Taxonomy, paleoecology, and paleobiogeographical significance of the middle-late Eocene molluscs from the Garet Gehannem section in the Fayoum depression, Egypt

Abstract

The studied middle-upper Eocene Garet Gehannam section exhibits moderate macrofossil diversity and notably high macrofossil abundance. Eleven molluscan species were identified and described, including five bivalves and six gastropods. Three macrobenthic assemblages were recognized: The turritelline-dominated assemblage, Carolia placunoides assemblage and Turkostrea multicostata assemblage. The Turritelline-dominated assemblage indicates high-nutrient environments, which typically exhibit normal to slightly below normal marine salinities, low sedimentation rates, and high-energy environments. Carolia placunoides assemblage indicates brackish water environment during times of sea level regression. Turkostrea multicostata assemblage provides compelling evidence of a prevailing hot climate and an environment rich in calcium, characterized by nutrient-rich water and low to moderate energy levels and high light availability. The investigation of the articulation of Carolia placunoides Cantraine1838 and Turkostrea multicostata (Deshayes, 1818) shells strongly suggests a parautochthonous assemblage. In terms of paleobiogeography, Turkostrea multicostata (Deshayes, 1818) first appeared during the Paleocene in the southern Tethys, specifically in Tunisia and Algeria, as well as in the Trans-Saharan Seaway in Mali. Consequently, its paleobiogeographic distribution can be allied to current circulation along the Tethys Ocean, firstly from its original area in the southern Tethys regions and Trans-Saharan Seaway to neighboring regions of the southern and northern Tethys, as well as the West Africa provinces. The paleobiogeographic map of the identified species shows that the identified species were prevailing in two bioprovinces during the middle – late Eocene epochs: i) the North-West, North, and South Tethyan Margins Province, ii) and the West Africa Province.