The rocks of the Carboniferous to Jurassic aged main Karoo Supergroup of South Africa preserve an internationally significant and stratigraphically continuous retro-arc foreland depositional sequence. This succession documents environmental change from glacial-marine, through fluvio-deltaic to continental fluvial and aeolian, culminating in rift associated continental flood basalt extrusions. The fluvio-deltaic transition from marine to continental deposition has been the subject of much recent research and corresponds with the position of the Ecca-Beaufort contact. Over the entire basin this transition comprises three separate lithofacies associations deposited in the prodelta, deltafront and delta plain environments. Anomolously the southeastern contact is currently mapped as reflecting fluvial deposits of the Koonap Formation lying unconformably on prodelta deposits of the Fort Brown Formation. Detailed study across the Ecca-Beaufort contact in this part of the basin now reveals the same lithological transition as is present in the rest of the basin. Contrary to previuos work, this has shown that the Waterford Formation is indeed present in this part of the basin. This in effect means that the Grahamstown map sheet (1:250 000, Map 3326) requires modification to include this Formation and the new contact placement of the Ecca-Beaufort contact occurs some 70 to 120m above the presently mapped contact. Fossils collected during this and previous studies show that biostratigraphically Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone fauna occurs in the rocks of the Koonap Formation in this part of the basin, indicating that the Ecca-Beaufort contact in the southern part of the basin youngs towards the east. This supports the prograding shoreline deposition model that has been previously proposed for the Ecca-Beaufort contact.

Carbonaceous fossil preservation is an important taphonomic window that provides critical perspectives on the evolutionary history of life. However, phylogenetic interpretation of carbonaceous fossils is not straightforward. This is largely because critical biological information is usually lost during fossilization and three-dimensional morphologies are flattened into two-dimensional compressions. Hence, innovative techniques and methods are required in order to better understand the evolutionary significance of these fossils. To achieve this goal, this dissertation is focused on using an array of innovative research techniques to investigate the paleobiology, biostratigraphy, and taphonomy of carbonaceous fossils in critical times of early life evolution, including Neoproterozoic and Cambrian. Chapters 2 to 5 in this dissertation present original research that helps to decipher hidden biological structures of various carbonaceous fossils using a series of research methods. An improved understanding of these carbonaceous remains will ultimately advance our knowledge regarding the early evolutionary history of life on Earth. Chapter two describes new cellular structures of the carbonaceous compression macrofossil Chuaria using backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy. The data show that Chuaria, which is one of the most common fossils in Neoproterozoic and whose phylogenetic interpretation has been uncertain, is likely a multicellular eukaryote. Chapter three is aimed to resolve a long debate on the depositional age of the Gouhou Formation in the Huaibei region of North China and to constrain the Precambrian-Cambrian (P-C) boundary in this area. Using a low manipulation maceration technique, this study reveals a diverse assemblage of organic-walled microfossils from the lower Gouhou Formation, suggesting that the lower Gouhou Formation is Tonian in age and the P-C boundary may be located within the Gouhou Formation. Chapter four reports a group of problematic carbonaceous compression macrofossils from the Hetang Formation in South China. Taphonomic analysis using optical and electron microscopy tentatively suggests that these carbonaceous macrofossils are probably carapaces of bivalved arthropods. The last chapter describes a group of sponge fossils with carbonaceous preservation from the early Cambrian Hetang Formation in South China. Using an array of electron microscopy techniques, this study reveals that siliceous spicules of the Hetang sponges have large axial filaments and large proportions of organic material, suggesting early sponge in the Precambrian and Cambrian may have had weakly mineralized or entirely organic skeletons. Results from this study helps to reconcile the apparently conflicting molecular clocks, biomarker fossils, and spicular fossils of early sponges. / PHD / Carbonaceous fossils can provide important information about the life on Earth in deep time. However, biological interpretation of carbonaceous fossils is not always straightforward, largely because critical biological information is usually lost during fossilization. To address this matter, this dissertation presents original research that helps to decipher hidden biological structures of various carbonaceous fossils using a series of innovative research techniques and methods. Specifically, Chapter two describes new cellular structures of the carbonaceous compression macrofossil Chuaria using backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy. The data show that Chuaria, which is one of the most common fossils in Neoproterozoic and whose biological interpretation has been uncertain, is likely a multicellular eukaryote. Chapter three is aimed to resolve a long debate on the depositional age of the Gouhou Formation in the Huaibei region of North China and to constrain the Precambrian-Cambrian (P-C) boundary in this area. Using a low manipulation maceration technique, this study reveals diverse organic-walled microfossils from the lower Gouhou Formation, suggesting that the lower Gouhou Formation is Tonian in age and the P-C boundary may be located within the Gouhou Formation. Chapter four reports a group of problematic carbonaceous compression macrofossils from the Hetang Formation in South China. This study, using optical and electron microscopy, suggests that these carbonaceous macrofossils are probably carapaces of bivalved arthropods. The last chapter describes a group of sponge fossils with carbonaceous preservation from the early Cambrian Hetang Formation in South China. Using an array of electron microscopy techniques, this study reveals that the Hetang sponges developed spicules with large proportions of organic material, suggesting early sponge in the Precambrian and Cambrian may have had weakly mineralized or entirely organic skeletons. Therefore, an improved understanding of these carbonaceous remains presented in this dissertation will ultimately advance our knowledge regarding how the early life on Earth evolved through time.

The reliability of foraminifera as stratigraphic index fossils, and as isotopic proxies of marine environments, is based on the assumption that the fossil concepts represent uniform species, responding consistently to their ambient environments. Understanding sources of uncertainty is, therefore, critical. In this dissertation, I explore a potential bias in the application of planktonic foraminifera utilized extensively for Cenozoic paleo-reconstruction and, to a lesser extent, biostratigraphy: the Globigerinoides ruber-elongatus plexus (‘plexus’ meaning a complex network of interconnected members). Taxonomic revisions since 1826 have resulted in the merging of multiple Globigerinoides species names under one general designation (“Globigerinoides ruber”), the implications of which are now under scrutiny. These “morphotypes” of G. ruber have been shown to incorporate stable isotopes and trace elements in seawater dissimilarly, and correspond to multiple genetic species, some of which occupy different environments. Various criteria exist to sub-divide, group, or distinguish members of the Globigerinoides plexus, most notably the recurring use of Globigerinoides elongatus as a less spherical, less symmetrical counterpart to G. ruber. But the efficacy of these various taxonomic criteria has not been tested quantitatively. Most rely on the traits of visually distinctive “end-members,” while specimens in the morphological “transitional zone” are left to an observer’s subjective interpretation. This prevents quantification in census counts, and may lead to erroneous geochemical analyses. Furthermore, molecular clock estimates suggest that the G. elongatus species evolved significantly later than G. ruber, affecting its potential as a biomarker. In this dissertation, I examine the potential of a minimal-criteria system for classifying Globigerinoides-type morphologies using only three conditions: final chamber compression, final chamber asymmetry, and aperture compression. Morphometric analyses on specimens grouped according to this new system allow us to assess to what degree visual classification reflects morphospace discontinuity. Armed with this information, I then explore potential isotopic offsets between members of the Globigerinoides plexus, and its use in reconstructing regional differences in climate or habitat influences in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean basins. Finally, having shown that G. ruber and G. elongatus can be reliably visually distinguished, I tracked the species’ fossil presence individually in a deep core from the South China Sea, and confirmed the presence of G. ruber in the South China Sea through the late Miocene, and G. elongatus through the Pleistocene. While it is believed that neither species was traced to its true first occurrence (FO), the relative FO of G. ruber was shown to be 4–5 Ma before G. elongatus

Pterotocrinus is an echinoderm of the class Crinoidea that is restricted to the Chesterian Series (Chestnut and Ettensohn, 1988; Sutton, 1934). The most identifiable and best preserved remains of Pterotocrinus are the wing plates (Welsh, 1978). These wing plates are specialized tegmen plates that give Pterotocrinus its name (from pteron, Greek for "wing") (Welsh, 1978). This study questions whether or not wing plates can be used for biostratigraphy throughout the Chesterian Series, as well as what the functions of the wing plates were. New morphologies of Pterotocrinus found within the Menard Limestone during this study bring into question the biostratigraphical usefulness of many of the morphologies of Pterotocrinus wing plates. Certain species of Pterotocrinus appear to remain valuable index fossils within the Menard Limestone and the Kinkaid Formation. Four new morphologies were collected within the Menard Limestone during this study. These new finds draw questions about our knowledge of this genus. This study also attempted to explain the function of the wing plate, and how it may have changed over time. Pterotocrinus wing plates evolved rapidly during the Chesterian Series developing vastly different morphologies from the time the Menard Limestone was deposited to the time when the Kinkaid Formation was deposited. This study suggests a functional shift over time, with the wing plates of the Menard Limestone acting as rudders to orient the calyx to either assist in feeding or reduce stress on the calyx, and the wing plates of the Kinkaid Formation acting as an antipredatory defense mechanism. This study presents new conclusions and new questions regarding the wing plates of Pterotocrinus.

No description available.

The Upper Devonian of the central-southern Appalachians Valley and Ridge province of Virginia lacks stratigraphic resolution, revised formal nomenclature, and detailed biostratigraphic data. Eight of the most complete sections available in a three thousand square mile area were used to build a framework for revising the stratigraphy of the Upper Devonian strata in southwestern Virginia. Detailed lithologic descriptions of about four thousand feet (1.3 km) of rock were made at each outcrop. John Dennison's (1970 and 1976) nomenclature for the Upper Devonian along the Alleghany Front was successfully tested for it usefulness in Southwestern Virginia and are hereby applied to these rocks. The stratigraphic interval ranges in age from the Middle Devonian to the Lower Carboniferous. The stratigraphic units include the Middle Devonian Millboro Shale, the Upper Devonian Brallier, Scherr, Foreknobs (formally the "Chemung"), Hampshire, and the Lower Carboniferous Price Formation. The Brallier contains two members (Back Creek Siltstone and Minnehaha Springs), the Foreknobs is divided into five members (Mallow, Briery Gap, Blizzard, Pound, and Red Lick), and the lower Price is divided into three members (the Cloyd Conglomerate, Sunbury Shale, and the Ceres). 23046 fossils were collected and 160 taxa were identified. The biostratigraphic range of each taxon was compiled, analyzed, and then divided into biostratigraphic zones. 19 local biozones are described. The Frasnian/Famennian boundary is accurately placed based on occurrences of internationally known index fossils. The Frasnian/Famennian extinction event is recognized and is determined to have two pulses. The local biostratigraphic zonations doubled the resolution of previous studies. Lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic data were combined to look at the timing and rates of events. The lithostratigrapic divisions were tested to see if their boundaries are or are not time transgressive. The Brallier/Foreknobs, Blizzard/Pound, and Pound/Redlick boundaries are crossed by biozones. Conversely the Frasnian/Famennian boundary crosses the lithologic boundary between the Pound and Red Lick Members. This documents the prograding nature of the clastic wedge. Composite biostratigraphic ranges correlate with ranges in New York and western Maryland. This detailed lithostraigraphic and biostratigraphic study documents a comprehensive and higher resolution understanding of the Upper Devonian in the Central-Southern Appalachian Basin. / Ph. D.

<p>The only direct evidence of past life is provided by fossils. Fossils tell us about the evolution of life on Earth and they give us clues concerning ancient environments. The Ediacaran Period (roughly 635-542 million years ago) is characterised by the appearance and diversification of various microbiota and also the diversification of metazoans. Well-preserved organic-walled microfossils referred to as acritarchs occur abundantly in Ediacaran sedimentary successions in the Officer Basin in South Australia. Acritarch assemblages from the Giles 1 and Murnaroo 1 drillcores show a wide morphological disparity and are taxonomically diverse. Assemblages change over short stratigraphic intervals which enables the recognition of different biozones. The presence of taxa common between Australia, Siberia, Baltica and China provides a means for global correlation of the Ediacaran System. Examination of the wall ultrastructure of several acritarch specimens by use of transmission electron microscopy reveals a complexity in the cell wall that is not seen in prokaryotes but is indicative in some cases of particular clades of microalgae. Wall ultrastructures range from single-layered to three- and four-layered and from homogeneous to porous. The wall ultrastructure can be used to assess biological affinities and the affinities of the studied taxa in relation to green algae, dinoflagellates and metazoans are discussed. However, before taxonomic interpretations can be made with confidence, an understanding of taphonomic degradation of microorganisms is required. With focus on illustrated specimens, one part of this thesis explains what happens to an acritarch as it undergoes various types of degradation and why an understanding of these processes is important for taxonomic identification. A meteorite impact in South Australia spread an ejecta layer over a 550 km radius area. This ejecta layer is recognised in subsurface drillcores and provides an independent stratigraphic marker horizon that supports an acritarch-based correlation.</p>

<p>Through the analysis of the stratigraphic and spatial distribution of organic walled dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) from climatologically and oceanographically key sites, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Eocene-Oligocene (E/O) environmental changes and their timing. A central issue is to identify the global environmental changes which are responsible for the Eocene cooling and its underlying mechanisms with the focus on the Oligocene isotope-1 (Oi-1) event, thought to mark the onset of major Antarctic glaciation.</p><p>Two low-latitude sites were selected, Blake Nose (western North Atlantic) and Massignano (central Italy). For the first time a coherent taxonomy and biostratigraphy of dinocysts was established for the late Eocene at these latitudes. A high resolution correlation was established between the Massignano E/O Stratotype Section and the stratigraphically more extended ‘Massicore’. The composite section was used to analyse sea surface temperature (SST) change across the greenhouse-icehouse transition by means of dinocyst distribution.</p><p>At Massignano, the Oi-1 event was recognised both qualitatively and quantitatively. In the power spectrum of the SST_dino the ~100 and ~400 kyr eccentricity cycles may be distinguished and correlated with La04. When orbitally tuned, the E/O GSSP dates ~100 kyr older than the Oi-1 event. The boundary’s age could either be ~33.75 or ~34.1 Ma, both differ significantly from the ~33.9 Ma age in the GTS 2004.</p><p>Furthermore, when the data from the low-latitude sites were combined with extensive datasets from the Proto North Atlantic and adjacent regions, a suite of species sensitive to changes in SST was recognised. Their first and last occurrences reflect seven distinct phases of decreasing SSTs during the Middle Eocene to earliest Oligocene.</p><p>These results clearly indicate that atmospheric cooling together with higher frequency orbital forcing played a key role in the transition from the Greenhouse to the Icehouse world.</p>

The presented thesis is focused on the Radiolaria of the Czech Cretaceous Basin. The studied material was collected in Březno u Loun and in the Úpohlavy quarry. Biology, ecology and morphology, as well as systematics of the whole group is discussed. An important part of this thesis constitutes of the geological settings of Cretaceous, Czech Cretaceous Basin and both localities. 26 samples from Březno and 24 samples from the Úpohlavy quarry have been studied using several methods with the aim to obtain most numerous and best preserved communities possible. Despite poor preservation of the shells, 9 species have been identified. Several shells have been assigned at least to the genus or order levels. Species of Dictyomitra communis (Squinabol, 1904), Dictyomitra cf. napaensis Pessagno, 1976, Turbocapsula cf. giennensis O'Dogherty, 1994, Novixitus cf. mclaughlini Pessagno, 1977, Stichomitra cf. stocki (Campbell & Clark, 1944), Stichomitra communis Squinabol, 1903, Stichomitra japonica (Nakaseko & Nishimura), in Nakaseko et. al., 1979, Holocryptocanium barbui Dumitrica, 1970, cf. Pseudoaulophacus pargueraensis Pessagno, 1963 and genera of Orbiculiforma, Stichomitra, cf. Cryptamphorella have been reported in the Czech Cretaceous Basin for the first time.

As análises palinológicas desenvolvidas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul estiveram, em sua maioria, relacionadas ao estudo das jazidas de carvão, resultando no reconhecimento de associações palinológicas vinculadas estreitamente às paleoturfeiras. Como resultado, o conhecimento das demais associações palinológicas permianas é menos detalhado, com efeito na compartimentação palinobioestratigráfica da Bacia do Paraná, tornando-se necessário aprimorar os limites das biozonas estabelecidas e compreender o melhor significado da sucessão bioestratigráfica. Esta tese compreende a análise palinológica dos poços HN-05-RS e HN-25-RS e de um afloramento localizados na região de Candiota – Hulha Negra, sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Um total de oito amostras foi coletado no afloramento (formações Rio Bonito e Palermo), enquanto 114 são referentes a amostras de subsuperfície, envolvendo o intervalo entre o Subgrupo Itararé à Formação Rio do Rasto. A análise palinológica permitiu a identificação de 143 espécies, incluindo esporos (64), grãos de pólen (67) e elementos microplanctônicos (12). As características qualitativas e quantitativas das associações recuperadas nos dois poços permitiram a proposição de três zonas de associação, designadas como: (i) Zona Granulatisporites austroamericanus – Vittatina saccata (GV), ocorrente entre o Subgrupo Itararé e topo da Formação Rio Bonito; (ii) Zona Lundbladispora braziliensis – Weylandites lucifer (LW), entre o topo da Formação Rio Bonito/base da Formação Palermo à porção média desta última; e (iii) Zona Thymospora thiesseni – Lueckisporites virkkiae (TL), entre a porção média da Formação Palermo à base da Formação Rio do Rasto. As distribuições dos táxons em cada uma dessas unidades são distintas das amplitudes apresentadas para a Bacia do Paraná em território brasileiro e encontram maiores similaridades com o zoneamento do norte do território uruguaio, de idades coevas. Na Bacia do Paraná, as zonas GV e LW são correlatas, grosso modo, à Zona V. costabilis, enquanto a Zona TL é correspondente à Zona L. virkkiae, ainda que divergências nos táxons tenham sido observadas. Por outro lado, as zonas GV, LW e TL são muito semelhantes às zonas estabelecidas no Uruguai, Cristatisporites inconstans – Vittatina subsaccata, de Intervalo de Lundbladispora e Striatoabieites anaverrucosus – Staurosaccites cordubensis, respectivamente, ainda inéditas. Adicionalmente, uma nova idade radiométrica foi obtida para a Formação Rio Bonito no afloramento estudado, onde foram reconhecidas as zonas de idade permiana V. costabilis (níveis C1 a C3, relativos ao topo da Formação iii Rio Bonito) e L. virrkiae (C4 a C8, correspondentes ao topo da Formação Rio Bonito à base da Formação Palermo). A idade de 281,4 ± 3,4 Ma é interpretada como a base da Zona Lueckisporites ou topo da Zona GV, conforme o conteúdo palinológico nas camadas acima e abaixo do nível de tonstein utilizado na datação. Ao confrontar esta datação absoluta com outras selecionadas para a bacia, o posicionamento das biozonas é proposto como segue: (i) Zona Granulatisporites austroamericanus – Vittatina saccata, entre o Asseliano à porção média do Artinskiano; (ii) Zona Lundbladispora braziliensis – Weylandites lucifer, Artinskiano Médio; e (iii) Zona Thymospora thiesseni – Lueckisporites virkkiae, datada como Artinskiano Médio/Superior ao Wordiano. / Mostly of the palynological analysis carried out in Rio Grande do Sul State is related to the study of the coal seams, which resulted in the recognition of palynological associations closely linked to swampy paleoenvironments. As result, other Permian palynogical associations are poorly defined, affecting the palynostratigraphic scheme developed to the Paraná Basin, which implies in necessities on improvement of the limits of those biozones and the better understanding on the meaning of the biostratigraphical succession. This thesis involves palynological studies on the HN-05-RS and HN-25-RS boreholes and one outcrop all located in Candiota – Hulha Negra region, southern Rio Grande do Sul. Eight samples was collected in the ouctcrop (corresponding to Rio Bonito and Palermo formations), while 114 samples corresponds to subsurface, related to the interval between the Itararé Subgroup and Rio do Rasto Formation. The palynological analysis allowed the recognition of 143 species among spores (64), pollen grains (67) and microplanktonic elements (12). The quantitative and qualitative aspects of the recovered associations in the boreholes enable the proposition of three association biozones, designated as: (i) Granulatisporites austroamericanus - Vittatina saccata Zone (GV), occurring between the Itararé Subgroup and topmost deposits of the Rio Bonito Formation, (ii) Lundbladispora braziliensis - Weylandites lucifer Zone (LW), from the top of Rio Bonito/base of the Palermo Formation to the middle portion of this last unit, and (iii) Thymospora thiesseni - Lueckisporites virkkiae Zone (TL), which occurs between the middle portion of Palermo-Formation to the base of Rio do Rasto Formation. The distribution of some taxa in each of these units are distinct from the know ranges presented to the Paraná Basin in the brazilian portion, and record more similarities with the biozone of northern Uruguay, of coeval ages. In the Paraná Basin, the GV and LW zones are roughly correlated to Zone V. costabilis, while the TL Zone corresponds to the L. virkkiae Zone, although differences in the taxa have been observed. Otherwise, the GV, LW and TL zones are very similar to the Uruguayan biozones, such as Cristatisporites inconstans - Vittatina subsaccata, Interval of Lundbladispora and Striatoabieites anaverrucosus - Staurosaccites cordubensis, respectively, although these are still unpublished. Moreover, a new radiometric age was obtained for the Rio Bonito Formation in the outcrop studied, in which was recognized the Permian biozones V. costabilis Zone ( C1-C3 levels, related to the topmost deposits of the Rio Bonito Formation) and L. virkkiae Zone (C4-C8 levels, between the topmost v Rio Bonito Formation and basal portion of the Palermo Formation). The age of 281.4 ± 3.4 Ma is interpreted as the base of Lueckisporites Zone or top of the GV Zone, according to the palynogical content related to the nearest layers of the tonstein used on the dating. Comparing this new absolute age with other selected datings for the basin, the positioning of biozones is proposed as follows: (i) Granulatisporites austroamericanus - Vittatina saccata Zone between the Middle Asselian to the Artinskian, (ii) Lundbladispora braziliensis - Weylandites lucifer Zone, Middle Artinskian, and (iii) Thymospora thiessen - Lueckisporites virkkiae Zone as Middle/Upper Artinskian to Wordian.