Using biometric analysis, a new species, Similiscutum giganteum, has been described. Given its distinctive morphology and its stratigraphic range restricted to upper Pliensbachian and Toarcian, the potential stratigraphic use of this new species has to be explored. A method for biometry is also described in detail. This paper proves the value of biometric analysis in taxonomic description.

Planktonic gastropods (pteropods and heteropods) have been investigated in cores collected in the eastern Mediterranean along the Israeli coast in coral, pockmark, and channel areas. The sediment spans the last 5300 years. Our study reveals that neglecting the smaller fraction (> 63 µm) may result in a misinterpretation of the palaeoceanography. The presence of tropical and subtropical species reveals that the eastern Mediterranean acted as a refugium for these organisms.