S. moriformis group
Classification: ntax_cenozoic -> Discoasterales -> Sphenolithaceae -> Sphenolithus -> S. moriformis group
Sister taxa: S. capricornutus group, S. dissimilis group, S. moriformis group, S. heteromorphus group, S. predistentus group, S. furcatolithoides group, S. radians group, S. conspicuus group, S. sp.
Daughter taxa (time control age-window is: 0-800Ma) |
 |  |  |  02.jpg) | Sphenolithus abies
Moderately elevated sphenolith with cuspate outline and with extinction line going down long axis of spine.
|
 |  |  |  | Sphenolithus apoxis
Conical sphenolith with a compound apical spine. (like S. abies but older)
|
 |  |  |  | Sphenolithus bipedis
Hemispherical with a flared proximal cycle and arcuate proximal surface
|
 | | | | Sphenolithus neoabies
Like S. abies/moriformis but smaller, <4µm & base broad
|
 |  |  |  | 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
|
 |  |  |  | Sphenolithus grandis
Large (>10 µm) beehive shaped sphenoliths
|
| Eocene species |
 |  |  |  | Sphenolithus acervus
Large (>8.0µm) globular, coarsely-constructed sphenolith without a spine.
|
 |  |  |  | Sphenolithus primus
Small with dome-shaped opening on proximal side
|
Taxonomy:
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:
Search data:
| Tags | LITHS: |
| Metrics | 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
 02.jpg)
