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Fossil flora and fauna in the Posidonia Shale, Germany From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Sachrang Formation or "Posidonienschiefer" Formation (common name the "Posidonia Shale") is a geological formation of southwestern Germany, northern Switzerland, northwestern Austria, southeast Luxembourg and the Netherlands, that spans about 3 million years during the Early Jurassic period (early Toarcian stage). It is known for its detailed fossils, especially sea fauna, listed below.[1] Composed mostly by black shale, the formation is a Lagerstätte, where fossils show exceptional preservation (Including exquisite soft tissues), with a thickness that varies from about 1 m to about 40 m on the Rhine level, being on the main quarry at Holzmaden between 5 and 14 m.[1] Some of the preserved material has been transformed into fossil hydrocarbon Jet, specially wood remains, used for jewelry.[2] The exceptional preservation seen on the Posidonia Shale has been studied since the late 1800s, finding that a cocktail of chemical and environmental factors let to such an impressive conservation of the marine fauna.[2] The most common theory is the changes in the oxygen level, where the different anoxic events of the Toarcian left oxygen-depleted bottom waters, with the biota dying and falling to the bottom without any predator able to eat the dead bodies.[3]
Non-fenestrate Stromatolite crusts formed in Aphotic deep-water environments during intervals of very low sedimentation are recovered in places such as Teufelsgraben, Hetzles.[26] The Stromatolites of this region have evidence of live on a deeper shelf environment with a quietwater deposit which suffered repeated phases of stagnant bottom waters, where a depth water habitat developed, probably at more than 100 meters depth.[26] There is a thin, southern widespread Stromatolite crust on the Top of the Sachrang Formation, called "Wittelshofener Bank", that has made rethink the depth of the major southern basin of the formation, where with the absence of phototrophic calcareous benthic organisms (probably due to the lack of light), shows the depth character of the basin.[26] On the "Wittelshofener Bank" there is also the only occurrence of Ooids, presumably formed in the same deep-water environment.[26]
Color key
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Notes Uncertain or tentative taxa are in small text; |
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Frutexites[26] |
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Possible traces of Microbial Activity |
Probably related with Archaea activity.[26] Although Frutexites is a cryptic microfossil and an important element of many deep water stromatolites, with an Inorganic origin proposed, where are interpreted as dendritic shrubs to purely inorganic growth of Aragonitic crystals, but also resemble shrubs of the cyanobacteria Angulocellularia.[26] On the Posidonia a cryptoendopelitic mode of life is assumed, being only possible for Heterotrophic bacteria or Fungi.[26] As seen on the Stromatolites of the Posidonia, Frutexites acted mainly as a dweller or secondary binder of the deep-water stromatolites, not as their major constructor.[26] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes |
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Crypt laminites |
A Cyanobacteria, member of the family Oscillatoriales. The only difference compared to the Paleozoic forms is the much thinner cellular wall of the specimens described, which otherwise seems to be always thicker, and the more irregular shape of the individual tubes. Girvanella is almost rock-forming in the Lower and Upper levels, and is very common, but can only rarely be detected in the bituminous clay marl slate due to conservation reasons.[27] The Girvanella specimens recovered on the Posidonienschiefer can come from Diatomeas rather than Cyanobacteria, but its assignation is rather controversial.[27] | |
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, type member of the family Ammodiscinae inside Ammodiscina. |
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Annulina[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Psammosphaerinae inside the family Psammosphaeridae. |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Vaginulinidae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). An extant genus. Its shell resemble a mixture between an ammonite conch, due to having a lower spiral, and a mussel. |
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Citharina[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Vaginulinidae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). |
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Cornuspira[27] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, type member of Cornuspiridae inside the family Cornuspirida (Lagenina). Round-spiral shell morphology |
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Cyclogyra[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of the family Cornuspirinae inside Cornuspiridae. |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Nodosariidae inside the family Nodosariacea (Lagenina). Dentalina is an extant genus, with an elongated shell, that resemble a small worm. |
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Flabellinella[27] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Vaginulinidae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). Its conch has a Myriapod-like segmented built. |
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Frondicularia[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, type member of Frondiculariinae inside the family Nodosariidae (Lagenina). |
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Glomospira[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of the family Usbekistaniinae inside Ammodiscidae. |
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Ichthyolaria[27] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, type member of Ichthyolariidae inside the family Lagenina. Another genus with a Myriapod-like segmented built. |
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Involutina[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of the family Involutinidae inside Involutinae. |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Vaginulinidae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, type member of Lingulininae inside the family Nodosariidae (Lagenina). |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Marginulininae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). |
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Nodosaria[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Nodosariidae inside the family Nodosariacea (Lagenina). |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Vaginulinidae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Nodosariidae inside the family Nodosariacea (Lagenina). |
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Reinholdella[27] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Ceratobuliminidae inside the family Robertinida. It resembles a small ammonite. |
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Saracenaria[29] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of Lenticulininae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). |
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Spiroplectamina[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of the family Spiroplectammininae inside Spiroplectamminidae. |
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Trocholina[28] |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, member of the family Involutinidae inside Involutinae. |
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Shells |
A benthonic Foraminiferan, type member of Vaginulinidae inside the family Vaginulinida (Lagenina). |
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The evolutionary burst of the Toarcian Dinoflajellates led the first appearance and rapid radiation of the Phallocystaceae (Susainium, Parvocysta, Phallocysta, Moesiodinium and related forms).[30] This occurred at the time of a widespread Lower Toarcian bituminous anoxia-derived shale of the Posidonienschiefer Formation. Is recovered on the Posidonienschiefer, Pozzale, Italy, Asturias, Spain, Bornholm, Denmark, the Lusitanian Basin of Portugal, the Jet Rock Formation in Yorkshire and to the "Schistes Carton" in northern France. Whether there is a causal connection in this co-occurrence of Phallocystaceae and bituminous facies is a problem still to be resolved. This family has its acme in diversity and quantity in the latest Toarcian and became less important in the Aalenian.[30]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Apodiniaceae. An Ectoparasitic dinoflagellate, whose hosts are normally Tunicates |
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Argentiella[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Scriniocassiaceae. |
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Balechiodinium[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Scriniocassiaceae. |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Comparodiniaceae. |
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Eyachia[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Scriniocassiaceae. |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst, type member of Luehndeoideae. Luehndea spinosa is common on the medium layers of the lower Sachrang Formation, while restricted to some areas on the Lias delta.[34] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst, type member of Mancodiniaceae. Dominant genera on some layers of the Lias Delta Stage.[34] |
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Mendicodinium[33] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst, member of Dinophyceae. |
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Mikrocysta[33] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst, member of Dollidiniaceae. |
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Moesiodinium[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Heterocapsaceae. |
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Morgenrothia[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Heterocapsaceae. |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst, member of Dinophyceae of the family Nannoceratopsiaceae. On the Lias Epsylon Interval (Lowermost Toarcian), most of the assemblages are dominated by Nannoceratopsis gracilis. Nannoceratopsis senex becomes highly abundant until the uppermost Tenuicostatum.[34] |
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Scriniocassis[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Scriniocassiaceae. |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Gonyaulacaceae. |
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Susadinium[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Heterocapsaceae. |
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Parvocysta[31] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Heterocapsaceae. |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Phallocysteae. |
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Valvaeodinium[34] |
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Cysts |
A Dinoflagellate cyst from the family Comparodiniaceae. |
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Includes abundant variety of algae, such as the genus of colonial Green algae Botryococcus, or the unicellular algal bodies Tasmanites, and other small examples. Algae are a good reference for changes on the oxygen conditions along the Toarcian.[37]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Cymatiosphaeropsis[38] |
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Cysts |
An Acritarch probably from Algal origin. Related to open shelf deposits |
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Micrhystridium[34] |
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Cysts |
An Acritarch probably from Algal origin. Its fossils indicate nearshore or estuarine to shallow lagoon and/or slightly brackish-water environments. It is the dominant on the nearshore sections. |
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Cysts |
An Acritarch probably from Algal origin. Related to open shelf deposits |
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Veryhachium[34] |
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Cysts |
An Acritarch probably from Algal origin. Veryhachium fossils represent open marine and transgressive conditions. It has high presence on most of the samples studied from the Sachrang Formation, being nearly the 50% of the Acritarch fraction on some locations. |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Type member of the family Biscutaceae inside Parhabdolithaceae. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
A member of the family Watznaueriaceae inside Watznaueriales. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Member of the family Calyculaceae inside Parhabdolithaceae. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
A member of the family Chiastozygaceae inside Eiffellithales. |
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Diductius[41] |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Member of the family Parhabdolithaceae inside Stephanolithiales. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Member of the family Biscutaceae inside Parhabdolithaceae. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
A member of the family Watznaueriaceae inside Watznaueriales. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
A member of the family Parhabdolithaceae inside Stephanolithiales. Shore deposits genus. The abundance drop of M. jansae further characterise the T-OAE perturbation, where becomes the dominant Genus on most of the Saxony Basin. |
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Diductius[41] |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Member of the family Parhabdolithaceae inside Stephanolithiales. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Incertade Sedis |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Type member of the family Schizosphaerellaceae inside Parhabdolithaceae. Towards the Pliensbachian-Toarcian extincion this genus gets a decrease in abundance and size that shows the change and biotic crisis. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Member of the family Biscutaceae inside Podorhabdales. |
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Sollasites[40] |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
Member of the family Biscutaceae inside Podorhabdales. |
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Calcareous Skeletons |
A member of the family Chiastozygaceae inside Eiffellithales. |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Cysts |
Type member of the family Botryococcaceae inside Trebouxiales. Freshwater or Deltaic Genus |
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Cysts |
A member of Prasinophyceae. A genus common on green clays and other upper strata on the formation. |
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Cysts |
A member of the family Pyramimonadales inside Prasinophyceae. Basinal deposits genus |
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Cysts |
A member of Gonyaulacaceae inside Dinophyceae. |
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Granodiscus[38] |
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Cysts |
A member of the Prasinophyceae. Basinal deposits genus |
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Halosphaeropsis[34] |
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Cysts |
A member of the family Halosphaeraceae inside Chlorodendrales. Basinal deposits genus |
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Lancettopsis[38] |
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Cysts |
A member of the Prasinophyceae. Basinal deposits genus |
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Cysts |
A member of the Prasinophyceae. Basinal deposits genus |
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Nostocopsis[38] |
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Cysts |
A member of the Prasinophyceae. Basinal deposits genus |
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Cysts |
A member of Peridiniaceae inside Dinophyceae. |
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Cysts |
A member of Prasinophyceae. It is the main genus present on silt and sand horizons, trending to be absent on shale layers. |
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Cysts |
A member of Dinophyceae. |
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Cysts |
A member of Prasinophyceae. A genus common on green clays and other upper strata on the formation. |
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Tytthodiscus[38] |
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Cysts |
A member of the Prasinophyceae. Basinal deposits genus |
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Fungal Spores, hypae and undeterminated remains are a rare element of the otherwise openmarine deposits of the Posidonienschiefer formation, but where recovered at Dormettingen.[46] This fungal remains are composed mostly by indeterminate spores and indicate oxygenated environments and suitable transportation by rivers.[46]
Genus | Species | Location | Stratigraphic position | Material | Notes | Images |
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Ostracoblabe[47] |
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Fungal patches in ammonite shells and belemnite rostra |
A Marine parasitoid Fungus of uncertain relationships, linked with shells of marine invertebrates. Extant Ostracoblabe implexa is usually found associated with Bivalve shells as an external parasiotid. Beyond this genus, other fungal remains include indeterminate endolithic fungi linked with microbial mats |
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The major ichnological analyses of the Posidonian Shale come from Dotternhausen/Dormettingen, where the ichnogenus Phymatoderma formed the so-called Tafelfleins and Seegrasschiefer.[48] The Tafelflein bed was deposited under anoxic bottom and pore water, where a recover of oxygen allow the Phymatoderma-producers return.[48] The two organic-rich layers (Tafelfleins and Seegrasschiefer) are characterized by the dense occurrence of trace fossils such as Chondrites and Phymatoderma, done episodically due to the fall of the oxygen levels.[48] The Coeval more nearshore Swiss deposits referred Posidonian Shale (Rietheim Member) hosted similar trace fossils asthose recovered on SW Germany.[48] Tougth this setting apparently evolved faster to more oxic-to-dysoxic bottom waters.[48] At Unken, laminated deposits of red limestone suggest well oxygenated active waters (as lack shale), where high amounts of Chondrites are found.[40]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Burrowing and track ichnofossils |
Burrow-like ichnofossils. Interpreted as the feeding burrow of a sediment-ingesting animal.[51] A more recent study has find that Scoloplos armiger and Heteromastus filiformis, occurring in the German Wadden Sea in the lower parts of tidal flats, make burrows that are homonymous with numerous trace fossils of the ichnogenus.[52] Chondrites burrows from Holzmaden are mostly filled with granular Calcite crystals, clay minerals, and rare framboidal Pyrite. The local dysoxic seawater is reflected on the palaeoredox conditions, relating framboidal pyrite and biogenic processes. Chondrites appear to be capable of colonizing environments characterized by oxygen levels well below levels needed for survival of other animals, being considered an "extremotolerant" ichnotaxon.[53] |
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Borings on bones |
Borings on Ichthyosaur bones. Reminiscent of Gastrochaenolites and attributed to mechanical bivalve borers |
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Burrowing and track ichnofossils. |
Burrow-like ichnofossils. It is controversial, since is considered a strictly a junior synonym of Palaeophycus.[55] |
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Phymatoderma[56] |
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Burrowing and track ichnofossils. |
Burrow-like ichnofossils. It consists commonly on a subhorizontal branching burrow system consisting of radiating tunnels filled with fecal pellets.[56] It has been interpreted as a product made by an Endobenthic deposit-feeding animal, specially a Fodinichnia, burrows produced by benthonic subsurface food-mining activity, as is proved by the tunnels and pelletal infill.[56] The study of the Fecal Pellets has revelated that the maker of this ichnogenus was an epicontinental shelf setting non-selective deposit feeder, ingesting particles on the sediment surface without selection. A mode of feeding common on aquatic Benthos, reported on modern animals such as Spionid Polychaete worms, tropical Holothurians and Spatangoid urchins.[57] |
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Burrowing and track ichnofossils |
U-shaped tubes with sinuous, bifurcating or planispiral spreite, that can be related to Crustaceans, Annelids and Fishes, being both Domichnia and/or fodinichnia. |
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Burrowing and track ichnofossils |
Burrow-like ichnofossils, that can be related to Crustaceans, Annelids and Fishes.[58] The presence of this burrows changed along the different depositional layers, interpreted as result of relative magnitudes and durations of a series oxygenation events.[58] Increased Oxygen conditions eventually led to a level that permitted both the survival of larger Chondrites and Thalassinoides producing organisms, as well the depth of the Burrow-like structures.[58] The changes on the layers are detailed enough to know that oxygenation-change events duration was sufficient to allow the migration and establishment of trace-producing organisms, establishing an "equilibrium" with bottom-water oxygen conditions.[58] |
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Burrowing and track ichnofossils. |
Burrow-like ichnofossils. It has been related to Echiuran annelids, but also from moving and feeding polychaete worms.[60] |
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In the non-bituminous facies located on Obereggenen im Breisgau (Shore of the Black Forest High), especially the lower semicelatum subzone, pyritized individual needles of silica sponges (Demospongiae and Hexactinellida) are found, rarely on pelagic layers to very often on the low depth marine deposits.[27] They are usually associated with radiolarian stone cores. In Dusslingen and Reutlingen, these sponge needles could be barytized in phosphorites of the Haskerense subzone and are much more common here than in any other zone of the Lower Toarcian. These needles are absent in the bituminous horizons of the entire Lower Toarcian.[27] Increased amounts of Sponge needles (dominated by Hexactinellida) are also found on the arenaceous facies of the nearshore unit that is the Unken member, being the only section if its region hosts them, probably due to be an active and well oxygenated bottom.[40] The location of this member as a possible bay on the south of the vindelician land probably allow to the development of more pre-Toarcian AOE conditions, hence the presence of biota otherwise rare on bituminous layers.[40]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Multiple Specimens. |
A sessile, marine annelid tube worm of the family Serpulidae. Its affinities with the genus Serpula are controversial, since the genus is known mostly since Cretaceous strata. Although there are other fossils assigned to the genus on same age deposits of France. Presumably these specimens have fallen from their growth areas.[27] |
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Toarcihalla[27] |
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A polychaete of the family Dorvilleidae inside Eunicida. It was considered as part of the genus Halla. Eunicidan species with prionognath jaws, absent on Bituminous layers |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Berenicea[61] |
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Colonial Imprints |
A Bereniceidae Stenolaematan. The colonies form is extremely characteristic, forming curved fans |
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Colonial Imprints |
A Oncousoeciidae Stenolaematan. Colonies consists of bands that are the same width throughout their entire extent and can branch, without fan-shaped spread |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Shells |
A pennospiriferinid rhynchonellatan.[62] |
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Shells |
A Lingulidae rhynchonellatan. Associations of bioturbation infauna are dominated on certain sections by Palaeonucula/Lingula agrupations, developed under longer-term oxygenated conditions within the substrate and bottom waters.[62] |
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Orbiculoidea[47] |
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Shells |
A Discinidae rhynchonellatan. This genus was found had a planktotrophic larval stage, that adapted while growing to the local redox boundary, when this fluctuated near the sediment–water interface and oxygen availability prevailed, allowing benthic colonization. Is found on associations with Grammatodon and Pseudomytiloides.[62] |
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Shells |
A Rhynchonellidae rhynchonellatan. Found associated with Plicatula on long-term well-oxygenated conditions within the substrate and bottom waters.[62] |
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Shells |
A Spiriferinidae rhynchonellatan. |
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Waldheimia[47] |
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Shells |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Antiquilima[47] |
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Dotternhausen |
Shells |
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Bositra[63] |
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All the Formation |
20.000 specimens/m2 |
A posidoniid ostreoidan. It is the type fossil of the Sachrang Formation. Originally it was named "Posidonia bronni", thought to be a new genus, and the strata was denominated the Posidonia layers after it. Years later it turned out to be a junior synonym of Bositra, and thus, it was reassigned. However, the name of the layers was retained. The habitat and mode of life of Bositra has been debated for more than a century. There have been different interpretations, such as a pseudoplanktonic organism,[64] a benthic organism related to open marine floor, where it was the main inhabitant of the basinal settings, and a hybrid mode, where it has a life cycle with holopelagic reproduction controlled by the change on Oxygen levels, and even a chemosymbiotic lifestile, related to the large crinoid rafts, being the main "Safe conduct" to evade anoxic events. All the opinions along the years led to a large study in 1998, where the size/frequency distribution, the density of growth thanks to the lines related to the shell size and the position of the redox boundary by total organic carbon diagrams has revealed that Bositra probably had a benthic mode of life.[65] |
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Camptonectes[66] |
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Shells |
A pectinoid scallop. The presence of this genus along endo- and epibenthic bivalves, which are absent farther up the section, suggest a delayed overstepping of anoxic bottom waters on the Altdorf High.[66] |
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Shells |
A pectinoid scallop. |
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Shells |
A cucullaeid clam. |
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Shells |
A pectinoid scallop. |
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Shells |
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Shells |
A bakevelliid mud oyster. |
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Goniomya[4] |
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Shells |
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Grammatodon[47] |
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Shells |
A Grammatodontinae clam. This Genus had a lecithotrophic and planktotrophic larval development.[62] |
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Shells |
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Shells |
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Shells |
An oxytomid scallop. |
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Shells |
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Mytiloides[70] |
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Shells |
An inoceramid clam. |
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Nicaniella[4] |
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Shells |
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Shells |
An oxytomid scallop. |
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Palaeonucula[4] |
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Shells |
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Parainoceramya[70] |
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Shells |
An inoceramid clam. |
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Shells |
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Shells |
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Pleuromya[4] |
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Shells |
A Pleuromyid clam |
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Shells |
A plicatulid mud scallop. |
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Praearctotis[67] |
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Shells |
An oxytomid scallop. Found mostly on the "Dactylioceras-Monotis-Bank", a deposit derived from large scale tectonic events on the Bohemian coastline |
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Shells |
A propeamussiid mud scallop. |
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Pseudolimea[47] |
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Shells |
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Shells |
An inoceramid clam. Being the second most common genera of Bivalve on the Formation, it had been object to several studies to find its ecological niche, like Bositra. Several opinions include a pseudoplanktonic-only organism, able to live in open sea, or a benthonic-only organism. On the 1998 evaluation with Bositra, was found that probably has a benthic early life that translated to a faculatively pseudoplanktonic mode of adult life.[65] |
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Shells |
A Pteriidaeoid wing-oyster. |
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Shells |
A Clam, type member of the family Solemyidae inside Solemyida. |
||
Steinmannia[47] |
|
|
Shells |
A "posidoniid" ostreoidan. Another Genera mistaken with "Posidonia bronni". |
|
|
|
Shells |
A mactromyid clam. |
||
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amberleya[47] |
|
|
Shells |
A Eucyclidae sea Snail. |
|
|
|
|
A Coelodiscidae sea Snail. Is the oldest known holoplanktonic gastropod, thanks to a bilateral symmetrical shells as an adaption to active swimming. Also the most common of the sea snails of the Formation, it is also one of the most varied in size terms, with some of the biggest specimens of snail from the Lower Toarcian know.[72] It has been related to large floating driftwood as one of the primary settlers.[72] |
||
Eucyclus[47] |
|
|
Shells |
A Eucyclidae sea Snail. |
|
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
A Pleurotomariidae sea Snail. |
||
|
|
Larval Shells |
A Pterotracheidae sea Slug. Among the oldest pelagic floating Slugs, Pterotrachea liassica had a more extended larval period than modern extant Pterotrachea coronata, because one additional whorl is present.[73] |
||
Rhabdocolpus[47] |
|
|
Shells |
A Procerithiidae sea Snail. |
|
Rigauxia[47] |
|
|
Shells |
A Snail of uncertain placement. |
|
|
|
Shells |
A Coelodiscidae sea Snail. Possible holoplanktonic gastropod.[72] |
||
|
|
Shells |
A Zygopleuridae sea Snail. |
||
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Aptychi |
Ammonite internal moulds of uncertainf affinity. Represent the most diverse Ammonite remains found on all the formation and are usually not identificable to family level |
||
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Megateuthididae Belemnite. Includes some of the Biggest Know Belemnites, with an estimated maximum up to 2 m long in life, although, most specimens would have been rather smaller. |
||
Belotheutis[81] |
|
|
Complete Specimens with tissue, complete Arm Crown, ink Sacs and organ Traces |
A Diplobelidae Coleoidean. Some specimens belong to Clarkeiteuthis (=Phragmoteuthis) conocauda, but others are clearly different. |
|
Brodieia[47] |
|
|
Pyritized Fragments |
A Phymatoceratidae Ammonite. |
|
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
Catulloceras[82] |
|
|
Shells |
||
|
|
Shells |
A Nautilidae Nautilidan. Two referred specimens, identified as Nautilus spp. from Holzmaden where found encrusted with Serpulids and Bryozoans.[84] |
||
Chitinobelus[85] |
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Belemnotheutidae Belemnite. Chitinobelus rostrum was composed of aragonite with organic material, while normal Belemnites had calcite. Has been suggested this rostrum was calcitic. |
|
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Belemnotheutidae Belemnite. |
||
|
|
|
A Diplobelidae Coleoidean. It has been found adult individuals of Clarkeiteuthis which caught small teleost fish of the species Leptolepis bronni. Further indirect evidence for the hunting behaviour comes from their body orientation in the water during life.[9] |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
Type Coeloceratidae Ammonite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
A Dactylioceratidae Ammonite. Is common on the bituminous marls (incorrectly designated as "Wilder Schiefer") of the Altdorf High. |
||
|
|
Aptychi |
Ammonite internal moulds of uncertainf affinity. Represent the most diverse Ammonite remains found on all the formation and are usually not identificable to family level |
||
Cotteswoldia[82] |
|
|
Shells |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Megateuthididae Belemnite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
A Phymatoceratidae Ammonite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
A Hildoceratidae ammonite. The co-occurrence on Altdorf of boreal (Pseudolioceras) and Tethyan faunal elements (Frechiella) is striking, suggesting clear connection with both regions.[91] |
||
Furloceras[75] |
|
|
Shells |
A Phymatoceratidae Ammonite. |
|
|
|
|
A Geopeltidae Loligosepiidan (Vampyromorpha). Related to the modern Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Gladius with weakly arcuated hyperbolar zones. |
||
Geotheutis[93] |
|
|
|
A possible primigenial Cuttlefish. Is one of the most important fossils of Cephalopods on the Sachrang Formation, due to be one of the Earliest examples of Pigments found on any species, also one of the first historically.[95] The pigments are preserved on various specimens with Eumelanin related to its ink sacs and include even phosphatized musculature.[10] |
|
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
A Phymatoceratidae Ammonite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
Shells |
||||
Hudlestonia[82] |
|
|
Shells |
||
|
|
|
A Loligosepiidae Loligosepiidan (Vampyromorpha). Related to the modern Vampyroteuthis infernalis. Gladii of Loligosepia can be distinguished from Jeletzkyteuthis by the transition lateral field/hyperbolar zone. A specimen of this genus found on Ohmden has appeared predating a Parabelopeltis.[11] The association of this 2 genera shows the predatory behaviour of this group when lived on Epicontinental seas, being rather different than extant Vampyromorphs.[11] |
||
Kedonoceras[90] |
|
|
Shells |
||
Lioteuthis[97] |
|
|
Single Specimen with tissue |
Type member of the Lioteuthididae inside Vampyromorphida. The taxonomic position of Lioteuthis is uncertain, although the wings reaching the proximal gladius section and the smooth median field suggest affinity to the Prototeuthididae[97] |
|
|
|
Shells |
|||
Loligosepia[98] |
|
|
|
A Loligosepiidae Loligosepiidan (Vampyromorpha).[99] The Loligosepiidae is believed to be ancestral to the Recent vampire squid, Vampyroteuthis infernalis.[92] Hooklets in the food residues in the posterior mantle indicate that Loligosepia preyed upon belemnites.[98] |
|
|
|
Shells |
A Lytoceratidae Ammonite. Lytoceras can get quite big, with nearly 50 cm in diameter. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Passaloteuthididae Belemnite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
Odontobelus[81] |
|
|
|
A Diplobelidae Coleoidean. Has been confused with Acrocoelites tripartitus, hence the species name. |
|
|
|
Hooks |
Incertae sedis Belemnites. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
|
A Geopeltidae Loligosepiidan (Vampyromorpha). Related to the modern Vampyroteuthis infernalis. It is distinguished from Geoteuthis and Loligosepia by its median rib: this rib forms a narrow ridge between two narrow grooves. Probably hosted finds similar to modern Vampyroteuthis.[11] |
||
Paroniceras[77] |
|
|
Shells |
||
|
|
Partial Specimens with tissue |
A Plesioteuthididae Prototeuthidinan (Vampyromorpha). was originally described as "Geoteuthis" sagittata. |
||
|
|
|
A Passaloteuthididae Belemnite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
A Phylloceratidae Ammonite. The largest ammonite found in the Posidonienschiefer comes from the Ohmden quarry, and belongs to a Phylloceras heterophyllum with a diameter of 87 cm.[76] |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
A Phymatoceratidae Ammonite. |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shells |
|||
Protogrammoceras[75] |
|
|
Shells |
||
Pseudogrammoceras[103] |
|
|
Shells |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Salpingoteuthididae Belemnite. |
||
Simoniteuthis[104] |
|
|
MNHNL TI024, complete specimen |
A Loligosepiidae Loligosepiidan (Vampyromorpha). |
|
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Belemnotheutidae Belemnite. |
||
Sueviteuthis[105] |
|
|
|
A Sueviteuthididae Coleoidean. Sueviteuthis had at least six arms with rather simple hooks, similar to the present of the genus Phragmoteuthis. |
|
|
|
|
A Teudopseinae Palaeololiginidaean (Vampyromorphida). |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
|
|
Shell |
|||
|
|
Phragmocones |
A Megateuthididae Belemnite. Includes really large specimens |
||
|
|
Shells |
|||
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Incomplete carapace |
The First Cycloid Arthropod from the Jurassic, from the family Halicynidae inside Cycloidea.[107] Cycloids are a group of maxillopod arthropods that span between the Paleozoic until the latest Cretaceous, probably related to the crustaceans and probably detritivores.[107] |
||
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Bairdiidae inside Bairdioidea. Abundant and diverse, is found associated with Ammonite shells. |
||
Bairdiacypris[108] |
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Bairdiidae inside Bairdioidea. |
|
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Cytherellidae inside Platycopida. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Cytherellidae inside Platycopida. |
||
Eucytherura[108] |
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Cytheruridae inside Podocopida. Is rare and the specimens found are rather incomplete. |
|
Hermiella[110] |
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Healdiidae inside Podocopida. This genus is the main reported on the marine facies of the Dobbertin Clay Pit. |
|
Infracytheropteron[108] |
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Protostomia. The specimens of this genus are rather fargmentary and of uncertain nature. |
|
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Protocytheridae inside Podocopida. A genus related with Fish fossils and anoxic bottoms. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A marine Ostracodan, member of the family Pontocyprididae inside Podocopida. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A marine Ostracodan, member of the family Macrocyprididae inside Podocopida. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Bythocytheridae inside Cladocopina. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A marine Ostracodan, member of the family Healdiidae inside Podocopida. Rather abundant on the Toarcian profiles on Europe, this genus has a Mussel-like shape, with a very clean and round morphology. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Healdiidae inside Podocopida. This genus is the main reported on the marine facies of the Dobbertin Clay Pit. |
||
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Polycopidae inside Cladocopina. Scarce but well preserved specimens. |
||
Praeschuleridea[108] |
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Praeschuleridea inside Podocopida. |
|
|
|
Valves |
A Marine Ostracodan of the family Healdiidae inside Podocopida. The genus is rare on the layers. |
||
Trachycythere[47] |
|
|
Valves |
A marine Ostracodan, incertae sedis inside Podocopida. |
|
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
An Aegeridae Decapodan. |
||
|
|
Single complete specimen in late larval stage |
The specimen reported represents the oldest fossil record of an achelatan lobster larva, and the first representative of achelatan lobsters in the Posidonia Shale. Shares similarities with the late Jurassic genus Cancrinos. It is also the first example among crustaceans, which possibly could have lived as part of the plankton.[114] |
||
|
|
Partial Specimens. |
A Penaeidae Decapodan. |
||
|
|
|
An Erymidae Decapodan. |
||
|
|
Complete Specimens |
Type genus of the Erymidae Decapodan family. Originally, was named Glyphea amalthei, informally used by Quenstedt and housed on the Museum Naturkunde in Württemberg. A series of posterior revisions probe it was a different genus.[118] |
||
Gabaleryon[119] |
|
|
|
A Coleiidae Decapodan. Was confussed with Proeryon hartmanni specimens. Although these finds point to some potential for exceptional preservation, the Pfronten locality was never systematically sampled.[119] It was assigned to the genus Gabaleryon the basis of its ovoid carapace, a transverse groove cutting the axial carina on pleonal terga and an uropodal exopod with curved diaeresis.[119] It shares similarities with Gabaleryon garassinoi and Gabaleryon moorei.[119] A species from Gomaringen is the first know with preserved ommatidia.[120] |
|
Glypheopsis[121] |
|
|
Isolated Chelae |
A Decapodan of the family Glypheidae. |
|
|
|
Complete Specimens |
A Decapodan of the family Mecochiridae. |
||
|
|
Partial Specimens. |
A Penaeidae Decapodan. |
||
|
|
Partial Specimens. |
An Erymidae Decapodan. |
||
|
|
Single Specimen inside an Ammonite Shell. |
An hermit crab of the family Paguridae. This specimens where found inside an Ammonite shell, probably looking to evade anoxic conditions or predators. |
||
|
|
Partial Specimens |
A Spiny Lobster of the family Palinuridae |
||
|
|
|
A Coleiidae Decapodan. The second largest Decapodan from the formation, P. giganteus is a species reaching a larger size than most other polychelidans, with up to 15 cm. On the Sachrang Formation there is the most abundant variety of species from the genus, ranging from different sizes and morphologies, that indicate different habitat & feeding adaptations on the genus. Some like P. hartmani show less adaptations to hunt for small nectobenthic preys than other relatives, being abundant on Oyster-filled waters. There is a relatively abundance of the genus in deep-water settings from the Toarcian onward.[126] |
||
Stenodactylina[127] |
|
|
Single Chela |
An Erymidae Decapodan. It was erroneously reported from the Late Toarcian, as was found on bituminous limestone on the Unterer Stein it is clear its provenance from the Sachrang Formation. |
|
|
|
Single Incomplete Specimen |
A Stomatopoda Malacostracan. Its affinities haven't been tested. |
||
Tonneleryon[116] |
|
|
Associated Partial & Complete Specimens |
A gregarious Polychelidan Lobster. Specimens of Tonneleryon schweigerti where recovered generally in cluster of several individuals, a characteristic unique to this species on the whole Polychelida group.[116] The specimens in these accumulations are of similar size, lacking characters of exuviae such as a split median line or disjunction of carapace and first pleonite. Due to that and the disposition of the specimens probably represent a mass-mortality assemblage and suggest this species was gregarious.[116] |
|
Uncina[128] |
|
|
|
An Astacidea Decapodan of the family Uncinidae. Reaching large sizes of almost half a meter (39–47 cm), Uncina Posidoniae is among the largest known Jurassic Crustaceans. Uncina posidoniae is also the largest representative of the genus Uncina.[128] This large crustacean has been found associated with Ammonite and Bivalve filled Bentos, where probably hunted different kinds of prey.[128] Its large claws would have been perfect to hunt small invertebrates and vertebrates.[128] |
|
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Toarcolepas[15] |
|
|
Numerous disarticulated individuals, associated with fossil wood.[15] |
A phosphatic-shelled Cirripede of the family Eolepadidae.[15] Toarcolepas is provisionally interpreted as the oldest epiplanktonic cirripede known, and is thought to have lived attached to floating driftwood.[15] |
|
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Single Incomplete Specimen. |
The type genus of the family Liassoscorpionididae, probably related to Mesophonoidea. Being the only Jurassic scorpion known, there is no evidence that L. schmidti was aquatic (which was suggested in the past) and in the absence of further, better preserved material it should be excluded from future considerations of broad patterns of scorpion evolution.[130] |
||
Insects are a common terrestrial animals that were probably washed into the sea due to monsoon conditions present on the Sachrang Formation.[131]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Agmatozoon[132] |
|
|
Incomplete Specimens |
Uncertain Affinity Insects, whose remains are scarce to allow an assignation to a concrete family. Also Includes insects with characters never seen in other families and genera. |
|
Campeulites[132] |
|
| |||
Tomeferusa[132] |
|
| |||
Trimerocephalium[132] |
|
| |||
Dimeretes[132] |
|
| |||
Elasmoscolex[132] |
|
| |||
Epimetrophora[132] |
|
| |||
Oocephalina[132] |
|
| |||
Platycorion[132] |
|
| |||
Griphoconion[132] |
|
| |||
Cricolia[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
|
Gryllones (Extinct clade of Basal Insects) of the family Geinitziidae. |
||
Roemerula[133] |
|
| |||
Dorniella[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
An Eoblattidan of the family Blattogryllidae. |
|
|
|
Specimens |
An Odonatopteran (ancient winged insects) from the family Protomyrmeleontidae. |
||
Liassostenophlebia[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
An Indeterminate Family dragonfly. Dragonflies non assiganted to a concrete family due to the incomplete or fragmentary nature of its remains. |
|
Syrrhoe[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
|
A dragonfly of the family Heterophlebiidae. Heterophlebia is a relative abundant Genus, present on most of the pits of the Sachrang Formation, even on Holzmaden. Heterothemis is the second most distributed insect on the formation. |
||
Plagiophlebia[132] |
|
| |||
Heterothemis[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A dragonfly of the family Liassogomphidae. |
||
Proinogomphus[132] |
|
| |||
|
| ||||
Elattogomphus[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
|
A dragonfly of the family Sphenophlebiidae. The Kerkhofen specimens of Sphenophlebia pommerana shows an almost complete dragonfly with head and abdomen as well the two pairs of wings that are partially on top of each other, consisting of fore and hind wings.[141] |
||
Ensphingophlebia[132] |
|
| |||
Mesoepiophlebia[138] |
|
| |||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A dragonfly of the family Myopophlebiidae. |
||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
Paraplagiophlebia[138] |
|
| |||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A dragonfly of the family Campterophlebiidae. Campterophlebia is the largest Early Jurassic Insect Know, with a wings size up to 20 cm.[142] |
||
Gallodorsettia[143] |
|
| |||
Henrotayia[144] |
|
|
|
A dragonfly of the family Henrotayiidae. |
|
Liassogrylloides[132] |
|
|
|
grasshoppers of uncertain Placement. |
|
Prophilaenites[132] |
|
| |||
Protogryllus[132] |
|
|
|
A grasshopper of the family Protogryllidae. |
|
Panorpidium[132] |
|
|
|
A grasshopper of the family Elcanidae. |
|
|
|
|
A grasshopper of the family Elcanidae. |
||
Acridiopsis[132] |
|
|
|
A short-horned grasshopper of the family Acrididae. |
|
|
|
|
Grasshoppers of the family Locustopsidae. |
||
Liadolocusta[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A stick insect of the family Aerophasmidae. Schesslitziella is one of the described insects found more near the Bohemian Massif, where probably belong most of the terrestrial invertebrate fauna. |
||
Chresmodella[132] |
|
| |||
Liadoblattina[148] |
|
|
|
A cockroach of the family Raphidiomimidae. |
|
|
| ||||
Mesoblattina[148] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A cockroach of the family Mesoblattinidae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A cockroach of the family Caloblattinidae. |
||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A cockroach of the family Blattulidae. |
||
Elasmoscelidium[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Planthopper of uncertain placement. |
|
Archijassus[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Planthopper of the family Archijassidae. |
|
Fulgoridium[132] |
|
|
|
Planthoppers of the family Fulgoridiidae. |
|
Fulgoridulum[132] |
|
| |||
Procerofulgoridium[132] |
|
| |||
Tetrafulgoria[132] |
|
| |||
Metafulgoridium[132] |
|
| |||
Productofulgoridium[132] |
|
| |||
Margaroptilon[132] |
|
| |||
Compactofulgoridium[132] |
|
| |||
Procercopis[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Froghopper of the family Procercopidae. |
|
Megalocoris[132] |
|
|
|
A Shore bug (Saldidae) Of Uncertain Placement. |
|
Eurynotis[132] |
|
|
|
A Shore bug (Saldidae) of the family Archegocimicidae. |
|
Somatocoris[132] |
|
| |||
Corynecoris[132] |
|
| |||
Macropterocoris[132] |
|
| |||
Ophthalmocoris[132] |
|
| |||
Deraiocoris[132] |
|
| |||
Eogerridium[132] |
|
| |||
Pronabis[132] |
|
| |||
Entomecoris[132] |
|
| |||
Ensphingocoris[132] |
|
| |||
Engynabis[132] |
|
| |||
Xulsigia[149] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Sternorrhynchan of the family Pincombeomorpha. It is curious for its peculiar venation on its wings. Has been proposed its own family, Xulsigiidae. |
|
Indutionomarus[150] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Coleorrhynchan of the family Progonocimicidae. |
|
Xyelula[151] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Pseudo-Wasp of the family Sepulcidae. |
|
Thilopterus[151] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Wasp of the family Ephialtitidae. |
|
Symphytopterus[152] |
|
| |||
Liadobracona[153] |
|
| |||
Pseudoxyelocerus[154] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Wood Wasp of the family Xyelotomidae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Lacewing of uncertain placement. |
||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Lacewing of the family Prohemerobiidae. |
||
Parhemerobius[132] |
|
| |||
Paractinophlebia[155] |
|
| |||
|
| ||||
Stenoteleuta[155] |
|
| |||
Actinoptilon[155] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Silky Lacewing of the family Psychopsidae. |
|
Panfilovia[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Lacewing of the family Panfiloviidae. A large genus with wings around 50 mm. |
|
Epipanfilovia[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Giant Lacewing (Kalligrammatidae) of the subfamily Liassopsychopinae and Kallihemerobiinae. It is one of the oldest known representatives of the Giant pollinator lacewings. The genus Liassopsychops was previously referred to Psychopsidae. Another specimen related, Specimen Hi 21 is regarded here as Kalligrammatidae incertae sedis. This along the occurrence of two distantly-related genera of Kalligrammatidae in the lower Toarcian is unexpected.[156] The Toarcian Kalligrammatidae lived in warm and dry conditions, as proven by its recovery from the zone of Hondelange but absence on Grimmen and other northern locations. Both genera where among the largest insects found on all the formation.[156] |
||
Ophtalmogramma[156] |
|
| |||
Mesopsychopsis[155] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A lance Lacewing of the family Osmylopsychopidae. |
|
Tetanoptilon[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Lance Lacewings of the family Osmylidae. Tetanoptilon is the largest non-Kalligrammatidae lacewing of the Jurassic, with a forewings length up to 470 mm and a wingspan estimated at 11 cm. Like the Kalligrammatids, this genus is limited to the southern zones, asbsent in northern deposits.[156] |
|
Mesosmylina[155] |
|
| |||
Protoaristenymphes[157] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A lance Lacewing of the family Mesochrysopidae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Hairy Cicada of the family Tettigarctidae. |
||
Liassotettigarcta[146] |
|
| |||
Adelocoris[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Pentatomomorphans of the family Pachymeridiidae. Are related with the family Lygaeoidea, being possible ancestral forms of this last one. |
|
Stiphroschema[132] |
|
| |||
Engerrophorus[132] |
|
| |||
Euraspidium[132] |
|
| |||
|
| ||||
Mesomphalocoris[132] |
|
| |||
Trachycoris[132] |
|
| |||
Apicasia[132] |
|
|
|
Beetles of uncertain placement inside Coleoptera. Diverse beetle specimens that due to its preservation (incomplete) or its morphological traits are not assigned to any concrete family. The abundance of beetle Elytrons indicates the proximity of terrestrial habitats. |
|
Apiopyrenides[132] |
|
| |||
Auchenophorites[132] |
|
| |||
Brachytrachelites[132] |
|
| |||
Diatrypamene[132] |
|
| |||
Diatrypamene[132] |
|
| |||
Dicyphelus[132] |
|
| |||
Dicyphelus[132] |
|
| |||
Diplothece[132] |
|
| |||
Entomocantharus[132] |
|
| |||
Episcepes[132] |
|
| |||
Eurynotellus[132] |
|
| |||
Eurysphinctus[132] |
|
| |||
Eusarcantarus[132] |
|
| |||
Gastrodelus[132] |
|
| |||
Laimocenos[132] |
|
| |||
Leptomites[132] |
|
| |||
Loxocamarotus[132] |
|
| |||
Macrotrachelites[132] |
|
| |||
Melanocantharis[132] |
|
| |||
Mesotylites[132] |
|
| |||
Ooidellus[132] |
|
| |||
Ooperiglyptus[132] |
|
| |||
Opiselleipon[132] |
|
| |||
Oxycephalites[132] |
|
| |||
Parnosoma[132] |
|
| |||
Proheuristes[132] |
|
| |||
Sphaericites[132] |
|
| |||
Tetragonides[132] |
|
| |||
Trichelepturgetes[132] |
|
| |||
Trochmalus[132] |
|
| |||
Pholipheron[132] |
|
| |||
Grasselites[132] |
|
| |||
Omogongylus[132] |
|
| |||
Sideriosemion[132] |
|
| |||
Metanastes[132] |
|
| |||
Aptilotitus[132] |
|
| |||
Rhomaleus[132] |
|
| |||
Leptosolenophorus[132] |
|
| |||
Gastroratus[132] |
|
| |||
Brachylaimon[132] |
|
| |||
Pleuralocista[132] |
|
| |||
Mesoncus[132] |
|
| |||
Palaeotrachys[132] |
|
| |||
Hydroicetes[132] |
|
| |||
Scalopoides[132] |
|
| |||
Peridosoma[132] |
|
| |||
|
| ||||
Sphaerocantharis[132] |
|
| |||
Rhysopsalis[132] |
|
| |||
Diplocelides[132] |
|
| |||
Tripsalis[132] |
|
| |||
Trochiscites[132] |
|
| |||
Zetemenos[132] |
|
| |||
Amphoxyne[132] |
|
| |||
|
| ||||
Prosynactus[132] |
|
|
|
False Ground Beetles of the family Trachypachidae. |
|
Coreoeicos[132] |
|
| |||
Aposphinctus[132] |
|
|
|
A Water Scavenger Beetle of the family Hydrophilidae. |
|
Amblycephalonius[132] |
|
|
|
Beetles of the family Coptoclavidae. |
|
Ooperioristus[132] |
|
| |||
Camaricopterus[132] |
|
|
|
A Beetle of the family Phoroschizidae. |
|
Megachorites[132] |
|
|
Elytrons |
A Giant Beetle. It is among the largest found on all the Jurassic. |
|
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Phantom Crane fly of the family Eoptychopterinae. |
||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
An Amphiesmenopteran of the family Necrotauliidae. The ovipositor, like terminalia of female N. parvulus, indicate that these insects laid their eggs rather in soil than in water |
||
Micropterygidae[160] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Lepidopterans probably related with the family Micropterygidae. Compared with their record on Grimmen, on Lower Saxony Lepidopterans are rather scarce and bad preserved. |
|
Geisfeldiella[161] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Mayfly of the family Protereismatidae. |
|
Protobittacus[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Hanginflies of the family Bittacidae. |
|
Parabittacus[132] |
|
| |||
Neorthophlebia[132] |
|
| |||
Pleobittacus[132] |
|
| |||
Haplobittacus[132] |
|
| |||
Mesobittacus[132] |
|
| |||
Orthophlebia[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Scorpionflies of the family Orthophlebiidae. |
|
Reprehensa[132] |
|
| |||
Parorthophlebia[132] |
|
| |||
Mesopanorpa[132] |
|
| |||
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Scorpionflies of the family Protorthophlebiidae. |
||
Pseudopolycentropus[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
Scorpionflies of the family Pseudopolycentropodidae. |
|
Homoeoptychopteris[132] |
|
|
|
Flies Of Uncertain Placement. Some of the Specimens where listed as Nymphs but are now tougth to be wingless Dipterans |
|
Liassonympha[132] |
|
| |||
Rhopaloscolex[132] |
|
| |||
Empidocampe[132] |
|
| |||
Amianta[132] |
|
| |||
Culiciscolex[132] |
|
| |||
Bodephora[132] |
|
| |||
Apistogrypotes[132] |
|
| |||
Amphipromeca[132] |
|
| |||
Cyrtomides[132] |
|
| |||
Sphallonymphites[132] |
|
| |||
Propexis[132] |
|
| |||
Amblylexis[132] |
|
| |||
Ellipibodus[132] |
|
| |||
Archipleciomima[162] |
|
| |||
Protoplecia[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Fly of the family Protopleciidae. |
|
Mesorhyphus[162] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Wood Gnat of the family Anisopodidae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Snakefly of the family Priscaenigmatidae. |
||
Metaraphidia[153] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Snakefly of the family Metaraphidiidae. |
|
Heterorhyphus[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Fly of the family Heterorhyphidae. |
|
Protorhyphus[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Fly of the family Protorhyphidae. |
|
Metatrichopteridium[163] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Fly of the family Hennigmatidae. It represents the oldest know genus of this primitive family. |
|
Praemacrochile[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A primitive Crane fly of the family Tanyderidae. Extant members of the family are nectar feeder while extinct members cannot be determined precisely.[164] |
|
|
|
Isolated Wings | |||
Architipula[132] |
|
|
Isolated Wings |
A Crane fly of the family Limoniidae. |
|
Ozotipula[132] |
|
| |||
Haplotipula[132] |
|
| |||
Leptotipuloides[132] |
|
| |||
Mikrotipula[132] |
|
| |||
Echinoderm debris is pretty abundant on the shale-free Unken and Salzburg members, including Crinoid skeleton elements, also that of the Ophiurida; the Echinoids take their place, where really blossomed at that time. That's why Pedicellaria are observed very often.[40]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Barbaraster[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiomusina. |
|
Dermacantha[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of incertae sedis family on the order Ophionereididae. |
|
Enakomusium[167] |
|
|
|
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiolepididae. |
|
Dermocoma[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of incertae sedis family on the order Ophiodermatina. |
|
Inexpectacantha[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Euryophiurida. |
|
Lapidaster[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophioscolecidae. |
|
Ophiarachna[168] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiacanthida. Very Common, related to non anoxic water sedimentation. |
|
Ophiogojira[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiomusaidae. |
|
Ophiocopa[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiotomidae. |
|
?Ophiocten[168] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiuridae. Its relationships haven't been confirmed and it is based on very fragmentary remains. |
|
Ophiohelus[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiohelidae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiomusaidae. |
||
Ophiomisidium[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Astrophiuridae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiactidae. Very rare on the layers. |
||
Ophiotardis[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiopyrgidae. |
|
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiopyrgidae. |
||
|
|
|
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophioleucidae. The Mostly know Arterozoan from the formation, including a single articulated specimen. |
||
Thanataster[166] |
|
|
Isolated Arm Plates |
An Ophiuridan of the family Ophiomusina. |
|
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Specimens |
A sea urchin of the family Cidaridae. Common on several layers. Cidaris is genus that still alive today. A bottom dweller, is commonly found associated with Belemnnite fossils, probably due to eating its carcasses. |
||
|
|
Specimens |
A sea urchin of the family Pedinidae. It is the most common sea urchin in the formation, present on all the levels with specimens of various sizes. Vinculated to sea bottom sediments, before Gasteropods and Bivalves, Diademospsis was the third major colonizer of the bottom, in between anoxic changes. |
||
Eodiadema[47] |
|
|
Specimens |
A sea urchin of the family Diadematidae |
|
Hemipedina[47] |
|
|
Specimens |
A sea urchin of the family Pedinidae |
|
Procidaris[29] |
|
|
Specimens |
A sea urchin of the family Miocidaridae |
|
Pseudodiadema[47] |
|
|
Specimens |
A sea urchin of the family Pseudodiadematidae |
|
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Specimens |
A sea cucumber of the family Achistridae inside Apodida. The "fishhooks" from this genus are only rarely found in the tenuicostatum zone |
||
Mortensenites[27] |
|
|
Specimens |
A sea cucumber of the family Calclamnidae inside Dendrochirotida. A Genus whose identification was originally complex. |
|
|
|
Specimens |
A sea cucumber of the family Stichopitidae. Occurs sporadically in non-bituminous sediments of the upper bifrons zone |
||
|
|
Specimens |
A sea cucumber of the family Chiridotidae. It is the only major genus of Sea Cucumbers reported locally on the Posidonienschiefer. It was identified originally as Chirodonta mesoliasicus and Chirodonta heptalmorpha. Represents a possible cosmopolitan holothurian that occupied all three types of deep-sea ecosystems as an organic-enrichment opportunist. |
||
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Type genus of Crinoidean from the family Pentacrinitidae. Like Seirocrinus, Pentacrinites formed colonies on rafting wood, getting a different role than bigger crinoid and appearing on the first stages of the decomposition of the rafting wood. Was a smaller genus, with specimens of no more than 1 meter long, usually measuring 40–70 cm. |
||
Praetetracrinus[172] |
|
|
Isolated Stems |
A Crinoidean of the family Plicatocrinidae. |
|
Procomaster[168] |
|
|
Exceptionally well preserved individual with the arms, pinnules and cirri largely Intact |
A Crinoidean of the family Isocrinida. This Benthic Crinoid clearly represents an exotic elementement of the typical Posidonia fauna, likely moved from the coastal settings |
|
|
|
|
The largest known Crinoidean, from the family Pentacrinitidae. Among the tallest animals of its period, Seirocrinus is also one of the most famous fossils from the Sachrang Formation. It consists of fossils of colonies along large wood trunks, with specimens up to 14 m long, with the largest specimen reaching 26 m long, what makes it among the tallest know Mesozoic organisms, one of the largest invertebrates know on the fossil record and one of the tallest know animals.[174] It was an open ocean organism that lived in rafting woods, probably filtering food and serving as a refuge for other animals, such as ammonites. The crinoids had a large colonization process, based on the status of the fossil wood found.[175] The large rafts were the home for a high variety of marine organisms, such as Balanoideans, Ammonites and other. It has been estimated that without the presence of modern raft wood predators (that appeared on the Bathonian) those rafts can last up to 5 years, being that the main reason the crinoids were able to reach such huge sizes. The large rafts were also probably essential to distribute animals along the Early Jurassic Seas.[13] |
||
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Head and postcranial remains |
A member of Myriacanthidae inside Chimaeriformes. An aberrant Chimaera with an extrange elongated nose and horns over the skull. |
||
|
|
Teeth |
Type genus of the family Acrodontidae. |
||
|
|
Upper ("palatine") toothplate |
A member of Callorhynchidae inside Chimaeriformes. Similar to Callorhinchus, among the oldest known of its type. It the first Modern lineage Chimaeras from the Toarcian. |
||
|
|
Teeth |
A shark of the family Hybodontidae. An aberrant hybodontid with crushing dentition. |
||
Crassodus[179] |
|
|
Meckelian Cartilages, Jaws, teeth, Palatoquadrates, placoid scales and dearticualted parts of the labial, hyoid and branchial skeleton. |
A shark of the family Hybodontidae. The Type specimen belongs to a large hybodontid, with an estimated total length of up to 3 m.[179] It has a Meckelian Cartilage more robust than Hybodus hauffianus and an acrodontine dentition, as seen on Bdellodus.[179] Probably is related with "Hybodus" delabechei, very likely a junior synonym of Crassodus.[179] |
|
|
|
|
Type genus of the family Hybodontidae. It is the most abundant shark on the layers of the Sachrang Formation, with some of the best preserved specimens of the genus known. It was probably an open ocean hunter, with small horns over the eyes. With a size around 2 m, it was also one of the largest representatives of the Chondrichthyes on the formation.[182] |
||
|
|
|
A member of Myriacanthidae inside Chimaeriformes. An aberrant Chimaera with a second jaw-like structure on its head. |
||
|
|
Anterior part of body with basicranium, palatoquadrates, Meckel's cartilage, ceratohyals, epihyals, teeth, traces of the branchial arches and the anterior finspine |
Type member of the family Palaeospinacidae. |
||
Palidiplospinax[186] |
|
|
Articulated vertebral column, girdles, both fin spines and clasper organ |
A member of the family Palaeospinacidae. |
|
Pseudonotidanus[187] |
|
|
Partial, articulated specimen |
A shark of the family Hexanchiformes. It was identified originally as a member of the genus Palaeospinax. |
|
Gen et sp. nov |
|
SMNS 52666, Incomplete Specimen |
A possible member of Batoidea. It was originally identified as a member of Galeiformes. This Genus was found to be sister taxa to the extant genus Raja, yet maybe represents an stem Rajiform. It is probably the oldest described pelagic Rajiform. It wears an enlogated rostrum. |
||
Recurvacanthus[189] |
|
|
Isolated Fin Spine |
A member of Myriacanthidae inside Chimaeriformes. |
|
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Various Complete and nearly complete Specimens |
Type genus of the family Caturidae inside Amiiformes |
||
|
|
|
A deep-bodied neopterygian, the type genus of the family Dapediidae. Unpublished material indicates the presence of one or even two more still undescribed species of Dapedium in the Lower Toarcian.[192] A specimen of Lytoceras has a Dapedium sp. in the body chamber probably trapped when feeding on the carcass of the cephalopod, and may therefore indicate an opportunistic carrion feeder.[193] |
||
|
|
|
A member of the family Pachycormidae. |
||
Germanostomus[195] |
|
|
|
A pachycormid. |
|
Haasichthys[196] |
|
|
|
A pachycormid. |
|
|
|
|
A member of the family Furidae inside Ionoscopiformes |
||
Holzmadenfuro[197] |
|
|
Complete Specimen |
First ganoin-scaled Ophiopsiformes (Halecomorphi) from the Posidonienschiefer. The type specimen measures 51 cm, and has elongated and serrated body scales before the dorsal fin and tiny ganoid scales after it.[197] |
|
|
|
|
A common member of the Lepisosteiformes. |
||
|
|
|
A member of the family Leptolepididae. The most common member of its family, Leptolepis is commonly associated with crustaceans and small marine invertebrates, probably the main constituents of its diet. One on the most predated vertebrates on the formation, with abundance of larger fishes and reptiles with specimens associated. |
||
|
|
MB. f.7612, nearly complete specimen. |
A member of the family Leptolepididae. Was identified as Paraleptolepis, but this name is currently occupied by a Japanese fish genus of Early Cretaceous age.[203] It differs from Leptolepis coryphaenoides in the presence of a few autapomorphies and also in the retention of several primitive features not present on the last one.[202] Small genus, of about 14 cm length.[202] |
||
|
|
|
A possible representative of the family Saurichthyidae. Is based on rather fragmentary specimens. |
||
Ohmdenfuro[197] |
|
|
Nearly complete specimen with broken skull |
First ganoin-scaled Ophiopsiformes (Halecomorphi) from the Posidonienschiefer. Elongated morphology, with a length of ~39 cm, covered by smooth, massive ganoin scales.[197] |
|
Ohmdenia[204] |
|
|
|
A large member of the family Pachycormidae, with a length of up to 2.5–3 m and an estimated weight over 200 kg.[204] |
|
|
|
|
Type member of the family Pachycormidae. Large representative of its family, with a size up to 1.5 m. One specimen preserved the alimentary canal, with the stomach filled by numerous hooklets that can be referred to the coleoid cephalopod Phragmoteuthis, implying a diet of cephalopods for this genus.[18] |
||
|
|
|
A member of the family Pholidophoridae. Is among the most abundant fishes on the late liassic of Europe, present on the sub-Mediterranean boreal, with specimens of several sizes. |
||
|
|
|
Type genus of the family Ptycholepididae inside Ptycholepiformes. It is one of the youngest representatives of its family. |
||
|
|
|
A large member of the family Pachycormidae. |
||
|
|
|
The youngest representative of the family Saurichthyidae, known for its large jaws, similar to modern Belonidae. |
||
|
|
|
A member of the family Pachycormidae. Large representative of the family, reaching sizes up to 2.3 m. |
||
Strongylosteus[211] |
|
|
|
A large member of the Chondrosteidae and the largest non-reptilian marine vertebrate of the Sachrang Formation, with a size between 3 and 4.5 m, and an estimated weight over 800 kg to 1 tonne.[211] |
|
|
|
|
A deep-bodied neopterygian of the family Dapediidae. |
||
Toarcocephalus[20] |
|
|
|
A member of the family Coccolepididae. The first representative of the family from the Toarcian | |
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
A large coelacanth of the family Mawsoniidae, related to the genera Axelrodichthys, Chinlea, Diplurus and the type, Mawsonia.[214] The largest specimen known from the Sachrang Formation is GPIT.OS.770 (Holotype), with a length over 1.6 m.[213] The specimen presents an ossified lung inside the abdominal cavity, and most of the body, being also one of the most complete coelacanths of the Jurassic found.[213][214] Trachymetopon precedes the presence of the family Mawsoniidae in Europe by about 120 Ma and the northernmost occurrence of a member of the group, implying an extensive geographical range during the Early Jurassic.[214] Due to the specimens being found on pelagic deposits suggest that probably was an open ocean swimmer.[213][214] |
||
Inderminate specimens are known.[29][198][199][200]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
A large ichthyosaur of the family Leptonectidae with convergent evolution with modern swordfish. Like these fishes, Eurhinosaurus is believed to be a fast swimming predator, able to hunt fish schools on same way. Large specimens of up to 6 m are known. |
||
|
|
Complete Specimens |
Small sized ichthyosaur, probably a member of Parvipelvia, sister group to Stenopterygius + Ophthalmosauridae. A small- to mid-sized ichthyosaur, 2–3 m in length, with a relatively short and slender antorbital rostrum.[218] |
||
|
|
|
A possible member of the family Leptonectidae. Mostly of the specimens of this genus have been referred to Leptonectes or Temnodontosaurus, although some remains on the Posidonienschiefer are too complex to being clearly referred. |
||
|
|
|
An Ichthyosaur of the family Stenopterygiidae. Magnipterygius may not have grown to a total length of much more than 120 cm. It is therefore potentially only the second post-Triassic ichthyosaur known with such a small body size |
||
|
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|
Type genus of the family Stenopterygiidae. A common Toarcian ichthyosaur, present in multiple layers. The rather exquisite level of preservation has led to know even the coloration, that exposes a clear countershading, with an upper part being more obscure than the lower, similar to modern killer whales, the Heaviside's dolphin or the Dall's porpoise. There is also evidence of changes in color with ontogenic changes, going from dark juveniles to countershaded adults. The skin was flexible & scaleless, as in dolphins.[222] The study of several specimens has revelated that Stenopterygius quadriscissus underwent a size-related trophic niche shift through ontogeny, shifting from a piscivorous diet to a teuthophagous diet, known thanks to exquisitely preserved stomach contents.[223] |
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Type genus of the family Suevoleviathanidae. Includes specimens up to 4 m long. |
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Type genus of the family Temnodontosauridae. A large macroraptorial ichthyosaur, apex predator of its environment. It ranges between 9 and the 12 m, being one of the largest known ichthyosaurs, characterized by skulls and jaws over 1 m in length, with the largest being over 1.9 m long. It has been found with fragments of young icthyosaur in his stomach.[17] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Complete specimen. |
A basal member of Pliosauridae. A moderately sized (3.4 m) Pliosaurid, ecologically adapted to fish hunt, as has been observed due to comparing the long snouted skull with that of Peloneustes, Gharial Crocodiles or Dolphins.[229] |
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A junior synonym of M. brachypterygius.[231] |
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A Rhomaleosauridae Plesiosaur. Its detailed fossils have helped to study plesiosaur movement. |
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Type member of the Plesiosaur family Microcleididae. Small Plesiosaur, with a length of less than three metres. It is characterised by a really elongated neck, and was probably an ichthyophagous form that occurred rarely in the Posidonienschiefer fauna. |
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An indeterminate plesiosauroid plesiosaur. An impressively preserved immature specimen, different from Hydrorion brachypterygius and Seeleyosaurus guilelmiimperatoris, the most abundant plesiosaurs found locally, and its anatomical characters suggest it represents a new genus.[231] It fossilized buff-coloured material, identified as mainly composed of calcium phosphate and interpreted as phosphatised muscle tissues.[231] It also contains eumelanin and hence possibly corresponds to areas dark-coloured in life.[231] The stomach contains quartz grains that were most likely ingested during the animal's life, maybe used for food trituration. This gastroliths have importance for its exotic provenance compared with the surrounding lithology of the deposits (mostly shale), and as sandy turbidites have never been reported from the SW German Basin, the individual may have acquired the sand-sized grains many kilometres away from the burial site.[231] Strata containing fine sand ('Glaukonit und viel Feinsand') at Obereggenen im Breisgau (western side of the Black Forest between Freiburg and Basel), 200 km from Holzmaden suggest a nearshore deposit was allocated here, and that the black forest emerged at this time. Probably this young specimen reached that location in search for gastroliths.[231] |
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Complete Specimen. |
A basal Plesiosaur that has been linked with Cryptoclididae. It is one of the smallest from the Posidonia, with a complete skeleton measuring less than 2.5 m. It is considered a possible junior synonym of Seeleyosaurus. |
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Isolated caudal & cervical vertebrae |
A Plesiosaur assigned to the genus Plesiosaurus, yet shows more affinities with Anningasaura |
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A Plesiosaur of the family Microcleididae. It was named originally "Plesiosaurus guilelmiimperatoris". It was a moderate-sized plesiosauroid, measuring up to 3,5 m in length with a skull length of 170 mm. |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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An aquatic sphenodont of the family Pleurosauridae. Palaeopleurosaurus evidences that there was a slightly skeletal specialization for an aquatic lifestyle, achieved through the Jurassic gradually on pleurosaurs.[237] Recent studies suggest a shorter lifespan than modern Tuatara, based on irregular spacing of growth marks.[238] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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A marine turtle of the superfamily Eurysternidae inside Thalassochelydia. Is the main formally identified fossil as Turtle from the Sachrang Formation, representing a rather basal genus. The pleurals resemble those of the genus Plesiochelys.[239] Being found in the zone of Franconia that on the Toarcian was at -80 km from the shore can suggest that early marine turtles lived in the epicontinental waters of the European shallow seas before reach richer ecosystem diversity on the Late Jurassic.[239] This would explain the serious lack of Turtle fossils on the formation, as mostly of the deposits are located far from the coast.[239] Possible unclassified testudine remains. Münster (1834) cited: "there were also rare things at the quarries of Altdorf, among other remains there were ones of a turtle on lias limestone"". The remains are not catalogued and some specimens are in Private Collections.[243] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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A longirostrine thalattosuchian of the family Machimosauridae. Was considered synonymous with Steneosaurus until in 2020 this last was recovered as invalid. It reached large sizes, with specimens exceeding 5 m, being a generalist predator.[244] |
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A mesorostrine thalattosuchian of the family Teleosauridae. A marine crocodylomorph with a diet probably based on fish. Was considered synonymous with Steneosaurus until recently.[247] Due to this unusual placement of the external nares, Mystriosaurus was more terrestrial, or spent a greater amount of time on land, than other teleosauroids. This would explain its greater presence in zones of the formation more proximal to the emerged landmasses. Its morphology suggest it was a mesorostrine generalist.[247] |
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A thalattosuchian with a complex assignation, probably the basalmost metriorhynchoid. Pelagosaurus typus was a small-bodied thalattosuchian (~1 m in length) considered to be an adept aquatic pursuit predator, with a long streamlined snout ideal for snapping at fast moving prey (one specimen was found with Leptolepis fishes inside) and large, anterolaterally placed orbits for increased visual acuity.[248] |
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A Longirostrine Thalattosuchian, the most basal know. Was considered synonymous with Steneosaurus. Longirostrine specialist, probably active fish hunter. |
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A longirostrine thalattosuchian of the family Teleosauridae. Platysuchus was slightly more robust than its contemporaneous relatives, being probably adapted to hunt more voluminous fish. A heavily armoured, semi-terrestrial longirostrine generalist form, indicated by the extensive and tightly packed rows of dorsal osteoderms.[244] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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A Novialoidean Pterosaur, type genus of the family Campylognathoidea. Mark Witton suggests the construction of Campylognathoides' extremely robust forelimbs, with proportionally long wing fingers, could be a specialization for a fast aerial lifestyle comparable to those of Falcons and mastiff bats, being more probably an insect & vertebrate hunter and living on nearshore environments. |
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A Rhamphorhynchinae Pterosaur. It is one of the best known Early Jurassic Pterosaurs.[251] Unlike Campylognthoides, Dorygnathus was an oceanic hunter, with teeth disposed to catch marine prey, such as Belemnittes and several species of fishes. Dorygnathus mistelgauensis is considered a junior synonym until more data can be recovered from the specimen, held on a private collection.[251] |
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Pelvis and several vertebrae. |
A Novialoidean Pterosaur, probably a member of the family Campylognathoidea. Has been assigned to the genus Campylognathoides, although it is clearly different than any other pterosaur from the Sachrang Formation.[94] The name "Schandelopterus" is invalid and lacks any study, assigned without species to refer to the specimen on private German Fossil Groups. The pelvis indicates a laterally, slightly upwardly directed orientation of the acetabula which does not support a bird-like bipedal locomotion of this pterosaur as has been suggested on the past.[94] |
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Skull |
A Rhamphorhynchinae Pterosaur. Has been assigned to the genus Dorygnathus. It has a really complete skull that can help to explain the status of the genus Parapsicephalus.[256] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Tibia and astragalus |
A Gravisaurian Sauropod. One of the few formally described from the Toarcian. Was confused as a Plesiosaur bone.[257] |
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The macroflora of the Posidonia slate can be described as extremely poor in species.[258] Apart from the remains of Horsetails, it is without exception the remains of coarse branches and fronds from gymnosperms, in which one has a certain can assume transport resistance. Remains of Ferns are completely missing, except for tall arboreal ferns (Peltaspermales).[259] Mostly of the flora was reported from the area of Braunschweig.[258] The major explanation for the flora could be that the plants in question are mono-or oligotypic stands on the edge of the waters that flow into the Posidonienschiefer sea, probably tear away in the course of flood events, easily fragmented during transport and wave waves, possibly especially in the occasional storm events postulated.[260] In terms of taphonomy, this would result in a comparison with today's reed Phragmites, which can form extensive stocks on the edge of shallower and slowly flowing waters ("Reed belts").[258] The Wood remnants clearly indicate one higher diversity of Coniferous flora in the delivery area than the remains of leafy branches.[258] This fact is likely to be proportionate, similar to that frequent occurrence of charcoalized or gagged trunks, mostly of them are believed to be "driftwoods" that only take a long time drifting also suggests a frequent settlement with mussels and full-grown Sea Lilies.[258][260] The deposition settings are at large distance from the nearest coastline (for southern Germany about 100 kilometers), making only plants strong to transportation able to resist enough to get deposited.[261][145] At Irlbach and Kheleim, NE of Regensburg, where the Posidonienschiefer has its near mainland deposit with abundant sand, a rich deposit filled with plant remains of different kind (Seds, Reproductive organs, Leafs, Stems, Cuticles and wood) with traces of coal was recovered, however, it was never studied in depth.[83] Of all the plant material expected only a few Bennetites leafs and two conifer branches with leaves where cited and none studied.[83] At the Austrian realm The sachrang Member was developed in the basinal area, while the Unken Member, sandwiched between red, often condensed limestones, represents the marginal facies.[40] Due to be more marginal and connected with the southern Vindelician land, the most diverse palynological assemblages of the formation are found, transported from zonas with moldanuvian granites as proven by the feldspar accumulations.[40]
Phytoclasts have been recovered from several sections on the formation, but only studied in depth from the Dotternhausen and specially Dormettingen.[46] Here two kinds of Phytoclasts where recovered, opaque phytoclasts (charcoal, indicator of wildfire activity on nearby landmasses, indicator of seasonal alterations of the water column) and translucent phytoclasts (indicator of proximal landmasses with high availability of wood and other plant material, as well transport conditions).[46] On the lowermost part of the section opaque phytoclasts are low (15% of the total organic matter) while translucent are incredibly abundant (40%), lowering its abundance to a 20-10% on the next section.[46] The Exaratum Subzone is the only one with an inverse trend and more abundance of opaque phytoclasts. On the Bifrons level, both types reach between a 15% and a 30%, showing a rapid increase, to decrease on the end of the section to values of less than 10%.[46] Opaque Phytoclasts, for a supposed marine deposit are relatively abundant on some sections, whose decreasing on others suggest (along with increasing levels of Kaolinite) an increased delivery of land plant material by rivers, from areas with wetter climate and less frequent fires, while its rise suggest the opposite, nearby continental setting with dry climate and continuous wildfire activity.[46]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Pollen |
Affinities with the families Peltaspermaceae, Corystospermaceae or Umkomasiaceae inside Peltaspermales. Pollen of Uncertain provenance, that can be derived from any of the members of the Peltaspermales. The lack o distinctive characters and bad conservation are among the main factors to make this Palynological residues difficult to classify. Arboreal to arbustive seed ferns. |
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Baculatisporites[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with the family Osmundaceae in the Polypodiopsida. Near fluvial current ferns, related to the modern Osmunda regalis. |
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Pollen |
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Pollen |
Affinities with both Sciadopityaceae and Miroviaceae inside Pinopsida. This Pollen resemblance with extant Sciadopitys suggest that Miroviaceae can be an extinct lineage of sciadopityaceaous-like plants.[265] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Cycadaceae and probably Cycadales. Alternatively can be Pollen from Bennettitales. It is the most abundant non conifer Pollen recovered on the formation, recovered on all the major sampled areas. Probably derived from arbustive cycads, this genus is related with dry settings, even from desertic regions. |
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Circulina[40] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with the Cheirolepidiaceae inside Pinales. Pollen from Arboreal to Arbustive Plants. It is rare on the Samples measured. |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Cheirolepidiaceae inside Coniferae. Pollen of medium to large arboreal plants, specially coniferales. |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Cheirolepidiaceae inside Coniferae. Abundant on the Lower Jurassic of North and Southern Europe, represents pollen of medium to large arboreal plants, specially coniferales. The abundance of pollen of Classopollis and other thermophile plants was observed in this region in the lower Toarcian from the end of the antiquum (= tenuicostatum) zone to the middle of commune zone.[267] Classopollis is correlated with evaporites and are therefore associated with desert basins, but the shrubs may have also lived in xeric upland areas with seasonal fires. Evidence of fires is absent on the marine Posidonienschiefer, but has been recovered on the coeval nearshore calcareous sandstones.[267] It increases with the appearance of charcoal phytoclasts, as derived from dry settings with increased wilfires.[46] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Gnetopsida and probably Gnetophyta. Has Been considered Pollen of Chloranthaceae. However, it is too old for belonging to advanced Angiosperms. It probably comes from cones related to the Genera Piroconites kuesperti from the Lowermost Jurassic of Germany, resembling pollen of extant Ephedra and Welwitschia. |
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Spores |
Affinities with Gleicheniaceae inside Gleicheniales. Suggest relative increase of humidity on the rivers flowing towards the Austrian realm. Most abundant Fern spore in this region. |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Cheirolepidiaceae and Araucariaceae inside Pinaceae. Non concreted affinities |
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Cyathidites[46] |
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Spores |
Affinities with the family Cyatheaceae inside Cyatheales. Arboreal Fern Spores |
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Cycadopites[40] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with the Cycadopsida inside Cycadales. Pollen related with modern Cycas, arbustive to lower floor plants, relatively abundant, present on various of the measured samples. The mos common found on the Austrian realm, indicator of dry settings. |
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Spores |
Affinities with Dicksoniaceae inside Pteridopsida. Tree Fern Spores |
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Densosporites[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with the Selaginellaceae in the Lycopsida. Herbaceous lycophyte flora, similar to ferns, found in humid settings |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Podocarpaceae inside Pinopsida. Pollen From arbustive to arboreal plants |
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Exesipollenites[262] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with the family Cupressaceae inside Pinopsida. Pollen that resembles extant genera such as the Genus Actinostrobus and Austrocedrus, probably derived from Dry environments. |
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Spores |
Affinities with Selaginellaceae and probably Lycopsida. A rare element on the palynological records of the German Basin, although more abundant than any other Spore recovered locally. |
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Pollen |
Affinities with the Pinidae inside Coniferae. Abundant on the Lower Jurassic of NW Europe. Its identification on the Posidonienschiefer is rather complex due to the bad preservation of the Pollen Grains. |
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Ischyosporites[40] |
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Spores |
Affinities with Pteridopsida. Spores from several types of ferns, relatively rare, present only on 2 samples. |
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Leptolepidites[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with the family Dennstaedtiaceae in the Polypodiales. Forest fern spores. |
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Lycopodiacidites[40] |
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Spores |
Affinities with the Ophioglossaceae inside Filicopsida. Spores related with modern floor Ferns, that appear on abundant water locations. The Unken Member is considered a more basinal deposit, where Wood and Sporomorph remains are more common. |
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Spores |
Affinities with the family Osmundaceae inside Polypodiopsida. Near Fluvial currents ferns, reted to the modern Osmunda regalis |
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Podocarpidites[263] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with the Podocarpaceae inside Pinopsida. Conifer pollen from medium to large arboreal plants |
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Polycingulatisporites[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with the family Notothyladaceae inside Anthocerotopsida. Hornwort spores. |
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Quadraeculina[263] |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Podocarpaceae and Pinaceae inside Coniferophyta. |
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Retitriletes[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with Lycopodiaceae inside Lycopsida. |
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Pollen |
Affinities with Cheirolepidiaceae inside Pinaceae. Abundant on the Lower Jurassic of NW Europe. Spheripollenites co-occurs on the coeval Sorthat Formation with cuticles of Dactyletrophyllum ramonensis, and after a test of relationships it was found a highly significant correlation that may suggest that the species S. psilatus was produced by the conifer genus Dactyletrophyllum.[269] |
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Stereisporites[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with Sphagnaceae inside Sphagnopsida. |
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Striatella[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with Polypodiaceae inside Filicopsida. |
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Todisporites[263] |
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Spores |
Affinities with Osmundaceae inside Filicopsida. |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Stems |
Affinities with Equisetaceae inside Equisetopsida. Number of mostly very fragmented and not particularly well preserved, but clear horsetail remains described. So far recognizable, leaf sheaths where developed in most cases, but the state of preservation does not allow a more precise determination.[270][271] |
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Stems and incomplete axes |
Affinities with Equisetaceae inside Equisetopsida. Neocalamites is the most common more distributed of all the Posidonia Shale, being even found on Luxembourg Posidonia Strata.[272] Mostly of the Stems reported come from Aeolian-Dunar related deposits, or from nearshore-basinal deposition. Probably was related to the seashore.[272] Some stems are big, resembling the rates of growth seen on modern Bamboo specimens, suggesting +6–7 m tall Equisetopsids.[272] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Affinities with Umkomasiaceae inside Corystospermaceae. Is based on bipinnate leaves, rachis longitudinally striated, with a long petiole and secondary rachises. It belongs to large tree ferns. Sachrang Formation Specimen is characterized for its large size and probably where attached to trunks similar in built to the Cretaceous genus Tempskya.[273] |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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A member of Williamsoniaceae inside Bennettitales. Identified originally as Zamites oblongifolius |
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Affinities with Cycadeoidaceae inside Bennettitales. It is the most abundant medium-sized plant on the environment. Found specially on seashore depositional settings, but also on deltaic and lagoonar environments. It was a low arbustive-arboreal Bennetite related to arid environments, with a leave similar of that of the modern genus Encephalartos, specially Encephalartos munchii, but also Dioon mejiae. Otozamites has been considered synonym with Otopteris, but since the 1990s everybody used the name Otozamites, and Otopteris was forgotten.[276] |
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Affinities with Cycadeoidaceae inside Bennettitales. This Bennettitalean is related to Shrub built. Some specimens were assigned to Dioonites acutifolium (Junior synonym). Consists on leaves with pinnate, leaflets perpendicular or oblique to the rhachis, on the top of the leaf axis. It comes from fragments of fairly large fronds. In its external form it closely follows the modern genus Dioon, only the leaflets are of our kind wider and shorter, they are further apart, but the tendency to rhachis is the same. |
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Affinities with Williamsoniaceae inside Bennettitales. Arboreal Cycadaceans, some with the presence of flower-like structures. It resembles the leaf of the modern Microcycas calocoma, and probably had a similar arboreal built, being the leave of tall Bennetite trees such as Bucklandia, found on the middle jurassic of England. |
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A member of Williamsoniaceae inside Bennettitales. It has been interpreted as a cycad in the family Cycadaceae or a Bennettitalean plant, and also a late surviving member of Noeggerathiales. Leaflets somewhat removed, oval-oblong, a little narrower near the base, rounded at the tip, nerves partially diverging from the base towards the edge. It was assigned to Pterophyllum oblongifolium and on the genus Glossozamites. This genus was the leaf of arboreal Bennetites, similar in appearance to the modern Encephalartos woodii. |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Affinities with Ginkgoaceae inside Ginkgoales. Various leaves are known from Ohmden, coming from marine deposits and where identified as Ginko digitata, identified originally as the only Ginko specimen reported on the Sachrang Formation. In the southern and northern Germany, there are regular remains of coal, which are initially reminiscent of small Ginkgo leaves. The leaves are hard to identify, more or less regularly concentric structures, as they sometimes appear like the coarse fruiting bodies of wood-dwelling fungi, such as the genus Trametes. |
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Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Affinities with Araucariaceae or Cheirolepidiaceae inside Pinales. Specimens whose spiral foliage of the branch, in which the individual leaves open about 2/3 of their length (without the tip) are fused with the branch they hold in their free part fits tightly, suggests belonging to the genus Brachyphyllum. |
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Conites[200] |
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Affinities with Araucariaceae or Cheirolepidiaceae inside Pinales. Represent various kinds of cones from diverse conifer origin. |
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Ovuliferous dwarf-shoots |
Affinities with Cheirolepidiaceae. Is the type genus of this family, and is related with Arid Settings. Coming from The land-plant-taphocoenose from posidonia slate 3, is ready for processing. |
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Affinities with Araucariaceae or Cheirolepidiaceae inside Pinales. Pagiophyllum araucarinum predominates among the two types of leafy coniferous branches that have become known from the Posidonia. However, there is no indication whether this fact reflects their respective share in the vegetation of the delivery area. Cheirolepidiaceae Pollen is the most abundant and diverse found on the formation, what is correlated with the abundance of this genus. Other factor that puts local Pagiophyllum on Cheirolepidiaceae is the dominance of an arid climate, the preferred for this type of conifers. |
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A possible ancestral member of the Callitroideae inside Cupressaceae, or a member of Cheirolepidiaceae. Named also "Cupressites" liasinus, represents probably Arbustive to arboreal-derived axis. |
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Fossil Wood increases on the marginal Unken Member, with great amounts of logs and fragments of more than 1 m. Surface studies suggest relationships with the wood genera identified on the coeval Úrkút Manganese Ore Formation.[278]
Genus | Species | Location | Material | Notes | Images |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Araucariaceae inside Pinales. Has araucarioid structures, but lacks proper characters of extant genera such as Araucaria & Agathis The largest known rafting wood on the fossil record is assigned to this genus, with a length of 18 m. The rafts were populated with Crinoid colonies, and a wide variety of organisms.[14] |
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Araucariopytis[47] |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Abietinae inside Pinales. This genus was found to be related with Protocedroxylon found on the coeval Whitby Mudstone, crucial to the interpretation of the fossil record of Early Abietinae. |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Podocarpaceae inside Pinales. Acmopyle pancheri is the only living conifer that has real resemblance with the wood assigned to Circoporoxylon. Xenoxylon phyllocladoides and C. grandiporosum are commonly found associated, for example in Braunschweig area. |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Cupressaceae inside Pinales. Wood with a morphology similar to the modern genus Metasequoia. Probably related to Widdringtonites liasinus. |
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Fossil Wood |
Affinities with Podocarpaceae inside Pinales. resembling modern genera such as Dacrycarpus, with other specimens resembling Juniperus. Includes wood more related to nearshore arbustive Conifers (columnar or low-spreading Shrubs with long, trailing branches), being the most abundant, but also medium to large arboreal conifers from nearshore forests. |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Cheirolepidiaceae inside Pinales. Includes large sized trunks up to 1.7 m tall and 115 cm wide. Wood of other species of this genus, such as Protocupressinoxylon purbeckensis grown on flood-influenced settings of vegetated soil with brackish-water, like modern Swamp Cypress. |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Podocarpaceae and Cupressaceae inside Pinales. The assignation of this genus is rather complex. |
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Fossil wood |
Wood of the Protopinaceae, a possible "morpho-group" of the family Cheirolepidiaceae. Belongs to an invalid group of mostly Paleozoic Woods, and all the woods assigned to the family should be treated as Incertae Sedis.[283] |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Podocarpaceae inside Pinales. Phyllocladus is the extant genus of conifer whose wood is more similar. |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with the Cupressaceae inside Pinales. Probably related to the coastal settings. It maybe covered a similar role that modern Swamp Cypress, Taxodium distichum. |
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Fossil wood |
Affinities with Coniferales, concretely is closer to the Podocarpaceae, Cupressaceae and in a lesser extend to the Cheirolepidiaceae. Finally can be a member of the extinct family Miroviaceae. It is the more abundant genus of wood present on the Bohemian Realm of the Sachrang Formation. |
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