First record of Reduviasporonites from the Permian–Triassic transition (Gondwana Supergroup) of India

Abstract

Kar, R. & Ghosh, A.K., May 2018. First record of Reduviasporonites from the Permian–Triassic transition (Gondwana Supergroup) of India. Alcheringa XX, XXX–XXX. ISSN 0311-5518.We have performed a palynological study from an outcrop succession within the Gondwana Supergroup in India, spanning the end-Permian event. The sampled succession is located within the Tatapani-Ramkola Coalfield, in the Balrampur District of Chhattisgarh State, India. Diverse and well-preserved palynological assemblages representing non-marine successions were identified and four assemblage zones were distinguished: the upper Permian Zone I: Striatopodocarpites–Densipollenites, and Zone II: Striatopodocarpites–Crescentipollenites; the Lower Triassic Zone III: Falcisporites–Klausipollenites and Zone IV: Densipollenites–Lunatisporites. Importantly, the fossil genus Reduviasporonites Wilson is recorded across the Permian–Triassic transition in this study. Although the affinity of Reduviasporonites has been disputed (both fungal and algal affinities have been proposed), the genus is an important constituent of the palynological assemblages from the upper Permian and Lower Triassic deposits in different parts of the world. Here we report the first record of Reduviasporonites from the Permian–Triassic continental sediments in India, adding another significant data point for their presence at the Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB). We further discuss the affinity and palaeoecological perspectives of the taxon.Ratan Kar [ratankar@yahoo.com] and Amit K. Ghosh [akghosh_in@yahoo.com] Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, 53 University Road, Lucknow 226 007, Uttar Pradesh, India. Received X.X.2017; revised X.X.2017; accepted X.X.2018.