Track analysis of the marine palaeofauna from the Turonian (Late Cretaceous)

• Published in: Journal of Biogeography
• Main Authors: Gallo, Valéria, Cavalcanti, Mauro J., Andrade da Silva, Hilda Maria
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2007
• Subjects: Canada; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2006.01681.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1365-2699.2006.01681.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2006.01681.x

Abstract Aim To analyse the worldwide distribution patterns of Turonian marine biotas using a panbiogeographical approach. Location Turonian localities of southern and north‐eastern Brazil, Mexico, Canada, central Europe, England and Morocco. Method Panbiogeographical track analysis. Results Nine generalized tracks and six nodes were found. The generalized tracks comprise two vicariant track patterns (one northern and one mid‐southern) across the Atlantic. Main conclusions The generalized tracks show clearly two separate marine biotas, which were associated with the proto‐South Atlantic and the proto‐North Atlantic oceans. These generalized tracks, as well as the two vicariant track clusters between the north and south Atlantic, are identified by vicariant relationships shared by most of the taxa analysed, and illustrate the final break up of the Gondwana and Laurasia supercontinents and the consequences of vicariant events for the biogeography of the Atlantic Ocean.