Palaeoecology of calcified microfossils from the Lower Devonian (Pragian-Emsian) of Sierra Morena (SW Spain)

Abstract

Lower Devonian (Pragian-Emsian) reefal deposits of Sierra Morena (SW Spain) contain locally abundant calcified cyanobacteria, calcareous algae, and various microfossils including foraminifers. Calcified cyanobacteria are represented by Girvanella spp. A–C, which form crusts and clumps of various shapes. Supposed green algae (?Dasycladales) are represented by a new genus with one new species, Bediaella hispanica gen. et sp. nov. Algospongia include Vasicekia margaritula (Saltovskaya, 1986) n. comb. Microproblematica are represented by Rothpletzella sp. The studied assemblages indicate photic and warm conditions in a shallow and well-agitated environment with normal salinity, and probably mirror episodes of shallowing due to eustatic sea level fluctuations.