Abstract
The roveacrinid Birgelenocrinus degraafi Jagt, 1999b, the youngest pelagic crinoid known to date, appears to be confined to the Maastricht Formation in the southeast Netherlands, ranging from the Kunrade Limestone facies (ecozone V, lower part) to within two metres below the K/T boundary (= Meerssen Member, top subunit IVf-6, ‘tuffaceous’ biocalcarenitic facies). Its disjunct distribution within this formation, i.e. occurring directly above omission surfaces or hardgrounds, suggests this is linked to local sea-level changes, which produced optimum feeding habitats. The morphology of theca and brachials show this species to have been truly pelagic; the collapse of the planktonic food chain at the end of the Cretaceous would explain the demise of this and other roveacrinids.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
