Coralline red algae from late Palaeocene–earliest Eocene carbonates of Meghalaya, N–E India: palaeocommunity and trophic-level implications

Abstract

Coralline red algae are important skeletal components of the Sylhet Limestone platform deposits outcropping in Meghalaya, N–E India. These are highly abundant in the presently studied Late Palaeocene–earliest Eocene carbonate succession pertinent to the Lakadong Limestone. The coralline algae are mainly represented by melobesioid and sporolithacean taxa characterised by encrusting, warty, lumpy, fruticose, and unconsolidated growth forms. Larger benthic foraminifera are also abundant in the examined biotic assemblages. Herein, the aspects of palaeocommunity analysis and trophic-level reconstruction have been approached as well. Special emphasis has been given to the dominant fossil coralline algae by means of discussion on their systematic descriptions and contribution to the community structure as one of the primary producers. Palaeocommunity analysis through the evaluation of the fossil assemblages makes it possible to interpret trophic-group differentiation in primary producers and various consumer groups. A schematic food web organization supported by the recorded biogenic components has also been deciphered.