation of two angles (α and β), and of six shape indices analyzed through a principal components analyses. The spatial approach shows that the adult mean size (> 20 mm) increases distally, and that morphology changes significantly across localities. However, only variations in α and β are sequentially organized along the proximo-distal gradient (they correspond to a forward migration of the peristome and to an expansion of the plastronal area). The stratigraphic survey of facies variation along the 369 beds analyzed in Carajuan shows a clear change in sedimentary conditions: from unstable with bioclastic events (Valanginian), to homogeneous with a low content in bioclasts (Hauterivian). Most Toxaster specimens are concentrated in three stratigraphic units (Campylotoxus and Verrucosum biozones for T. granosus kiliani; Sayni biozone for T. gibbus), their abundance being related to the macrofaunal presence and diversity and to burrowing activity. The adult mean size is only significantly related to facies variation, for the T. granosus kiliani from the Verrucosum biozone, increasing with textural gradient and bioclastic content. Shape - facies relationships have been identified for T. granosus kiliani in both Campylotoxus and Verrucosum intervals. However, the morphological variables and facies characteristics involved differ between the two biozones. The synthesis of all significant relationships between size or shape and facies characteristics demonstrates that the response of Toxaster to environmental changes was limited, and varied in space as well as for the different periods of time considered. The only recurring impact of sedimentary changes involved sea urchin abundance, that is, their ability to settle. The low adaptive potential of Toxaster is discussed in the context of the early radiation of the Spatangoida.     

Taxonomie du grand canidé de la grotte du Vallonnet (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Alpes-Maritimes, France)

The large canid of Vallonnet cave belongs to Xenocyon lycaonoides. Its remains are similar to the Xenocyon from Untermassfeld in Germany. X. Lycaonoides, and evoluated form of the Xenocyon genus, is characteristic of the second half of the Lower Pleistocene. The genus Xenocyon may be the ancestor of both Cuon and Lycaon.     

Évolution des grands Carnivores au Plio Pléistocène en Afrique et en Europe occidentale

This paper provides an overview of current knowledge of Plio Pleistocene Carnivora from Africa and Europe. In Plio Pleistocene times, many genera extend their ranges in Africa and Eurasia but their evolution are quite distinct in the two continents. In Africa, the modern carnivoran guild of sub saharian Africa originated in the early Pleistocene when took place extinction of archaic species. The north African fossil record is far from complete until the middle Pleistocene. In the middle and late Pleistocene, the modern carnivoran guild is associated with other elements: the simian jackal Canis simensis and two species of ursids Ursus arctos and Ursus deningeri which evolved towards Ursus spelaeus. Western European carnivore faunas show due to migration a constant turn-over of the species. Among felids, Panthera schaubi described by Viret (1954) and attributed to the genus Puma by Hemmer et al. (2004), is morphologically close to the snow leopard Panthera (Uncia) uncia. Canis etruscus is the sister group pf the clade including wolf and coyote and Canis arnensis is close to the African jackals. Ursus deningeri appears in the early Pleistocene together with two arctoid forms Ursus rodei and Ursus dolinensis that may be synonymous to Ursus arctos. The genus Hyaena is present in Europe in the middle and late Pleistocene.     

Le genre Nucleolites (Echinoidea, Cassiduloidea) du Bajocien à l'Oxfordien dans le Bassin de Paris : apport des données architecturales à la systématique et à la phylogénie

The classification of the Paris basin Bajocian-Oxfordian species of the genus Nucleolites is revised. A classic point of view, until now used by authors and mainly based on the general morphology of the test, is first developed. Then, this last is modified with new architectural data, which refer to the extraxial-axial theory concerning the structure of the apical system as well as the presence of supplementary and catenal plates. These architectural data are first used facing the general morphology of the test. Such approach leads to a new point of view for the classification of the species of the genus Nucleolites. The systematics is particularly significantly simplified. The deduced and proposed phylogenetic hypothesis shows that the genus Nucleolites is composed of two parallel lineages as soon as the beginning of the genus in the Bajocian: a group with a so-called “primitive” architecture, and a group with an “advanced” one. On and after the Late Callovian, the species with a primitive organisation give birth to advanced species, which continue in younger time. In this way, the genus Nucleolites may be paraphyletic since the Late Callovian onward.     

Nouvelles observations sur les Miogypsinidés du Miocène inférieur et moyen de Provence et de Corse (France) et de Sardaigne septentrionale (Italie)

The detailed study of the Miocene strata of Bonifacio has revealed an atypical Miogypsinid assemblage. In addition to the three already cited genera, Miogypsinoides, Miogypsina and Miolepidocyclina from this region, Miogypsinodella is for the first time represented by two new species (Mdella corsicana nov. sp. et Mdella pillaria nov.sp.). The stratigraphical ranges of each genus in the Miogypsinidae are not verified here. However, Mdes bantamensis is still present in the Upper Burdigalian and the genus Miogypsinoides is also present in the Lower Langhian. Six species of Miogypsina coexist in the Upper Burdigalian (M. tani, M. globulina, M. intermedia, M. cf. sabahensis, M. cushmani, M. mediterranea) and two species are present in the Lower Langhian (M. antillea, M. digitata). This distribution is apparently an example of palaeoendemism resulting from the geographic isolation and the rotation of the Corso-Sardinian block and also from the palaeogeographical and palaeoecological favourable environment during that time.     

Succession des peuplements d’échinides du Crétacé inférieur dans le Haut Atlas atlantique (Maroc) ; révision systématique et intérêt stratigraphique

The rich echinoid fauna from the Lower Cretaceous of the Agadir, Haha and Essaouira basins has been revised taxonomically, based on new and abundant collections. Forty-seven species have been identified, of which 20 are reported for the first time from this region and a further three represent new species left in open nomenclature. Their stratigraphic ranges have been determined accurately by reference to the regional ammonite zonation. However, it is also possible to use a local biostratigraphical scheme based on the echinoid succession, where ammonites are rare. The Toxasteridae, which are very abundant and underwent rapid evolution, are the most useful biostratigraphically. The genus Toxaster appears in the Lower Berriasian and continues until the Gargasian passing through the following succession: T. africanus, T. granosus, T. kiliani, T. lorioli, T. obtusus, T. exilis, T. retusus, T. maurus, T. peroni, T. collegnoi. The presence of Eoholaster, Macraster, Douvillaster, Palhemiaster, Heteraster and Pygopyrina is signaled for the first time in the Atlantic High Atlas region.     

Sur les familles des Helicancylidae Hyatt, 1894 et des Acrioceratidae Vermeulen, 2004 ; réponses et précisions apportées au travail de Bert, 2009

This work is mainly an answer to the work of Bert (2009), on families Helicancylidae Hyatt, 1894 and Acrioceratidae Vermeulen, 2009. On the nomenclatural speaking, the non validity of the genus Helicancylus Gabb, 1869 and of the family Helicancylidae Hyatt, 1894 and, consequently, the validity of the family Acrioceratidae Vermeulen, 2004 are established. The second part of this work is devoted to the respect of former work and, contrary to the assertions from Bert (2009), it is shown that the stratigraphical positioning of the Upper Barremian level with small Barremites, realized by Cotillon (1971), is at least as precise as that proposed by Bert. The last part of this work highlights a lack of bibliographical references, fact which had already been highlighted ( Vermeulen and Lepinay, 2010) in a former work of Bert et al. (2009).     

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.     

Le bassin permien de Guardia Pisano (Sud-Ouest de la Sardaigne, Italie) : palynostratigraphie, paléophytogéographie, corrélations et âge radiométrique des produits volcaniques associés

The Permian section outcropping at Guardia Pisano (Sulcis area, SW Sardinia), comprises two successions, separated by an unconformity. The lower succession is composed of grey-black sandy shales, rich in plant remains and in sporomorphs, deposited in a fluvial-lacustrine to palustrine environment; followed by layers of rhyolithic lavas and volcanoclastites with silicified plant trunks. Most of the analysed samples yielded a profusion of pollen and spores in a very good state of preservation. Three associations were distinguished. The first one comprises mostly radial and bilateral monosaccate pollen grains and very few spores. This association is characterized by the presence of pollen grains of the genera Crucisaccites, Luberisaccites, Gondwanopollis and Lueckisporites, together with very abundant Potonieisporites and subordinate Florinites. The second association comprises mostly pollen grains of the genus Potonieisporites, represented by many species, together with Limitisporites, Costapollenites, Vittatina and others. Spores mainly represented by azonate trilete and monolete types are more frequent than in the previous association. These first two palynological associations reflect assemblages of meso-xerophilous plants growing in dryer environments, belonging to tropical and subtropical phytogeographic biomas. The third association, mainly composed of Sphenophyte spores, is autochthonous and corresponds to a swampy hygrophilous flora settled after the filling up of the basin. The age inferred by means of sporomorphs is early Asselian which is in good agreement with the mean radiometric age of the volcanic rocks obtained by the ‘SHRIMP’ and the lead-zircon evaporation methods (297 ± 5 Ma). The upper succession, is composed of grey to red sandstones and thin pelites deposited on an alluvial plain under very hot and humid climate; its Permian, post-Asselian age cannot be better constrained because of the scarcity of the fossil content.     

Trilobites Asteropyginae dévoniens d’Iran

Ten species of trilobites belonging to 4 genera of the sub-family Asteropyginae DELO are described from the Devonian (Givetian-Frasnian) of Iran. Three of which are new: Neocalmonia lutensis nov. sp., Neocalmonia yazdii nov. sp. and Radiopyge sardarensis nov. sp. The study of this material have required the revision of Heliopyge sharudensis(PILLET, 1974) from the Givetian of the Eastern Alborz Mountains and of Neocalmonia quadricosta PILLET, 1969, type-species of the genus Neocalmonia, from the Frasnian of Afghanistan. The recognition of genera and species in common with the Givetian and the Frasnian of Afghanistan emphasizes the close relations between these two regions. The genera Bradocryphaeus, Heliopyge, Neocalmonia, Radiopyge, represented by related species, are likewise present in Iran, Afghanistan and Western Europe. Their presence confirms that these regions belong, during the Devonian, to the North Gondwanian domain.     

Zonocypris digitalis (Ostracoda, Crustacea), nouvelle espèce du Fuvélien (Campanien continental) de Provence (sud-est France)

Many specimens of non-marine Ostracodes, especially the new species Zonocypris digitalis were recovered from continental deposits of fuvelian (Campanian) age at Auriol (Provence, south-east France). First species of that genus described in the Cretaceous of southern Europe, Z. digitalis is associated with Charophytes and mainly Gastropodes remains, thus providing confirmation of the datation proposed and age of the studied outcrops. Z. digitalis may be integrated within the current biostratigraphic scale which is accepted as valid for the non-marine Upper Cretaceous of the above mentioned area.     

Description d'une nouvelle espèce et analyse morpho-fonctionnelle du genre Doryaspis White (Heterostraci) du Dévonien du Spitsberg

Doryaspis groenhorgensis nov. sp. is a new pteraspidiform from the lower devonian of Spitsbergen. The genus Doryaspis is now considered as the most abundant pteraspidiform of the Wood Bay formation, with five described species. Moreover, the pteraspidiform diversity of this formation has been under rated all along the XXth century. A morpho-functional analysis of the Doryaspis generic characters (e.g. flat dorsal shield, ventral pseudorostrum, long cornual plates) allows to consider two possible mode of life. However, none of the pelagic or benthic mode of life is better supported than the other. The same analysis introduce some interpretative hypothesis on histology and moving of the Pteraspidiformes. The Pteraspidiformes diversity of Spitsbergen is important for further Devonian circum-arctic comparisons (e.g. siberian platform).     

Les assemblages de diatomées du bassin messinien de Boudinar (Maroc nord-oriental)

The Messinian is one of the strongest biogenic silica accumulation periods in the world and more particularly in the Mediterranean, where it is marked by an important diatomitic sedimentation. In the Boudinar basin (Morocco north-Eastern, Western Mediterranean), the section of Sidi Haj Youssef, localised near the volcano of Ras Tarf, has approximately 100 m thickness of clayey-marly series in which 12 diatomitic levels of variable thickness are intercalated. The microfloristic study of diatoms on 86 samples, carried out in detail for the first time, made it possible to recognize 50 genus of diatoms (24 of centric and 26 of pennate) represented by 185 species (75 species of centric and 110 species of pennate). Four hundred individuals were taken from each sample to determine the relative frequency of each taxon within the diatoms assemblages. Thus, several assemblages were defined by the predominance of the following species: Coscinodiscusmarginatus, Actinoptychussenarius, Thalassionemanitzschioides, Actinocycluscurvatulus, Thalassiothrixlongissima, Rhizosoleniastyliformis and Actinocyclusehrenbergii. These diatoms assemblages display a littoral marine environment in communication with the opened sea. The abundance of the cold water species towards the base and the top of the section suggests broad exchanges of the basin with the Atlantic Ocean in Messinian. The predominance of the species Thalassionemanitzschioides and/or Thalassiothrixlongissima indicates periods of strong productivity that can be associated to upwelling systems.