0000000001006015
AUTHOR
Loïc Villier
Reconstitution du squelette d'astérides fossiles à partir d'ossicules isolés : intérêt taxinomique et phylogénétique
Abstract Dissociated ossicles of asteroids are frequent in neritic sediments. Until now, this material was mainly used in the identification of species. A new method, associating a morphological analysis and counting of plates, allows the architecture of the skeleton and the shape of the body to be reconstructed. This method provides new elements for taxonomic and phylogenetic comparisons. It also provides indications on the adaptation of the asteroids to their environment. In geological beds, frequencies of the different kinds of plates will allow qualification of bioerosion and taphonomic sorting.
Phylogeny of Early Cretaceous spatangoids (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) and taxonomic implications
A phylogenetic analysis of 36 species provides a test for the taxonomy and the history of Early Cretaceous spatangoids. Most taxonomic units from genera to suborders are consistent with the proposed phylogenetic framework. We retain Hemiasterina, Micrasterina, Hemiasteridae, Schizasteridae, Hemiaster, Heteraster, Mecaster, and Periaster as original monophyletic groups. However, all of these clades originate without the classical apomorphies normally ascribed to them. We suggest a revision of their diagnoses and of the generic attributions of basal species. Some ill-defined, ‘primitive’, and paraphyletic taxa are recognised: Toxaster, Epiaster, Palhemiaster, and Toxasteridae. Even if they do…