Nannotax3 - ntax_main - Discoaster moorei Nannotax3 - ntax_main - Discoaster moorei

Discoaster moorei

Variant: Discoaster moorei is regarded here as a variant of Discoaster exilis.
I.e. It is a subjective junior synonym, but some workers many find it useful for some studies (e.g. experienced biostratigraphers working with abundant, well preserved material), but for most purposes differentiating it is not reccomended. Please do use the comments section at the bottom of this page if you wish to discuss this interpretation


Classification: ntax_main -> Discoasterales -> Discoasteraceae -> Discoaster -> D. exilis group -> Discoaster exilis -> Discoaster moorei
Sister taxa: D. caulifloris, D. moorei, D. extensus, D. discissus, D. signus, D. apetalus

Taxonomy:

Citation: Discoaster moorei Bukry 1971
Taxonomic rank: species

Distinguishing features:
Parent taxon (Discoaster exilis): Small central-area; usually with weak distal and proximal bosses; bifurcations acutely angled in plan-view
This taxon: Asymetric 5-rayed discoaster with bifurcations.

Farinacci & Howe catalog pages: D. moorei *


Morphology:

Asymetric 5-rayed specimens occur occasonally with nearly all 6-rayed discoasters and it is likely that this is not a genuine species but rather a variant of D. deflandrei and D. exilis. It is, however, commonly identified.

Search data:
LITHS: nannolith-radiate, asymmetric, star-shaped, CROSS-POLARS: 1ou, V-prominent,
Lith size: 8->18µm; Segments: 5->5;
Data source notes: size from OD
The morphological data given here can be used on the advanced search page. See also these notes

Geological Range:
Notes: Specimens can occur throughout the Miocene, and even the Oligocene, but more characteristic of the mid Miocene
Last occurrence (top): within NN5 zone (13.53-14.91Ma, top in Serravallian stage). Data source: Perch-Nielsen 1985
First occurrence (base): within NN4 zone (14.91-17.95Ma, base in Burdigalian stage). Data source: Perch-Nielsen 1985

Plot of occurrence data:

References:

Bukry, D. (1971a). Discoaster evolutionary trends. Micropaleontology. 17: 43-52. gs

Perch-Nielsen, K. (1985). Cenozoic calcareous nannofossils. In, Bolli, H. M., Saunders, J. B. & Perch-Nielsen, K. (eds) Plankton Stratigraphy. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1): 427-555. gs


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Discoaster moorei compiled by Jeremy R. Young, Paul R. Bown, Jacqueline A. Lees viewed: 16-11-2025

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Short stable page link: https://mikrotax.org/Nannotax3/index.php?id=484 Go to Archive.is to create a permanent copy of this page - citation notes



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Comments (3)

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The 3 pictures should probably be put in D. leroyi, 5 rays D. deflandrei

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Hi Alessandro

I am sceptical about the utility of either species but yes you are right, these images are more like 5 rayed delfandrei, i have now moved them.

thank you Jeremy

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None of those photos above look like what I would call Disaster moorei. the photos on the right and left are symmetrical, probably 5 rayed D. deflandrei, and the one in the center is overgrown to the point I' wouldn't use it. Look at the photo on page 475 of Perch Nielsen in Plankton Stratigraphy if you want a better idea of what it really should look like.