During the Austral Spring of 2007-2008 the ANtarctic geological DRILLing program (ANDRILL) recovered a 1,138 meter long sediment core AND-2A from the western side of the Victoria Land Basin for the Southern McMurdo Sound Project. The main goal of the project is to help establish a Neogene (~24 to 1.6 Mya) ice volume and climate record of Antarctica. This study focuses on the foraminifera record of AND-2A for paleoenvironmental and biostratigraphic purposes.AND-2A is unique in that it contains a Middle Miocene record (~17 to ~11 Mya) that includes the Middle Miocene transition of warm climatic conditions favoring polythermal ice sheets to major cooling into polar conditions resulting in the quasi-permanent formation of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. This Middle Miocene transition has not been previously recovered from the Antarctic continental margin.The foraminifer record is not abundant; however, three assemblage zones are identified throughout AND-2A. Calcareous benthic taxa dominate every assemblage, as well as displaying similarities between modern shallow shelf assemblages around Antarctica and assemblages from previous drilling projects in the Ross Sea sector. The foraminifera record displays a dynamic environmental record and is supported by both the sedimentologic and other paleontologic findings.

Marine sediment samples were collected from Quebrada la Higuera, Chile to provide a record of planktonic and benthic foraminifera as a means of reconstructing the paleo-bathymetry and paleo-environment of the Quebrada la Higuera basin. The research area is located in northern Chile, south of Caldera in Quebrada la Higuera (S 27° 16.443, W 70° 54.887). The Quebrada la Higuera basin rests unconformably atop Mesozoic gabbroic basement, which is locally exposed, representing fault-bounded horsts and grabens. At the base of the section, diatomaceous sediment within the sequence suggests intervals of high productivity. The co-occurrence of the shallower water benthic species Nonionella miocenica and Epistominella pulchella with deep-water species Bolivina tumida, Uvigerina peregrina, Globobulimina auriculata, and Bolivina subfusiformis, at 10-23 m above the base of the section and again at 44-62 m, within fining-upward sedimentary packages suggests possible turbidites caused by transgressive-regressive cycles. Additionally, the occurrence and high abundance of these species are indicative of high productivity. A 30-40 cm Late Miocene phosphatic bed consisting of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils lies unconformably atop a poorly consolidated sand ~42 m from the base of the section. This phosphatic bed suggests that upwelling was occurring off the coast of Chile earlier than previously believed. The hyperaridity of Chile's Atacama Desert has been the result of the cold upwelling Peru-Chile current, which is further intensified by the rain-shadow effect of the Andes and the cold, dry descending Hadley cell. The occurrence of planktonic foraminifer Globigerina bulloides at the base of the section establishes the maximum possible lower age limit of 15.97 Ma (Middle Miocene). At 47 m, the co-occurrence of Globorotalia margaritae, Globorotalia crassaformis, and Dentogloboquadrina altispira establishes a maximum age limit for that horizon of ~3.6 Ma (Early Pliocene), providing an age range for the Quebrada la Higuera section from Middle Miocene through Early Pliocene. This study provides a record of planktonic and benthic foraminifera as a means of reconstructing the paleohistory of Quebrada la Higuera and more broadly through the Caldera region. The analyses address interactions between uplift, atmospheric conditions, sea level, and upwelling within the region from interpretations of the composite section, including facies relationship between sediments and occurring foraminifera species. These observations, along with the foraminiferal record, help broaden the understanding and development of the Quebrada la Higuera Neogene record.

As 93 amostras palinológicas obtidas deste estudo são oriundas de 12 afloramentos relacionados às formações Solimões e Içá, na região de Coari (5 afloramentos) e Alto Solimões (7 afloramentos), Bacia do Solimões, no estado do Amazonas. Este trabalho apresenta os palinomorfos reconhecidos nestes depósitos (incluindo descrições quando necessárias), com registro fotomicrográfico, relativos a 11 taxons de esporos de fungos, 7 algas, 1 escolecodonte, 1 cisto de dinoflagelado, 31 esporos de pteridófitas, 2 grãos de pólen de gimnospermas e 48 grãos de pólens de angiospermas. Perfis compostos foram construídos para os depósitos aflorantes das regiões de Alto Solimões e Coari, com interpretação estratigráfica. A composição da palinoflora em ambas as áreas apresenta contrastes, sendo aquela de Alto Solimões a de menor diversidade, mas com maior abundância, em comparação com a de Coari. Na região do Alto Solimões há documentação de formas como Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Foveotriletes ornatos, Magnastriatites grandiosus e a ocorrência de um cisto de dinoflagelado, que confirma influência marinha local para a Formação Solimões. Na região de Coari foi verificado predomínio de esporomorfos, evidenciando contexto continental para as formações Solimões e Içá. Palinofósseis guias de zoneamentos palinológicos foram reconhecidos para a região do Alto Solimões, tais como Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Grimsdalea magnaclavata, Multimarginites vanderhammeni, Diphyes latiusculus, entre outros. A associação dessas formas permitiu posicionar os depósitos da Formação Solimões na região de Tabatinga e Atalaia do Norte entre o Serravaliano e o Tortoniano (Mioceno Médio/ Superior), com correspondência com a Zona Grimsdalea, pré-estabelecida para intervalo coevo da unidade. Para Coari as amostras foram posicionadas no Neomioceno/Plioceno, a partir do reconhecimento da Subzona de Intervalo de Fenestrites longispinisus, ainda que na área este apresente baixa frequência. Ainda na região de Coari são identificados depósitos mais jovens, a partir da presença de Alnipollenites verus, que indica idade Pleistocena. / The 93 pollen samples obtained in this study were the result of research 12 outcrops related to Solimões and Içá formations in the region of Coari (5 outcrops) and Alto Solimões (7 outcrops) in the state of Amazonas. This paper presents the recognized palinomorphs (including descriptions when necessary) and photomicrographs of 11 fungal spores, 7 algae, 1 escolecodont, 1 dinoflagellate cyst, 31 fern spores and 48 pollen grains of angiosperms. The composition of palinoflora in both areas shows contrasts with that of the Alto Solimões less diverse, but more abundantly in comparison with the Coari. In the Alto Solimões is no documentation of ways Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Foveotriletes ornamentos, Magnastriatites grandiosus and the occurrence of a dinoflagellate cyst, confirming local marine influence to the Solimões Formation. In Coari region was verified predominance of esporomorphs, showing the continental context for the Solimões and Içá formations. Guides species of zonal schemes previously proposed were recognized for the Alto Solimões, such as Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Grimsdalea magnaclavata, Multimarginites vanderhammeni, Diphyes latiusculus, among others. The association of these forms allowed positioning of the deposits of the Solimões Formation in the region of Tabatinga and Atalaia do Norte on the edge of Serravaliano-Tortonian intervals (Miocene Middle and Upper), with correspondence with the Grimsdalea Zone, preset to coeval range of the unit. To Coari samples were placed in Neomioceno / Pliocene, from the recognition Interval Subdivision of Fenestrites longispinisus, although in this area has a low frequency. Still in the region Coari younger deposits are identified from the presence of Alnipollenites verus, which indicates age Pleistocene.

As 93 amostras palinológicas obtidas deste estudo são oriundas de 12 afloramentos relacionados às formações Solimões e Içá, na região de Coari (5 afloramentos) e Alto Solimões (7 afloramentos), Bacia do Solimões, no estado do Amazonas. Este trabalho apresenta os palinomorfos reconhecidos nestes depósitos (incluindo descrições quando necessárias), com registro fotomicrográfico, relativos a 11 taxons de esporos de fungos, 7 algas, 1 escolecodonte, 1 cisto de dinoflagelado, 31 esporos de pteridófitas, 2 grãos de pólen de gimnospermas e 48 grãos de pólens de angiospermas. Perfis compostos foram construídos para os depósitos aflorantes das regiões de Alto Solimões e Coari, com interpretação estratigráfica. A composição da palinoflora em ambas as áreas apresenta contrastes, sendo aquela de Alto Solimões a de menor diversidade, mas com maior abundância, em comparação com a de Coari. Na região do Alto Solimões há documentação de formas como Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Foveotriletes ornatos, Magnastriatites grandiosus e a ocorrência de um cisto de dinoflagelado, que confirma influência marinha local para a Formação Solimões. Na região de Coari foi verificado predomínio de esporomorfos, evidenciando contexto continental para as formações Solimões e Içá. Palinofósseis guias de zoneamentos palinológicos foram reconhecidos para a região do Alto Solimões, tais como Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Grimsdalea magnaclavata, Multimarginites vanderhammeni, Diphyes latiusculus, entre outros. A associação dessas formas permitiu posicionar os depósitos da Formação Solimões na região de Tabatinga e Atalaia do Norte entre o Serravaliano e o Tortoniano (Mioceno Médio/ Superior), com correspondência com a Zona Grimsdalea, pré-estabelecida para intervalo coevo da unidade. Para Coari as amostras foram posicionadas no Neomioceno/Plioceno, a partir do reconhecimento da Subzona de Intervalo de Fenestrites longispinisus, ainda que na área este apresente baixa frequência. Ainda na região de Coari são identificados depósitos mais jovens, a partir da presença de Alnipollenites verus, que indica idade Pleistocena. / The 93 pollen samples obtained in this study were the result of research 12 outcrops related to Solimões and Içá formations in the region of Coari (5 outcrops) and Alto Solimões (7 outcrops) in the state of Amazonas. This paper presents the recognized palinomorphs (including descriptions when necessary) and photomicrographs of 11 fungal spores, 7 algae, 1 escolecodont, 1 dinoflagellate cyst, 31 fern spores and 48 pollen grains of angiosperms. The composition of palinoflora in both areas shows contrasts with that of the Alto Solimões less diverse, but more abundantly in comparison with the Coari. In the Alto Solimões is no documentation of ways Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Foveotriletes ornamentos, Magnastriatites grandiosus and the occurrence of a dinoflagellate cyst, confirming local marine influence to the Solimões Formation. In Coari region was verified predominance of esporomorphs, showing the continental context for the Solimões and Içá formations. Guides species of zonal schemes previously proposed were recognized for the Alto Solimões, such as Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Grimsdalea magnaclavata, Multimarginites vanderhammeni, Diphyes latiusculus, among others. The association of these forms allowed positioning of the deposits of the Solimões Formation in the region of Tabatinga and Atalaia do Norte on the edge of Serravaliano-Tortonian intervals (Miocene Middle and Upper), with correspondence with the Grimsdalea Zone, preset to coeval range of the unit. To Coari samples were placed in Neomioceno / Pliocene, from the recognition Interval Subdivision of Fenestrites longispinisus, although in this area has a low frequency. Still in the region Coari younger deposits are identified from the presence of Alnipollenites verus, which indicates age Pleistocene.

As 93 amostras palinológicas obtidas deste estudo são oriundas de 12 afloramentos relacionados às formações Solimões e Içá, na região de Coari (5 afloramentos) e Alto Solimões (7 afloramentos), Bacia do Solimões, no estado do Amazonas. Este trabalho apresenta os palinomorfos reconhecidos nestes depósitos (incluindo descrições quando necessárias), com registro fotomicrográfico, relativos a 11 taxons de esporos de fungos, 7 algas, 1 escolecodonte, 1 cisto de dinoflagelado, 31 esporos de pteridófitas, 2 grãos de pólen de gimnospermas e 48 grãos de pólens de angiospermas. Perfis compostos foram construídos para os depósitos aflorantes das regiões de Alto Solimões e Coari, com interpretação estratigráfica. A composição da palinoflora em ambas as áreas apresenta contrastes, sendo aquela de Alto Solimões a de menor diversidade, mas com maior abundância, em comparação com a de Coari. Na região do Alto Solimões há documentação de formas como Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Foveotriletes ornatos, Magnastriatites grandiosus e a ocorrência de um cisto de dinoflagelado, que confirma influência marinha local para a Formação Solimões. Na região de Coari foi verificado predomínio de esporomorfos, evidenciando contexto continental para as formações Solimões e Içá. Palinofósseis guias de zoneamentos palinológicos foram reconhecidos para a região do Alto Solimões, tais como Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Grimsdalea magnaclavata, Multimarginites vanderhammeni, Diphyes latiusculus, entre outros. A associação dessas formas permitiu posicionar os depósitos da Formação Solimões na região de Tabatinga e Atalaia do Norte entre o Serravaliano e o Tortoniano (Mioceno Médio/ Superior), com correspondência com a Zona Grimsdalea, pré-estabelecida para intervalo coevo da unidade. Para Coari as amostras foram posicionadas no Neomioceno/Plioceno, a partir do reconhecimento da Subzona de Intervalo de Fenestrites longispinisus, ainda que na área este apresente baixa frequência. Ainda na região de Coari são identificados depósitos mais jovens, a partir da presença de Alnipollenites verus, que indica idade Pleistocena. / The 93 pollen samples obtained in this study were the result of research 12 outcrops related to Solimões and Içá formations in the region of Coari (5 outcrops) and Alto Solimões (7 outcrops) in the state of Amazonas. This paper presents the recognized palinomorphs (including descriptions when necessary) and photomicrographs of 11 fungal spores, 7 algae, 1 escolecodont, 1 dinoflagellate cyst, 31 fern spores and 48 pollen grains of angiosperms. The composition of palinoflora in both areas shows contrasts with that of the Alto Solimões less diverse, but more abundantly in comparison with the Coari. In the Alto Solimões is no documentation of ways Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Foveotriletes ornamentos, Magnastriatites grandiosus and the occurrence of a dinoflagellate cyst, confirming local marine influence to the Solimões Formation. In Coari region was verified predominance of esporomorphs, showing the continental context for the Solimões and Içá formations. Guides species of zonal schemes previously proposed were recognized for the Alto Solimões, such as Crassoretitriletes vanraadshooveni, Grimsdalea magnaclavata, Multimarginites vanderhammeni, Diphyes latiusculus, among others. The association of these forms allowed positioning of the deposits of the Solimões Formation in the region of Tabatinga and Atalaia do Norte on the edge of Serravaliano-Tortonian intervals (Miocene Middle and Upper), with correspondence with the Grimsdalea Zone, preset to coeval range of the unit. To Coari samples were placed in Neomioceno / Pliocene, from the recognition Interval Subdivision of Fenestrites longispinisus, although in this area has a low frequency. Still in the region Coari younger deposits are identified from the presence of Alnipollenites verus, which indicates age Pleistocene.

No description available.

No description available.

The paleontology of reptiles in the Caribbean is a topic of great interest to understand how the current fauna of the area was constituted from colonization and extinction of their groups. The largest number of fossils belongs to Squamata, ranging from the Eocene to our days. The registry covers all the islands of the Greater Antilles, most of the Lesser Antilles, and of the Bahamas. Cuba, the largest island of the Antilles, has a relatively sparse Squamata fossil record, with 11 known species from 10 locations, distributed in the West and Center of the Country. However, there are many other fossils deposited in biological collections without identification that could better clarify the history of their reptile fauna. A total of 328 fossils from three paleontological collections were selected for their analysis, searching osteological characteristics that would serve to diagnose them at the lowest possible taxonomic level, and compare them with other fossils and recent species. In the present work, the Squamata fossil record is increased, both in the number of species and in the number of localities. The registry is extended to practically all of the Cuban territory. Fossil remains belonging to previously reported species are confirmed, such as Leiocephalus cubensis, L. carinatus, Tarentola americana, Chilabothrus angulifer, and Cubophis cantherigerus. Fossils of Amphisbaena, Pholidoscelis auberi, and Leiocephalus macropus are described for the first time. Besides, other fossils belonging to the genera Tarentola, Leiocephalus, and Chilabothrus but different from the species that currently inhabit the archipelago, are described. These results show that the Squamata fossil record in Cuba is broader than what was previously considered, despite being composed of very fragile and small fossils with little potential for fossilization. For the paleontology of Squamata the description of new taxa and record of new localities in Cuba, are the first steps for more integrating studies on biological diversity, evolution, biogeography, paleoenvironment among others that contribute to the understanding of the fauna in the Caribbean region. / A paleontologia de répteis no Caribe é um tema de grande interesse para entender como a fauna atual da área foi constituída a partir da colonização e extinção dos seus grupos. O maior número de fósseis pertence a Squamata, que vai desde o Eoceno até nossos dias. O registro abrange todas as ilhas das Grandes Antilhas, a maioria das Pequenas Antilhas e as Bahamas. Cuba, a maior ilha das Antilhas, tem um registro fóssil de Squamata relativamente escasso, com 11 espécies conhecidas de 10 localidades, distribuídas no oeste e centro do país. No entanto, existem muitos outros fósseis depositados em coleções biológicas sem identificação, que poderiam esclarecer melhor a história de sua fauna de répteis. Um total de 328 fósseis de três coleções paleontológicas foi selecionado para sua análise, buscando características osteológicas diagnosticas do menor nível taxonômico possível, e comparando-os com outros fósseis e espécies recentes. No presente trabalho, o registro fóssil de Squamata foi aumentado, tanto em número de espécies quanto em número de localidades. O registro foi estendido a praticamente todo o território cubano. Restos fósseis pertencentes às espécies relatadas anteriormente são confirmados, como Leiocephalus cubensis, L. carinatus, Tarentola americana, Chilabothrus angulifer e Cubophis cantherigerus. Fósseis de Amphisbaena, Pholidoscelis auberi e Leiocephalus macropus foram descritos pela primeira vez, bem como de outros fósseis pertencentes aos gêneros Tarentola, Leiocephalus e Chilabothrus, mas diferentes das espécies que atualmente habitam o arquipélago. Esses resultados mostram que o registro fóssil de Squamata em Cuba é mais amplo do que era considerado anteriormente, apesar de ser composto de fósseis muito frágeis e pequenos, com pouco potencial para a fossilização. Para a paleontologia de Squamata, a descrição de novos táxons e registro de novas localidades em Cuba são os primeiros passos para estudos mais integradores sobre diversidade biológica, evolução, biogeografia, paleoambiente entre outros que contribuam ao entendimento da fauna na região do Caribe.

Though much is known of the global paleoclimate during the Neogene, little is understood about eastern North America at that time. During the Neogene the global paleoclimate was transitioning from the warm temperatures and higher levels of precipitation of the Paleogene to the cooler temperatures and lower levels of precipitation during the Pleistocene. Eleven fossil sites from Neogene eastern North America were analyzed using the Coexistence Approach: Pollack Farm, Brandon Lignite, Legler Lignite, Alum Bluff, Bryn Mawr, Big Creek on Sicily Island, Brandywine, Gray Fossil Site, Citronelle, Peace Creek, and Ohoopee River Dune Field. Analyses showed a general trend that early and middle Miocene sites were warmer than the area today, while middle and late Miocene sites were comparable to the area today, and Pliocene sites were comparable to or cooler than the area today. However, there is no clear trend of increased precipitation during the Neogene.

This study focuses on reconstructing the dynamics within the Pliocene San Joaquin Basin (SJB) molluscan fauna. This was accomplished by 'binning' the data within a constrained chronostratigraphic framework into: 1) 484 individual stratigraphically-ordered locality collections; 2.) 116 stratigraphically-sequential compiled ten-meter sample intervals; 3.) 15 intervals compiled by 4th-order eustatic cycles; 4.) three formation-level compiled samples; and 5.) the Etchegoin group fauna (informal San Joaquin Basin nomenclature) overall. These datasets were analyzed by inferential, multivariate, and descriptive statistics to examine local and regional environmental controls on faunal composition, community associations and distributions; cross-scale faunal structure; and large-scale environmental controls on immigration, diversity, and extinction. Primary environmental controls on community composition and spatial distribution were substrate type and water paleo-depth. Consequently, the Pliocene SJB record is one of a temporal succession of complexly distributed habitats and species. Regional habitat patchiness controlled individual locality-level (a1) diversity and contributed 62% of regional sample-level (a2) diversity. Endemic species comprise 30% of the fauna but account for 42% of a2 diversity, indicative of their environmental sensitivity. Partitioning a2 diversity between non-endemic and endemic species reveals habitats segmented as shared or available solely to endemic species. At the level of 4th-order eustatic variations, diversity between temporal samples (b1) accounts for ~80% of total (y) diversity consistent with eustatic control of faunal structure. During eustatic fluctuations, endemic habitats expanded and contracted at rates greater than shared habitats. Invading species quickly filled shared habitat during transgression and displaced endemic species during regression. Therefore, climatic- and regression-driven hydrologic change and productivity collapse in the Pliocene SJB led to seven extinctions of >40% species. Peak faunal diversity corresponded to periods of highest sea-levels whereas low-diversity faunas characterized low to rising sea levels. Thus, speciation events following extinctions suggest diversification of surviving faunas into habitats newly-created by changed environmental conditions.The broader implication of this study is that during current global sea level rise depleted endemic faunas of shallow-coastal and ocean-marginal environments will be displaced into the shared-habitat with consequent extinction likely if adaptation does not keep pace with environmental change.