Taxonomy and paleobiogeographic implication of Glabrobournonia Morris and Skelton (Hippuritida,Radiolitidae) from the Late Cretaceous Yigeziya Formation,southwestern Tarim Basin

A re-examination of the specimens that were identified as Biradiolites minor Pojarkova from the late Campanian to early Maastrichtian middle member of the Yigeziya Formation of southwestern Tarim Basin reveals that they should be assigned to the genus Glabrobournonia Morris and Skelton. Glabrobournonia is a genus of radiolitids characterized by indented radial bands, salient ridges on the shell margins and absence of fine ribs on the surface of the right valve. Apart from southwestern Tarim Basin, Glabrobournonia minor (Pojarkova) has also been recorded from the late Campanian of Fergana and Alai basins. The central Asian, late Campanian to early Maastrichtian G. minor differs from the late Campanian to Maastrichtian, eastern Arabian type species Glabrobournonia arabica Morris and Skelton in the flat left valve and an additional fourth ridge on the junction of the dorsal and posterior sides of the right valve. Biradiolites ingens (Des Moulins) could be the direct ancestor of Glabrobournonia. The paleogeographic distribution of Glabrobournonia suggests that this genus dispersed to central Asia from the late Campanian time, becoming widely distributed in the eastern Tethyan region rather than endemic to eastern Arabia. Correspondingly, specimens belonging to Gyropleura yielded from the same bed as G. minor in southwestern Tarim Basin, are similar to the specimens which were attributed to the eastern Arabian Gyropleura sp.; Campanian to early Maastrichtian Osculigera specimens described from the Yigeziya Formation are comparable with those known from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of Iran, Afghanistan and eastern Arabia. The similarity of the rudist assemblages between central Asia and eastern Arabia suggests a faunal connection and affinity between the north and south margins of the eastern Tethyan realm during Campanian to early Maastrichtian times.     

Notes on capitate Venezuelan Rhynchospora (Cyperaceae)

Two new combinations, Rhynchospora imeriensis (Kükenthal) W. Thomas and R. planifolia (T. Koyama) W. Thomas, and a new name, R. capillifolia W. Thomas, are provided for capitate species of Rhynchospora occurring in Venezuela. A new section of capitate species with white spikelets, sect. Rigidifolia W. Thomas, is described, and its six included species are listed, discussed, and keyed. Lectotypes are designated for R. duckei R. Gross and R. longibracteata Boeckeler. Two species are illustrated.     

The first scorpion fossil from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma). New implications for the phylogeny of Buthoidea

A specimen belonging to a new genus and species of fossil scorpion, Palaeoburmesebuthus grimaldii gen. n., sp. n., is described from the Upper Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma). This is the first scorpion to have been found and described from Burmese amber (± 90 Myr). The new genus and species are unquestionable buthoid elements but they are assigned to an incertae familiae until further material may be available for study. To cite this article: W.R. Lourenço, C. R. Palevol 1 (2002) 97–101.     

A Revision of the genus Wislizenia (Capparidaceae) based on population studies

Morphological and cytological studies of mass collections from the southwestern United States and Baja California, and morphological studies on herbarium specimens from these areas and northern Mexico have been used to solve a taxonomic problem within the genusWislizenia. Canonical analysis of morphological data from mass collections separates three geographic groups from: California, Baja California, and states east of California. A similar analysis of herbarium specimens collected throughout the range ofWislizenia refracta confirms the reality of these groups, for which the status of subspecies is proposed: 1) subsp.californica from the California central valley, 2) subsp.palmeri from Baja California and the Sonoran coast, and 3 ) subsp.refracta from states east of California. This taxonomic treatment differs from any of the varied previous ones. Chromosome numbers for six of the mass collections were found to ben = 20, in agreement with other reports.     

Description of a new species,Globotruncana pseudoconica and remarks on its relation to Globotruncana conicaWhite and Globotruncana falsostuartiSigal

A new, strongly spiroconvex Globotruncana species,Globotruncana pseudoconica nov. sp., is described from the Maastrichtian of Tunisia. It is distinguished from Globotruncana conicaWhite in morphology and phylogeny. Some Maastrichtian, strongly spiroconvex specimens referred to as Globotruncana conicaWhite, are shown to be identical to Globotruncana pseudoconica nov. sp. The new species reveals close affinity with Globotruncana falsostuartiSigal from which it has evolved during the middle Lower Maastrichtian.     

New ankylosaurian material from the Upper Cretaceous of Transylvania

Ankylosaurian remains from the Transylvanian Basin, Romania, are extremely rare. More than 100 years after the discovery of the first and only better-known assemblage, namely the type material of Struthiosaurus transylvanicus, new ankylosaurian material has been discovered in the Maastrichtian of the Ha?eg Basin, as well as at another locality (Vurp?r), in the Transylvanian Basin, that is described here. The material consists of one tooth in a small jaw fragment (from the Ha?eg Basin) and at least two accummulations of associated, as well as several isolated, postcranial elements (from Vurp?r). No diagnostic elements are preserved that would overlap with the type of S. transylvanicus, so we cannot assign any of the new specimens to this species. The tooth shows marked differences compared to those of other anklyosaurs including S. austriacus and Hungarosaurus in having only six, more or less equally sized, apically pointed cusps separated by deep grooves. The postcranial material from Vurp?r represents at least three different individuals. The humerus is the most diagnostic element among the postcranial remains being most similar both in size and morphology to humeri referred to as Struthiosaurus from different European localities, thus here we refer the humerus and probably associated elements preserved in one assemblage to as cf. Struthiosaurus sp.; the remaining specimens from Vurp?r are retained as Nodosauridae indet. Histological studies have confirmed the adult nature of all sampled bones in the Vurp?r ankylosaur material suggesting that these fully grown animals were of similar size to Struthiosaurus, a small-bodied nodosaurid the ontogenetic status of which, however, has never been investigated histologically. The obviously diminished body size of the Transylvanian ankylosaurs compared to other members of the clade could be explained by insular dwarfism using the same histology-based argument as presented for Magyarosaurus.     

Review of taxonomy,geographic distribution,and paleoenvironments of Azhdarchidae (Pterosauria)

The taxonomy, geographic distribution, and paleoenvironmental context of azhdarchid pterosaurs are reviewed. All purported pteranodontid, tapejarid, and azhdarchid specimens from the Cenomanian Kem Kem beds of Morocco are referred to a single azhdarchid taxon, Alanqa saharica. The four proposed autapomorphies of Eurazhdarcho langendorfensis from the lower Maastrichtian Sebeş Formation of Romania are based on misinterpretations of material and this taxon is likely a subjective junior synonym of Hatzegopteryx thambema. Among 54 currently reported azhdarchid occurrences (51 skeletal remains and 3 tracks) 13% are from lacustrine deposits, 17% from fluvial plain deposits, 17% from coastal plain deposits, 18% from estuarine and lagoonal deposits, and 35% from costal marine deposits. Azhdarchids likely inhabited a variety of environments, but were abundant near large lakes and rivers and most common in nearshore marine paleoenvironments.     

The pathway of lectin-mediated lymphocytotoxicity by Con A-coupled Sepharose beads

Soluble concanavalin A (Con A) can effectively mediate nonspecific target cell lysis by cytolytic T lymphocytes (LDCC). Because Con A bound to Sepharose beads (Con A-Seph) is also effective, it has been concluded by Z. K. Ballas, W. R. Green, and C. S. Henney. (Cell. Immunol.59, 411, 1981) that Con A-mediated “activation” of the cytolytic cell to kill in LDCC can occur without intracellular penetration of the lectin. No preincubation of either effector or target cells with Con A-Seph has been performed. Exploiting the previous finding of G. Berke (Immunol. Rev. 72, 5, 1983) that in LDCC Con A exerts its effect(s) strictly by affecting the target rather than by bridging effector and target cells and activating the effector, identical results with Con A-Seph are shown. Preincubation of Con A-Seph with the target but not with the effector cells results in substantial killing. Moreover it is shown that the ability of Con A-Seph to mediate LDCC can be attributed to free Con A dissociating from the beads (about 1%) during the assay. Evidence is presented to indicate that the dissociated Con A, not unlike free Con A, reacts with the target cells, thereby rendering them recognizable by the effector cells. It is concluded that the activity of Con A-Seph may not be taken as evidence for Con A-mediated activation of the cytolytic cell, as suggested by Ballas et al., and that the putative Con A-mediated lymphocyte activation relevant to killing still remains to be demonstrated. Evidence contradicting Con A-mediated activation of the effector and supporting the target cell modification theory has been discussed by G. Berke, V. Hu, E. McVey, and W. R. Clark (J. Immunol.127, 776, 1981).     

The internal morphology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acoscinopleura</Emphasis> Voigt, 1956 (Cheilostomata,Bryozoa) from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of Central and Eastern Europe

Coscinopleurid cheilostome bryozoans are widespread in Latest Cretaceous sediments throughout the whole Boreal Chalk Sea. Despite having many polymorphs that can readily be distinguished, intraspecific plasticity is high and polymorph morphology shows only little variation over time. This significantly hampers taxon differentiation in coscinopleurids. In this study, we revise type material of three coscinopleurid species, Acoscinopleura foliacea (Voigt, 1930), A. fallax Voigt, 1956 and A. rugica Voigt, 1956, from the Maastrichtian of northern Germany using combined scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microtomography. The three species are morphologically very similar and were distinguished by the original author only in the shape and position of peripheral caverns inside their cryptocyst and in the position of vibracular polymorphs. X-ray microtomography allowed study of the internal morphology of the species and provided additional parameters that can be used for species differentiation. Septula, arch-like and channel-like cavities and microcavities could be identified inside the calcified walls. While the original identity of the type material of A. foliacea and A. rugica remains unchanged, the type material of A. fallax is shown to belong to three different species: A. fallax, A. occulta sp. nov. and A. dualis sp. nov. Additionally, hitherto-unstudied material from the late Campanian and Maastrichtian of northern Germany and Belarus is described as A. crassa sp. nov. and A. albaruthenica sp. nov.     

Revision of the Agrilus beatissimus species–group (Coleoptera,Buprestidae) with description of five new species from Southeast Asia

The newly defined Agrilus beatissimus species–group comprising seven species from Southeast Asia is revised. The key to species is provided and complemented with illustrations of habitus, genitalia and type specimens. The following five new species are described: Agrilus bilyanus sp. nov. (Thailand); A. campana sp. nov. (Laos); A. galazopos sp. nov. (Laos); A. plurifrons sp. nov. (Laos, Myanmar) and A. undatus sp. nov. (Laos). Comprehensive commented references, data on type specimens and new faunal records are cited. The distribution is updated for A. beatissimusDescarpentries and Villiers 1963 and A. dunoyeriBaudon 1968.     

A revision of the West Indian species of Lepanthes (Orchidaceae). III. Cuba

A study of herbarium material ofLepanthes indicates that there are at least 18 species on Cuba. The history of the collections and publications on the genus from the island is summarized, and a detailed key to the species is given. One new combination is proposed (L. blepharophylla) and the following species are described as new:L. acunae,L. dressleri,L. cubensis,L. grisebachiana,L. obliquiloba, andL. occidentalis, of which three are from western provinces and two have been associated with inappropriate names.L. mandibularis Reichb. f. is tentatively considered a synonym ofL. chrysostigma Lindl. although the type ofL. mandibularis could not be found. The range of variation included under the nameL. fulva Lindl. suggests that more than one species is involved.     

Anatomie et systématique des Archéocyathes réguliers sans plancher d'Ajax mine: Cambrien inférieur,Australie du Sud

Two preliminary volumes tentatively gave the specialists a redefinition of the British Museum collections 1969 and a brief reconsideration of every genus previously established on Australian material either by Taylor T.G., Bedford R., W.R. and J. or by subsequent designation. The aim of this new volume is to give a modern approach of Monocyathina, Dokidocyathina and Ajacicyathina (i.e. regular atabulate Archaeocyatha) present into the whole material collected on Ajax Mine area. The most up-to-date results of anatomic and systematic studies are used and carried further on distinction between wall-canals and simple pores, porous and non porous septa (in connexion with stirrup-pores) are taken into consideration for the definition of new taxons.     

Redescription and Lectotype Designation of Tylenchorhynchus cylindricus Cobb, 1913

Tylenchorhynchus cylindricus is redescribed and illustrated from N. A. Cobb''s original specimens collected in 1910. In 1955 M. W. Allen established a neotype from specimens collected near Cathedral City, California. Recently Cobb''s original sketches, line drawings, and balsam slides were rediscovered and examined. The specimens collected by Cobb were compared with the neotype established by Allen and with other collections of nominal T. cylindricus. Differences in morphology of the Cathedral City (Allen) and Los Patos (Cobb) populations were observed. Collections of males and females from Cathedral City, California; Mosida, Utah; and Kings County, California; were similar to each other except for some variation in female tail shape. Females in Cobb''s collection and in a collection from a beach near Ensenada, Mexico, were similar to each other but differed morphologically from other collections. We consider all collections to represent a range of variation within the species. A lectotype and an allolectotype were selected to establish the taxonomic base for the genus. A ruling has been requested from the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature on the disposition of the neotype.     

A new mosasauroid (Squamata) from the Late Cretaceous (Turonian) of Morocco

Tethysaurus nopcsai gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of both cranial and postcranial material from the Late Cretaceous (Early Turonian) of the Goulmima region, southern Morocco. This new mosasauroid is mainly characterized by a parietal table ending posteriorly in two pointed pegs; jugal with a large ascending ramus; splenial with a large and notched dorsomedial process; surangular exposed medially ventral to the coronoid; large paracotylar and parazygosphenal foramina on vertebrae. A phylogenetic analysis shows that Tethysaurus is the sister-group of Mosasauridae. It fills the gap between the aigialosaurids (mainly Cenomanian) and the mosasaurids (known from the Middle-Late Turonian to the Latest Maastrichtian). To cite this article: N. Bardet et al., C. R. Palevol 2 (2003).     

The Music Indici: its authors, types and localities

The sixty new taxa described in Musci Indici are reviewed. As a result of validation of 54 of these by plates alone, authorities, original specimens and provenance of many have been widely misinterpreted. Evidence from published material, unpublished correspondence and herbarium material demonstrates that W. H. Harvey (1836) is the sole validating author of most of the names; three were validated by J. D. Hooker in 1837, and two names jointly by J. D. Hooker and Harvey in 1840. None was validated by W. J. Hooker, in the past often considered to be the author of some of the names. It is shown that Musci Indici names should be typified by lectotypes; recent typifications of four of the names by ‘holotypes’ and six out of eight published ‘lectotypes’ are untenable as the specimens selected were not original material studied by Harvey, and should be superseded by new lectotypes. Five specimens are selected as new lectotypes. Original material, mostly in Harvey's herbarium in TCD, is identified as most suitable for future lectotypification of the other names. Types for the three names based solely on Royle material are located in LIV and BM. Original Harvey material is also preserved in GL, but most of the Wallich collections in BM, E and elsewhere are not part of the original material. For Neckera blanda no suitable type specimen was located; the original published plate is selected as lectotype with a specimen in BM as a supporting ‘epitype’. Many of the original localities published in 1840 as ‘Nepal’ are shown to be erroneous. As far as possible these are corrected but for some taxa provenance remains doubtful. Twenty-two of the new names are shown not to have been based on material from Nepal; as a result ten species (Acanthorrhynchium papillatum, Brachythecium kamounense, Chaetomitriopsis glaucocarpa, Meiothecium microcarpum, Mitthyridium repens, Rozea fulva, Splachnobryum flaccidum, Sterophyllum radiculosum, Trichosteleum boschii and Trismegistia lancifolia) and Trismegistia lancifolia) are deleted from the Nepal checklist. Twenty-eight of the new species are considered to be reliably based on material from Nepal, and a further five doubtfully so. Rozea microcarpa Broth. is shown to be an synonym of R. fulva (Harv.) M. Fleisch. Past taxonomic confusion between Hypnum cordatum Harv. and Neckera cordata [Hook. ex] Harv. is untangled; the first is shown to be a synonym of Eurhynchium hians (Hedw.) Sande Lac. and the second is the basionym of Penzigiella cordata (Harv.) M. Fleisch.     

Sherborn’s foraminiferal studies and their influence on the collections at the Natural History Museum,London

Sherborn’s work on the Foraminifera clearly provided the initial spark to compile the major indexes for which he is famous. Contact and help from famous early micropalaeontologists such as T. Rupert Jones and Fortescue William Millett led Sherborn to produce his Bibliography of Foraminifera and subsequently a two-part Index of Foraminiferal Genera and Species. Edward Heron-Allen, whose mentor was Millett, was subsequently inspired by the bibliography to attempt to acquire every publication listed. This remarkable collection of literature was donated to the British Museum (Natural History) in 1926 along with the foraminiferal collections Heron-Allen had mainly purchased from early micropalaeontologists. This donation forms the backbone of the current NHM micropalaeontological collections. The NHM collections contain a relatively small amount of foraminiferal material published by Sherborn from the London Clay, Kimmeridge Clay and Speeton Clay. Another smaller collection reflects his longer-term interest in the British Chalk following regular fieldwork with A. W. Rowe. Other collections relating to Sherborn’s early published work, particularly with T. R. Jones, are not present in the collections but these collections may have been sold or deposited elsewhere by his co-workers.     

A new species of Ptilomymar (Hymenoptera,Mymaridae) and a key to the described species

Ptilomymar dianensis sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Mymaridae) from southwest China is described and illustrated. A key to the six described species is given. The type specimens are deposited in the insect collections of Northeast Forestry University, China.