Brachiopod Species Research Articles

The Evolution of NLR Inflammasome and Its Mediated Pyroptosis in Metazoa.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) inflammasomes are multiprotein signaling platforms that control the inflammatory response and coordinate antimicrobial defense. In the present study, the distribution of NLR, Caspase-1, and gasdermin (GSDM) homologues and their structural characteristics and evolutionary relationships were systematically analyzed in metazoa according to the genomes of species. In invertebrates, there were only NLRC and/or NLRD presented from sponge to amphioxus, and according to the evolutionary tree, NLR from sponge located in the most primitive position. Caspase-1 existed in some metazoan phyla (Brachiopoda, Ectoprocta, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Annelia, Nematoda, Platyelminthes, Coelenterate, and Porifera) and its activation sites were relatively conserved. The amino acid sequences and three-dimensional structures of N-terminal CARD/Death domain of NLR and Caspase-1 were similar in species from sponge to human. NLR and Caspase-1 co-existed in species of Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Annelia, Coelenterate, and Porifera. There was only GSDME or PJVK found in some phyla of invertebrates and their cleavage sites were conserved (DxxD). And it was predicted that the NLR inflammasome in inducing pyroptosis could occur in species of Brachiopoda, Mollusca, Annelia, and Coelenterate. These studies indicated that NLR inflammasome emerged early in sponges of metazoa, and NLR inflammasome in inducing pyroptosis first appeared in Coelenterate, suggesting that inflammasome and its mediated pyroptosis had existed in the early stage of metazoa, but they had been lost in many species during evolution.

An overlooked contribution to Devonian studiesin the Holy Cross Mts: rediscovering Alexei Doronin’s 1893 article on the Kadzielnia Limestone

The unused Kadzielnia quarry in Kielce is the most publicly known geological site in the Holy Cross Mts and its geotouristic landmark (now the Kadzielnia Park and Reserve). The ‘rocky’ (coral) Kadzielnia Limestone, corresponding to a stromatoporoid-microbial mud mound, now treated as the Kadzielnia Massive Limestone Member of the Kowala Formation, has been studied for almost 200 years. This large bioherm is famous for its exceptionally diverse fossil inventory. The history of its geological exploration is insufficiently known, as exemplified by the overlooked contribution of Alexei Doronin, a master’s student at the Imperial University of Warsaw (IUW). In 1893, under the guidance of Professor Vladimir Amalitsky, he published a note on the age of the Kadzielnia Limestone. The paleontological basis for this discussion was the IUW student’s fossil collection, in which Doronin identified 28 taxa, mainly brachiopods (19 species). He was the first to recognize the occurrence of gastropods (e.g., Loxonema) and crinoids, and at least four species of brachiopods (e.g., Dielasma sacculus). In a comprehensive brachiopod-based stratigraphic discussion, Doronin emphasized the great similarity of the Kadzielnia assemblage to the Middle Devonian fauna of Western Europe, but also including the typical Upper Devonian species Rhynchonella cuboides. Ultimately, he advocated assigning a terminal Middle Devonian age to the Kadzielnia Limestone. Despite this erroneous dating, Doronin’s noteworthy but unnoticed contribution holds significant implications not only for further study of Kadzielnia but also for understanding the development of geosciences in the late 19th century in the Congress Poland (then part of partitioned Poland within the Russian Empire), including the academic role of the IUW. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the scientific career of Amalitsky’s talented pupil never truly began.

A new rhynchonellid fauna (Brachiopoda) from the Wordian (middle Permian) of Coahuila, Mexico: Stratigraphy and paleoenvironments

Seven brachiopod species of the order Rhynchonellida of a new locality (Las Margaritas I section) from the Las Delicias Formation in Coahuila, Mexico are described. The fauna includes four taxa identified as Bryorhynchus bisulcatum, Leiorhynchioidea schucherti, Leiorhynchoidea amygdaloidea, and Paranorella imperialis, as well as three species assigned with open nomenclature: Leiorhynchioidea cf. scelesta, Stenoscisma sp., and Rhynchopora sp. The brachiopod fauna identified, together with the record of different middle Permian ammonoids allowed us to establish a Wordian (middle Guadalupian) age for the Las Margaritas I section. The assignment of this relative age enabled restricting the stratigraphic range of Leiorhynchioidea schucherti and Paranorella imperialis to the middle Guadalupian since previously had only been related inaccurately to the middle Permian. The record of the species Bryorhynchus bisulcatum, Leiorhynchioidea cf. scelesta, and Leiorhynchoidea amygdaloidea, as well as the genus Stenoscisma is the first in Mexico. The preservation of specimens, lithological features, and associated fauna suggest that rhynchonellid brachiopods were deposited in different platform facies: shallow lagoonal or offshore, characterized by low to medium energy, stenohaline conditions, and continuous terrigenous input.

The cancellothyridid brachiopod Terebratulina chrysalis from the Selandian Kerteminde Marl at Gundstrup, Denmark

The articulate brachiopod Terebratulina chrysalis is very common in the Upper Cretaceous chalk of northern Europe and in the Danian chalk, bryozoan limestone and coralline-bryozoan limestone mounds of Denmark. It was one of the few brachiopod species that survived the mass extinction at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary and it belongs to a long-lived group of closely related Cretaceous–Recent species. It represents a non-specialised generalist which with a rootlike pedicle was able to attach itself to a great variety of both hard and soft substrates. The great adaptability is probably the main reason for its evolutionary success. This is the first systematic study concerning brachiopods from the Kerteminde Marl Formation in Denmark. Hitherto Terebratulina chrysalis is the only known brachiopod from the Gundstrup blocks, referred to the Kerteminde Marl.

Revision of the muscular system in the brachiopod Novocrania anomala using 3D reconstruction: Functional and paleontological significance.

The musculature is one of the best studied organ systems in brachiopods, being approachable not only by dissecting recent species of brachiopods, but also by exploring muscle scars in fossil material. In the present study, the muscular anatomy of Novocrania anomala is studied using 3D reconstructions based on microcomputed tomography. Muscles of N. anomala may be subdivided into two groups: those related to movements of the lophophore, and those connected to movements of shell valves. Muscles, their morphology and possible functions, such as brachial protractors, elevators, and retractors, as well as anterior adductors, are described and discussed. We also provide the discussion of craniid muscle terminology, consider the valve-opening mechanism. The investigation of muscle scars on dorsal valves supports the conclusion that the shape of muscle scars should be used for description and distinction of recent and extinct species only when visible distinctness cannot be explained by substrate differences. This study, which is aimed at improving our understanding the anatomy and functioning of muscles in craniids, will be useful not only for zoologists, but also for paleontologists.

Biometric Relationship Between Growth Pattern and Biological Reproduction of a Living Fossil Benthic Brachiopods (Lingula anatina Lamarck, 1801) in Aceh Northern Shore

Brachiopods are a group of ancient marine invertebrates that are still found today, so they are known as "living-fossil". The purpose of this study was to determine reproductive biology through sex ratio approach, gonad maturity stages, body mass weight and growth pattern of L. anatina through size distribution approach, length-weight relationship, and condition factors. This research was conducted from April to December 2021, at the Aceh northern shore. The method used in this research is purposive sampling. The results showed that based on the morphological characteristics, only one species of brachiopods from the class Lingulata was found, namely Lingula anatina Lamarck, 1801. This species has an unequal sex ratio. Analysis of Body Mass Weight (BMW) and Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) shows an inverse relationship where the BMW value is lower than the GSI value. The condition factor of L. anatina also fluctuates every month, this is presumably due to availability of food in habitat. Gonad maturity stages of L. anatina at the locations of Syiah Kuala and Alue Naga were in spawning conditions (stages IV), especially for female L. anatina. These results indicate that the reproductive quality of L. anatina at the Aceh northern shore was maintained due to minimal exploitation from the surrounding community. Furthermore, the biometric (length – weight relationship) of L. anatina in the Aceh northern shore showing an isometric and negative allometric pattern. Basically, allometric growth is temporary, for example due to changes related to gonadal maturity, while isometric growth is a continuous change that is proportional.

Biological extinction and photic-zone anoxia across the Triassic–Jurassic transition: insights from the Qiangtang Basin, eastern Tethys

The end-Triassic mass extinction (ETME) is one of the five catastrophic extinction events. However, the driving mechanisms of biodiversity loss during this interval remain controversial. In this study, we investigate the marine sediment geochemistry and fauna across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary in the Wenquan section of Qiangtang Basin, and the triggering mechanism of the Late Triassic extinction in the eastern Tethys Ocean. Our study shows that the main pulse of the ETME occurred in Bed 8, manifesting as the disappearance of four brachiopod species, a significant decrease of other faunas, and the ‘Lilliput effect’ on bivalves. Analyses of pyrite framboids and redox-sensitive trace elements suggest the development of photic zone anoxia near the T/J boundary and coincident with the Late Triassic extinction. Thus, the development of abrupt and intense photic-zone anoxia could play an important role in the end-Triassic extinction. Supplementary material: Supplementary tables giving element contents and palaeontological data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6771606

Interhemispheric biodiversity peaks of living brachiopods coinciding with warm-temperate zones and correlated to a multitude of biotic, abiotic and evolutionary factors

Applying Locally Weighted Scatter-plot Smoother (LOESS) regression, we analysed the global latitudinal diversity patterns of 394 living brachiopod species. We found a consistent bimodal pattern dominated by two mid-latitude peaks located respectively at 35–40°S and 30–35°N (~warm-temperate zones, WTZs). The bimodality was found to be largely persistent and consistent irrespective of taxonomic, bathymetric and spatial scales. We tested the strength of seven ecological hypotheses thought to potentially explain the classic unimodal latitudinal diversity gradient. The Rapoport's rule was found to be the strongest model fitting the bimodal pattern, followed by the Species-Energy hypothesis. The mechanisms through which the mean latitudinal ranges and thermal niches of living brachiopods may have combined to produce the bimodality are further linked to two other factors: 1) most living brachiopods seem to have a strong adaptation to the mesothermal conditions of the WTZs, and 2) for living brachiopods, the WTZs appear to represent both a source of speciation indicated by a relatively higher per-genus diversification rate and a ‘sink’ of biodiversity due to biogeographic mixing and a concentration of species range-end points.

FRASNIAN (UPPER DEVONIAN) BRACHIOPODS FROM ARMENIA: BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC AND PALAEOBIOGEOGRAPHIC IMPLICATIONS

An assemblage of seven brachiopod species belonging to the orders Rhynchonellida, Atrypida and Spiriferida are studied from three localities (Ertych, Djravank and Noravank) of Central Armenia. The examined material is recovered from shallow water nodular limestones and provides insights into the diversity of Frasnian brachiopods on that part of the northern margin of Gondwana preserved within the South Armenian Block. The revision of Atrypa (Planatrypa) ertichensis, a biostratigraphically significant species for the Frasnian of the Lesser Caucasus (Armenia and Nakhichevan), revealed the presence of frills, an ornamental feature rarely observed in Atrypa (Planatrypa) representatives and considered as unknown in this species. Taxonomic discussion also involves the selection of neotypes for Ripidiorhynchus gnishikensis and A. (P.) ertichensis. The newly described taxon, Angustisulcispirifer arakelyani n. gen., n. sp., appears to be one of the most biostratigraphically important species for the Frasnian of Armenia. The size variability of Cyphoterorhynchus koraghensis and Desquamatia (Seratrypa) abramianae is documented quantitatively for the first time and it shows a continuous and progressive growth without any distinct groupings; the former is a palaeobiogeographically important species for the Frasnian strata of the northern Gondwana margin. Pending the revision of the Pakistani and Iranian material ascribed to C. koraghensis, that may include several subspecies, a plaster cast of its lectotype from the Frasnian of Kuragh in Chitral (northwest Pakistan) and the holotype as well as one of the paratypes of Cyphoterorhynchus koraghensis interpositus from the Frasnian Bahram Formation of the Ozbak-Kuh region in eastern Iran are illustrated herein. Finally, a new Frasnian brachiopod zone, namely the Ripidiorhynchus gnishikensis–Angustisulcispirifer arakelyani assemblage Zone is here introduced for the studied sections. Although its base and top cannot be identified, it is constrained to the Frasnian based on conodonts identified in the Djravank section. It may be considered as a partly lateral equivalent of the Cyrtospirifer subarchiaci–Cyphoterorhynchus arpaensis brachiopod Zone established in Nakhichevan.

First occurrence in life position of two Triassic brachiopod species (Thecideida) from NE Italy: Paleoecological considerations

The San Cassiano Formation from the Dolomites, NE Italy, is a Ladinian–Carnian (Middle – Upper Triassic) lithostratigraphic unit belonging to the Western Tethys domain. In this formation numerous groups of marine invertebrates from reef communities have been reported. In particular, brachiopods are represented by different orders. Thecideids are the most abundant and diverse, with different species of the genus Thecospira. Despite the apparent abundance, only one report exists of a thecideid of the genus preserved in life position: Thecospira tyrolensis. In this study, we describe and discuss the first finding of Thecospira semseyi and Thecospira tenuistriata in life position based on the study of thin sections of Cipit boulders. Seemingly, the Th. semseyi shells were not firmly attached to the substrate by a small cementation surface; therefore, they could have lived embedded into the biogenic matrix. By contrast, Th. tenuistriata displays an umbonal region modified in a cementation area, allowing the attachment to the bio-builder. Most samples don’t show any signal of transport since all specimens are articulated and are still attached to the substrate. Besides, the commissures are partially opened, free of any encrustation of sponge or bryozoan growing. The preservation of brachiopods suggests that the samples of both species were fossilized in life position. Moreover, Th. semseyi and Th. tenuistriata continued to live although the host’s fabric was imbibing the brachiopods’ ventral valve. This shows that thecideids were important components of Tethys reef communities.

Kungurian (Cisuralian/Early Permian) brachiopods from the Snapper Point Formation, southern Sydney Basin, southeastern Australia

Elements of a high-latitude (∼60–70°S) and low-diversity early Kungurian (Cisuralian/Early Permian) brachiopod fauna have been sporadically reported from the sandstone-dominated Snapper Point Formation (SPF) in the southern Sydney Basin of southeastern Australia for more than a half-century, but a detailed description of this fauna is not yet available. In this paper we describe 12 brachiopod species and an indeterminate ingelarellid from the SPF, including one new species (Tasmanospirifer jervisbayensis sp. nov. Waterhouse & Lee). Though this brachiopod fauna is evidently associated with an interglacial stratigraphic interval, its taxonomic characteristics overall resemble those from stratigraphically bounding glacial intervals. This association is interpreted to indicate persistence and the strong endemic nature of the Permian Eastern Australian biogeographic province in high-latitude eastern Gondwana, regardless of glacial/interglacial climate states during the Cisuralian. Biostratigraphically, the SPF brachiopod fauna is divisible into two distinctive stratigraphic assemblages: the Notospirifer cf. triplicata–Simplicisulcus sp. Assemblage in the lower part of the formation and the Johndearia brevis–Sulciplica transversa Assemblage in the upper part, each distinguished by a set of unique species. Sangmin Lee [sangminlee76@gmail.com] and G. R. Shi [guang@uow.edu.au] School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia Bruce Runnegar [runnegar@ucla.edu] Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, USA J. B. Waterhouse [permia@xtra.co.nz] Oamaru, Oamaru, New Zealand.

New Brachiopod Species of the Order Pentamerida from the Ordovician of the Altaian Teletskoe Lakeside

New Brachiopod Species of the Order Pentamerida from the Ordovician of the Altaian Teletskoe Lakeside

On two cyrtospiriferid brachiopod species from the lower famennian of central Armenia

In an effort to describe the brachiopod diversity of the lower Famennian Aramazdospirifer orbelianus brachiopod Zone of Central Armenia (coeval to the Palmatolepis crepida conodont Zone), our attention is here focused on the description and illustration of two previously unknown spiriferide species (Cyrtospirifer sp. A and C. sp. B) of the Subfamily Cyrtospiriferinae.

Biostratigraphy of Qala e Jafar Yekavalang district Bamiyan Province

Distinguishing of the geologic age from sedimentary rock layers has been one of the important and basic tasks for geological sciences. The objective is to determine the geological age of the sedimentary layers within the Qala e Jafar of Yekawlang district of Bamiyan province by using fossils. In this study, more than 8 fossil specimens were collected and identified over the sedimentary layers of the study area. Different genus and species of Bivalves, Brachiopods, Echinodermata, Corals, and Gastropods were recorded and presented from Qala e Jafar sedimentary layers. Among them, three index fossils determined the relative age of strata, namely: Pholadomya and Carneithyris Subcardinalis. According to the guide fossils and using the assembly fossils aging method, the second sedimentary layer is aged Maastrichtian, and the third layer is aged Campanian. The specifications and living features of the recorded fossils derive a warm oceanic environment in the Late Cretaceous.

Richthofenid Brachiopods (Productida) and microfacies analysis of the Las delicias formation, middle Permian from Coahuila, Mexico: Paleoenvironmental and paleobiogeographical considerations

Five genera and six species of richthofenid brachiopods from two sections of the Las Delicias Formation (Guadalupian) at southwestern Coahuila are described. In “Las Difuntas” section we found Sicularia sicula, Sestropoma cribriferum, Sestropoma mexicanum, Sestropoma sp. 1 and Sestropoma sp. 2. While in the “Las Manuelas 2” section occur Hercosestria cribrosa, Cyclacantharia aff. kingorum and Teguliferina? sp. Species described confirmed the affinity of Coahuila with other reefal faunas of the Grandian Province (i.e. Texas and New Mexico, USA). Microfacies analysis in the studied sections allows recognizing of a great content of carbonated rocks (Rudstone, Floatstone) with numerous bioclasts and autochtonous reefal framework (Framestone). A terrigenous platform paleoenvironment are inferred. The fossil association occurred in different events of deposition in situ whose facies are alternating with stages of volcanic activity which produce flows of sediments, volcanic material and organic remains towards the slope.

First Modern Data on the Lophophore Nervous System in Adult Novocrania anomala and a Current Assessment of Brachiopod Phylogeny

Simple SummaryThe nervous system of Novocrania anomala adults is described for the first time. A table containing data on the lophophore innervation in species from three brachiopod subphyla is presented. A comparative analysis suggests a close relationship between the Craniiformea and the Rhynchonelliformea, and thereby supports the “Calciata” hypothesis of brachiopod phylogeny.Although the lophophore is regarded as the main synapomorphy of all lophophorates, the evolution of the lophophore in certain groups of lophophorates remains unclear. To date, the innervation of the lophophore has been studied with modern methods only for three brachiopod species belonging to two subphyla: Linguliformea and Rhynchonelliformea. In the third subphylum, the Craniiformea, there are data for juveniles but not for adults. In the current research, the innervation of the lophophore in Novocrania anomala adults was studied by immunocytochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the spiral lophophore of adults of the craniiform N. anomala, each arm is innervated by six brachial nerves: main, additional main, accessory, second accessory, additional lower, and lower brachial nerves. Compared with other brachiopod species, this complex innervation of the lophophore correlates with the presence of many lophophoral muscles. The general anatomy of the lophophore nervous system and the peculiarities of the organization of the subenteric ganglion of the craniiform N. anomala have a lot in common with those of rhynchonelliforms but not with those of linguliforms. These findings are consistent with the “Calciata” hypothesis of the brachiopod phylogeny and are inconsistent with the inference that the Craniiformea and Linguliformea are closely related.

First record of the brachiopod Erymnaria in the Chruteren Member (Euthal Formation) from a new Palaeogene site in the Br\xfclisau Schuppenzone of northeastern Switzerland (Canton St. Gallen) with remarks on shell asymmetry

A small, smooth-shelled rhynchonellid brachiopod, Erymnaria Cooper, 1959 was discovered in a previously unknown locality in the so-called Brülisau Schuppenzone (imbricate zone) of the South Helvetic region of northeastern Switzerland. It is the first record of this genus in this region and in Switzerland in general. It is comparable to the type species of Erymnaria, E. polymorpha (Massalongo, 1850). Its specific identity is currently undetermined, and the species is referred to Erymnaria sp. 1. The main characteristic of Erymnaria sp.1 is its asymmetric shell. This prompted a comparison of E. sp. 1 with other known asymmetric brachiopods. Questions of asymmetry and variability within the same genus and with brachiopods in general are discussed. Another, larger brachiopod species found at the new site is tentatively named Erymnaria? sp. 2. The site can be assigned to the Chruteren Member (Euthal Formation) of Early Ypresian age, dated by large Foraminifera. Thus, the previous distribution area of the Chruteren Member can be extended.

Mapping intrashell variation in Mg/Ca of brachiopods to external growth lines: Mg enrichment corresponds to seasonal growth slowdown

Determining secular changes in seawater temperature and Mg/Ca ratio is of high importance in paleooceanographic, paleoenvironmental and paleoecological studies. On the one hand, intra-shell variation in Mg/Ca in brachiopod shells is used to reconstruct historical changes in temperature and in seasonality. On the other hand, intra-shell analyses show a weak relationship between Mg/Ca and δ18O, but a positive correlation between Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca, and an increase of Mg/Ca at growth lines, indicating that Mg/Ca does not simply track seawater temperature alone. Internal growth lines are rarely visible in brachiopod shells, and the relation between growth lines that mark growth slowdown or cessation and Mg/Ca fluctuation is thus not properly understood. Here, using four species of extant brachiopods from the NE Pacific and the SW Pacific, from environments with low seasonality in seawater temperature (<5 °C), and two species of Late Triassic brachiopods (Western Carpathians), we measure intra-shell ontogenetic variation in Mg/Ca, S/Ca and Sr/Ca with laser ablation ICP-MS and electron microprobe. In contrast to previous studies, we map variation in Mg, S, and Sr to external growth lines. We find that, first, zones of Mg/Ca enrichment in the secondary layer form 10–50 μm-thick discrete bands or clusters of micrometric bands that consistently terminate at major external, predominantly annual growth lines that are associated with distinct notches that correspond to mantle retractions in most species. These bands generate distinct peaks in Mg/Ca that stand above low, more uniformly distributed background Mg/Ca values along laser-ablation and microprobe transects. The magnitude of Mg/Ca in these bands is comparable to Mg/Ca in the primary layer, exceeding background values of Mg/Ca in the secondary layer by 5–20 mmol/mol (by a factor of two to five). Second, Mg enrichment in discrete bands is closely associated with an increase in S concentrations in the secondary layer. Therefore, even when Mg and S uptake is expected to be highest under fast precipitation rate, these empirical observations show that Mg and S enrichment occur in the zones that were precipitated at times of a significant growth reduction (e.g., in cold-temperate brachiopods studied here during winters when primary productivity is low). The mechanisms for this paradox are unclear but can be related to uptake of Mg by amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) to delay the transformation of ACC to calcite during the formation of growth lines. Therefore, intra-shell variation in Mg/Ca in brachiopods with major growth lines is primarily determined by seasonal decline or cessation in shell growth and not by seasonal changes in seawater temperature.

Permian brachiopods from South Primorye, Far East Russia: systematics, palaeobiogeographical and palaeoceanographical implications

The South Primorye area of Far East Russia has long been recognized for its highly diverse mid-Permian brachiopod fauna; however, a taxonomic and palaeobiogeographical reassessment is overdue. This paper describes two brachiopod assemblages from the Barabash and Pilnikov section localities in South Primorye. The Barabash section assemblage was collected from the lower part of the Barabashevka Formation and includes 18 brachiopod species associated with other marine faunas indicative of the late Wordian. Alternatively, the Pilnikov section assemblage derives from the Pilnikov Formation and yields four brachiopod species consistent with the mid-Kungurian (Irenian). The palaeobiogeographical composition of the Barabash assemblage is distinguished by a conspicuous admixture of cool-water Boreal Realm elements and palaeoequatorial warm-water Cathaysian Province elements, together with genera that have antitropical distributions. Comparisons with analogous Neogene faunas from the Sea of Japan/East Sea suggest that the Barabash section might have been situated in the eastern part of the Sino-Mongolian seaway, which was located in an equivalent mid-latitude northern temperate confluence of warm- and cold-water ocean currents. G. R. Shi* [guang@uow.edu.au ] and Sangmin Lee [sangminlee76@gmail.com ], School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Galina V. Kotlyar [galina_kotlyar@vsegei.ru ], Karpinsky All Russian Research Geological Institute (VSEGEI), Srednii pr. 74, St. Petersburg, 199106 Russia; Yuri D. Zakharov [ yurizakh@mail.ru ], Far East Geological Institute, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022 Russia.

First Record of Brachiopod Species in Myanmar

The Paleozoic rocks are well exposed in the Taungnyo area and the main purpose of classification is taxonomic status of the invertebrate fossils and describing the systematic paleontology of brachiopod fossils from Taungnyo Formation. Mainly distributed clastic sedimentary rocks of Taungnyo Formation (Early Carboniferous) and carbonate rocks of Moulmein Limestone Group (Permian to Middle Triassic) are well exposed in the Taungnyo area. In this study, mainly, a total of five species are recognized in the clastic sediments of Taungnyo Formation. Most brachiopods are generally found abundant and well preserved in the mudstone unit. Among them, most of the taxa have not been recorded previously. The brachiopods include: Fimbrispirifer venustus, Ovetensispirifer ovetensium, Aullacella sp., Kayserellae emanuelensis, and Chonopectus sp. All of the species are first recorded in Myanmar.