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Spiniferites magnificus
Spiniferites magnificus sp. nov.; Vieira, M. et al. 2018
Holotype: Vieira, M. et al. 2018, Plate 2;1–2
Age: Danian
Original description: Vieira, M. et al. 2018: Spiniferites magnificus sp. nov.:
Description:
Proximochorate dinoflagellate cyst with strong dorsoventral compression
Cyst wall: relatively thin, smooth and hyaline
Processes: gonal and vary in width between 3.5 and 5 μm, and markedly expanded at the base. Processes are slightly membranous, distally bi- or trifurcated into foliate branches which can be, in turn, distally furcate. The processes are connected proximally with well-developed sutural crests. Septa are smooth with a regular distal margin. Tabulation: Plate boundaries indicated by sutural crests reflect the tabulation formula typical of the genus Spiniferites.
Archeopyle: precingular, formed by loss of plate 3′′ and the operculum is completely detached.
Dimensions:
Diameter of cyst body 39 (68.5) 70.5 μm, cyst with processes 73 (110) 112 μm, length of processes 9 (17) 23 μm
Number of specimens measured: 20.
Remarks:
This species was first recognised as a late Danian boundary marker by Robertson (UK) Ltd. palynologists in 1983. It has been recorded from ‘late’ Danian sediments throughout the North Sea basin and has been long used as an informal species by biostratigraphy consultancy teams.
Affinities:
The morphology of the processes and the development of high sutural crests are the main diagnostic features to distinguish this species from the rest of Spiniferites species.
Holotype: Vieira, M. et al. 2018, Plate 2;1–2
Age: Danian
Original description: Vieira, M. et al. 2018: Spiniferites magnificus sp. nov.:
Description:
Proximochorate dinoflagellate cyst with strong dorsoventral compression
Cyst wall: relatively thin, smooth and hyaline
Processes: gonal and vary in width between 3.5 and 5 μm, and markedly expanded at the base. Processes are slightly membranous, distally bi- or trifurcated into foliate branches which can be, in turn, distally furcate. The processes are connected proximally with well-developed sutural crests. Septa are smooth with a regular distal margin. Tabulation: Plate boundaries indicated by sutural crests reflect the tabulation formula typical of the genus Spiniferites.
Archeopyle: precingular, formed by loss of plate 3′′ and the operculum is completely detached.
Dimensions:
Diameter of cyst body 39 (68.5) 70.5 μm, cyst with processes 73 (110) 112 μm, length of processes 9 (17) 23 μm
Number of specimens measured: 20.
Remarks:
This species was first recognised as a late Danian boundary marker by Robertson (UK) Ltd. palynologists in 1983. It has been recorded from ‘late’ Danian sediments throughout the North Sea basin and has been long used as an informal species by biostratigraphy consultancy teams.
Affinities:
The morphology of the processes and the development of high sutural crests are the main diagnostic features to distinguish this species from the rest of Spiniferites species.