Nannotax3 - ntax_cenozoic - Sphenolithus grandis

Sphenolithus grandis

Classification: ntax_cenozoic -> Discoasterales -> Sphenolithaceae -> Sphenolithus -> S. moriformis group -> Sphenolithus grandis
Sister taxa: S. abies, S. apoxis, S. moriformis ⟩⟨ S. grandis, S. puniceus, S. acervus ⟩⟨ S. primus

Bergen et al 2017 pl01 29-30.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 28.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 25.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 26.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 pl01 27.JPG
Bergen et al 2017 fig3 04.JPG

Taxonomy:

Citation: Sphenolithus grandis Haq and Berggren, 1978

Rank: species

Taxonomic discussion: This a poorly characterised species and Bergen et al. (2017) noted that it did not seem to have a conisistent stratigraphic range - unlike S. puniceus which is a distinctive component of Early Miocene assemblages. Some illustrated specimens, notably the largest specimens closely resemble ascidian spicules (e.g. Haq and Berggren, 1978 pl.3 figs 19-20, Bergen et al 2017 pl1 figs 25-27). Other illustrated specimens are unambiguous side views of sphenoliths these range in age from NN6 to NN8. [JRY my interpretation 2018]

Distinguishing features:
Parent taxon (S. moriformis group): Conical and hemispherical sphenoliths without prominent apical spines.
This taxon: Large (>10 µm) beehive shaped sphenoliths (Mid-Late Miocene)

Farinacci & Howe catalog pages: S. grandis *

Morphology:

Size:

Most likely ancestor: Sphenolithus moriformis - at confidence level 3 (out of 5). Data source: Howe 2021, fig. 8.

Search data:

LITHS: nannolith-radiate, circular, cylindrical, CROSS-POLARS: R-prominent,

Lith size: 0->0µm;

The morphological data given here can be used on the advanced search page. See also these notes

Geological Range:
Last occurrence (top): within NN8 zone (10.55-10.89Ma, top in Tortonian stage). Data source: approx range of unambiguous illustrated specimens
First occurrence (base): within NN6 zone (11.90-13.53Ma, base in Serravallian stage). Data source: approx range of unambiguous illustrated specimens

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
(NB There is no histogram as there are no occurrence records for the taxon in the Neptune database) Parent: S. moriformis group

References:

Bergen, J. A., de Kaenel, E., Blair, S. A., Boesiger, T. M. & Browning, E. (2017). Oligocene-Pliocene taxonomy and stratigraphy of the genus Sphenolithus in the circum North Atlantic Basin: Gulf of Mexico and ODP Leg 154. Journal of Nannoplankton Research. 37(2-3): 77-112. gs O

Haq, B. U. & Berggren, W. A. (1978). Late Neogene calcareous plankton biochronology of the Rio Grande Rise (South Atlantic Ocean). Journal of Paleontology. 52: 1167-1194. gs

Sphenolithus grandis compiled by Jeremy R. Young, Paul R. Bown, Jacqueline A. Lees viewed: 30-9-2022

Taxon Search:

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Short stable page link: https://mikrotax.org/Nannotax3/index.php?id=1617 Go to Archive.is to create a permanent copy of this page - citation notes

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