Sphenolithus moriformis Beehive shaped sphenolith, apical elements not in extinction in vertical position. No spine, upper and lower parts of similar size.
Sphenolithus puniceus Hemispherical, like S. moriformis but larger (7-11 µm) and therefore more birefringent
Citation: Sphenolithus moriformis groupRank: species groupTaxonomic discussion: Species in this group are mostly poorly defined and of limited biostratigraphic value. Many workers only S. moriformis &/or S. abies.
Distinguishing features: Conical and hemispherical sphenoliths without prominent apical spines.
Farinacci & Howe catalog pages:
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LITHS:
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Lith size: 3->12µm;
The morphological data given here can be used on the advanced search page. See also these notes
Geological Range: Last occurrence (top): near base of Piacenzian Stage (14% up, 3.5Ma, in Piacenzian stage). Data source: Total of range of species in this database First occurrence (base): near top of Danian Stage (90% up, 62.1Ma, in Danian stage). Data source: Total of range of species in this database
Plot of occurrence data:
Range-bar - range as quoted above, pink interval top occurs in, green interval base occurs in.
Triangles indicate an event for which a precise placement has been suggested
Neptune data: this is a higher taxon page so Neptune data is not plotted. For the customisable plot option go to a genus page Parent: Sphenolithus
References:
Perch-Nielsen, K. (1985a). Cenozoic calcareous nannofossils. In, Bolli, H. M., Saunders, J. B. & Perch-Nielsen, K. (eds) Plankton Stratigraphy. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 427-555. gs
S. moriformis group compiled by Jeremy R. Young, Paul R. Bown, Jacqueline A. Lees viewed: 24-7-2021
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