Authors / CoAuthors
Jones, P.J.
Abstract
Beyrichicopids and kirkbyocopes are represented in the Early Carboniferous benthic ostracod fauna of the Bonaparte Basin by at least 29 species referable to 18 genera (including two that are probably new, but unnamed). The described number of species are distributed among the ostracod families. Of the species described, eight are new (Libumella bonapartensis, Welleriella atypha, Malnina spinosa, Coryellina excaudata, C.robertsi, Selebratina serotina, Tetrarhabdus dictyon, and Scrobicula inaequalis), eight are closely related to, if not conspecific with, established taxa [Pseudoleperditia cf. venulosa, Coryellina cesarensis, Kirkbya aff. lessnikovae, K. aff. quadrata, Amphissites aff. centronotus, A. umbonatus, Kirkbyella (Berdanella) quadrata, and Scrobicula aff. inaequalis), and 13 are placed in open nomenclature, most of which are comparable with previously described taxa. The morphological similarities of the extinct Kirkbyacea and the extant Punciacea are discussed, and possible homoemorphic resemblances between them are considered. Detailed SEM examination of the reticulation pattern of the kirkbyacean species Amphissites sp.B revealed the results of epidermal cell-division during the ecdysis between the A-I stage and the presumed adult stage. Mitosis of the epidermal cells not only increases the valve surface area, but also initiates carinae by the fusion of adjacent muri of twin fossae. An interim biostratigraphic scheme for the Early Carboniferous sequence of the Bonaparte Basin consists of a succession of eight ostracod assemblages that are based on the first appearance (in ascending order) of the following species: Welleriella atypha, Coryellina robertsi, Shivaella cf. armstrongiana, Coryellina cesarensis,. Malnina spinosa sp. nov., Selebratina serotina, Scrobicula inaequalis and A mphissites sp.B. The scale of assemblages is controlled by conodont and foraminiferal zonations, and is calibrated against the Dinantian time-scale. So far, the atypha, robertsi and armstrongiana Assemblages have been recognised in the Early Carboniferous (Tournaisian) sequence of the Canning Basin. The major affinities of the Early Carboniferous beyrichicopids and kirkbyocopes from the Bonaparte Basin are with cognate species from Western Europe (Belgium, northern England), the Russian Platform, Kazakhstan, and Tibet. North American affinities are of minor significance. In general terms, the entire Early Carboniferous ostracod fauna from the carbonate shelf sediments of the Bonaparte Basin belongs to the Bairdiacea-Paraparchitacea ecozone, suggesting warm climatic conditions. The Tournaisian (Burt Range Formation; Septimus Limestone) faunas may include ecologically mixed assemblages, i.e., marine nearshore and shallow offshore, but the palaeoecological studies needed to test this model must await the description of the total Early Carboniferous ostracod fauna. The Visean (Utting Calcarenite) Kirkbyacea are as frequent (in species abundance) as the Paraparchitacea, both superfamilies ranking second to the Bairdiacea; a proportion indicative of open-marine shallow offshore conditions.
Product Type
document
eCat Id
26
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Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave and Hindmarsh Dr GPO Box 378
Canberra
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Australia
Keywords
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- GA PublicationBulletin
- ( Theme )
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- palaeontology
- ( Theme )
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- marine
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- AU-NTAU-WA
- Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC)
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- Earth Sciences
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- Published_External
Publication Date
1989-01-01T00:00:00
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unknown
Topic Category
geoscientificInformation
Series Information
Bulletin 228
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Unknown
Parent Information
Extents
[-16.8, -14.7, 128.0, 129.5]
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