https://jm.copernicus.org/articles/ Recent articles of the journal Journal of Micropalaeontology en https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-455-2026 Cuticular microfragments from the lower Cambrian Yanjiahe Formation, China: insights into ecdysozoan biodiversity at the dawn of animal radiation Lei Zhang, Fan Zhai, Ying Wu, Shan Chang, Yan Ye, Xianguo Lang, Yanchun Pang, Liang Hu, Qinglai Feng, Marie-Béatrice Forel, Taniel Danelian, Yuanyuan Yong, and Jean Vannier J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 455–474, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-455-2026, 2026 New 535-million-year-old fossils from China reveal early animal diversity. Preserved in fine detail, these fossils showcase Ecdysozoa – ancestors of insects and crabs. Twelve forms with spines, plates, and possible limbs were identified, showing rapid body plan evolution after life's first complexity boom. Analysis of fossilized skins reveal complex ecosystems emerging at this time. The findings provide clues about how Earth's most successful animal groups began their evolutionary journey. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-429-2026 Ontogenetic growth of three cultured species of Heterocypris Claus, 1892 (Crustacea: Ostracoda): eggs and valve morphology Mauricio Bonilla-Flores, Liseth Pérez, Peter Frenzel, Paula Echeverría-Galindo, Junbo Wang, and Antje Schwalb J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 429–453, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-429-2026, 2026 We grew three species of freshwater ostracods in the laboratory to document their development from eggs to adults. By comparing each stage of growth, we found significant differences in body shape, egg size, and growth patterns that help distinguish closely related species. Since their shells are often preserved in lake and pond sediments, our results provide useful reference data for studies of modern aquatic ecosystems and past environmental changes. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-415-2026 First report of modern planktonic foraminifera in the southeastern Arabian Gulf, with observations on the morphology and ecology of Neogallitellia vivans (Cushman) Sinatrya D. Prayudi, Thomas Steuber, and Michael A. Kaminski J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 415–427, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-415-2026, 2026 Building on historical research, we report the discovery of planktonic foraminifera in sediments offshore Abu Dhabi. Surprisingly, the samples are dominated by Neogallitellia vivans, a rare species typically found in the Indo-Pacific. Our detailed analysis of its shell structure suggests that this tiny organism is uniquely adapted to the extreme salinity of the southern Arabian Gulf. This finding highlights the ability of marine life to thrive in harsh, hypersaline environments. Wed, 03 Jun 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-405-2026 Artificial intelligence applied to the automated detection and identification of Devonian miospores Vitalina Lokteva, Vahram Serobyan, Martin Tetard, Pierre Breuer, and Taniel Danelian J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 405–413, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-405-2026, 2026 This study develops a semi-automated workflow using artificial intelligence to detect and classify Devonian miospores in microscopic slides. Focusing on three biostratigraphically important species used for dating rocks and correlating distant localities, the method achieved high accuracy, reduced observer bias, and accelerated analysis. This workflow offers a scalable tool for research and potential industrial applications in fossil-based stratigraphy. Tue, 19 May 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-359-2026 Testing the applicability of automated size and shape analyses in non-marine ostracods – a case study from the Tibetan Plateau Marlene Hoehle, Torsten Haberzettl, Peter Frenzel, Antje Schwalb, Junbo Wang, Liping Zhu, and Claudia Wrozyna J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 359–375, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-359-2026, 2026 Evolutionary developmental biology aims to uncover mechanisms behind how species change over time, with shape analysis being a key tool. To address slow, manual data collection, we tested AutoMorph, a high-throughput imaging pipeline, on two ostracod species from six Tibetan Plateau lakes. The pipeline successfully extracted size and shape data automatically, reducing processing time and minimizing bias, enabling large-scale datasets for investigating evolutionary and ecological processes. Mon, 18 May 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-377-2026 Latest Guadalupian to Lopingian conodonts from western Hubei–eastern Chongqing, South China Bingyang Zhou, Kui Wu, Teng Song, Lulu Xu, Ke Duan, Jinling Yuan, Liangzhe Yang, Bi Zhao, Jiangli Li, Di Wang, and Boyong Yang J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 377–403, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-377-2026, 2026 This study examines tiny fossils preserved in rocks from western Hubei and eastern Chongqing in South China to determine the age and continuity of Late Permian strata. By comparing fossil occurrences from several measured rock sections, we show that key rock layers were deposited continuously over time. Our results clarify when organic-rich rocks formed, helping to better understand regional geological history and providing useful time constraints for evaluating energy resource potential. Mon, 18 May 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-335-2026 Palynofacies and lacustrine sequence stratigraphy: a case example from the Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation, Cañadón Asfalto Basin, Extra-Andean Patagonia, Argentina Daniela Elizabeth Olivera, Carlos Zavala, Mirta Elena Quattrocchio, María Eugenia Soreda, Roberto Scasso, and Renchao Yang J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 335–357, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-335-2026, 2026 This study explores how climate-driven changes in water balance affected an ancient lake during the Jurassic in Patagonia, and influenced how plant and algal material were deposited and preserved. By combining field observations with palynological analysis, we identified shifts between wetter and drier periods. These shifts controlled lake size, water conditions, and the type and amount of organic matter preserved, improving our understanding of how ancient lake systems record environmental change. Wed, 13 May 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-315-2026 Can the distribution of foraminifera locate the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) and Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO) events in the Eocene succession of the Isle of Wight (UK)? Malcolm B. Hart, Mark E. A. Alex-Sanders, and Christopher W. Smart J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 315–334, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-315-2026, 2026 The paper describes the foraminifera of the Eocene in the area of the Hampshire Basin and the English Channel. Hyperthermal events (Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO)) Late Lutetian Thermal Event (LLTE), and Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (MECO)) are discussed and set in the context of global climate change in the Paleogene. Wed, 06 May 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-309-2026 Comment on “Chronostratigraphic ranges of Early–Middle Miocene larger benthic foraminifera calibrated by planktonic foraminiferal assemblages (Sierra de Marmolance, Granada, SE Spain)” by Bolivar-Feriche et al. (2025) Cesare A. Papazzoni, Andrea Benedetti, Antonino Briguglio, Lorenzo Consorti, and György Less J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 309–313, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-309-2026, 2026 Oligocene fossils were retrieved from a Miocene deposit. Authors stated that their age should expand into the Miocene accordingly. Miocene age was not directly retrieved from the studied deposits but from a nearby outcrop not clearly connected to the studied succession. We argue that transportation events might have simply reworked Oligocene fossils into the Miocene material, as commonly occurs in ramp environments. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-297-2026 Planktic foraminiferal distribution across the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary from the Neuquén Basin (Cerro Azul section): biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental significance Guilherme Krahl, Andrea Concheyro, Marlone H. H. Bom, Rodrigo M. Guerra, Karlos G. D. Kochhann, Thorsten Bauersachs, Lorenz Schwark, Daiane Ceolin, Telma Musso, and Gerson Fauth J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 297–308, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-297-2026, 2026 The Maastrichtian–Danian record at Cerro Azul (Argentina) shows shifts in planktic foraminiferal assemblages and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) (TEXH86) tied to the K–Pg (Cretaceous–Paleogene) extinction. Guembelitriid dominance and high-latitude affinity define the early Danian, with Antarcticella pauciloculata present. At 45 cm above the boundary, tropical species appear with a ~1.5 °C SST rise, signalling initial post-extinction climatic recovery. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-275-2026 Dinoflagellate cysts as indicators of primary productivity along a Baltic Sea–North Sea–Atlantic transect Cecile S. Hilgen, Rick Hennekam, Marcel T. J. van der Meer, Timme H. Donders, Gert-Jan Reichart, and Francesca Sangiorgi J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 275–295, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-275-2026, 2026 The Northwest European Shelf plays a key role in the global carbon cycle. To assess its past role, we want to reconstruct primary productivity using microfossils. By comparing surface sediment assemblages with sediment properties and modern environmental conditions, we found a good microfossil-based indicator for primary productivity. This indicator will be useful to reconstruct productivity in the past Northwest European Shelf. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-259-2026 New material of Schizopholis (family Botsfordiidae) from the Tsinghsutung Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4) in Songtao County, Guizhou Province, South China Buqing Wei, Xinglian Yang, Dezhi Wang, Weiyi Wu, and Yongqin Mao J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 259–273, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-259-2026, 2026 Well-preserved fossils of Schizopholis were found in the Tsinghsutung Formation of Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4 in Songtao County, Guizhou Province by etching limestones with 3–5% acetic acid. This is the first systematic description of S. yorkensis from South China, and we extend its palaeobiogeographical distribution. Palaeobiogeographical analysis indicates that Schizopholis was predominantly distributed in low-latitude regions and reached its highest abundance/diversity level during the Cambrian Age 4. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-219-2026 Marine palynology of the Alano di Piave Bartonian–Priabonian Global Stratotype Section and Point, NE Italy Alexander J. P. Houben, Alina I. Iakovleva, Simone Galeotti, and Henk Brinkhuis J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 219–257, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-219-2026, 2026 Tiny fossils aged 40 x 106 years from an Italian rock section show that the ancient sea's environment was mostly stable. A global warming event caused wetter periods and river runoff into this sea. The study also provides fossil photos and introduces new types, important for future research. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:22:01 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-195-2026 Reassessment of the global distribution and diversity of modern planktonic foraminifera from the FORCIS database Sonia Chaabane, Ralf Schiebel, Julie Meilland, Geert-Jan A. Brummer, P. Graham Mortyn, Olivier Sulpis, Thomas B. Chalk, Xavier Giraud, Helene Howa, Azumi Kuroyanagi, Gregory Beaugrand, and Thibault de Garidel-Thoron J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 195–217, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-195-2026, 2026 Using the FORCIS database, we mapped the distribution of planktonic goraminifera that record past ocean conditions. Our study reveals that these species mostly inhabit the upper ocean and thrive in waters ranging from −2 °C to over 31 °C. Their range is shifting, with species once limited to warm regions now appearing in cooler areas and smaller species increasing in number. This work refines our view of their biogeography and how climate change is reshaping ocean life. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:22:01 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-177-2026 Unraveling Southern Ocean diatom diversity across the Eocene–Oligocene transition Volkan Özen, Johan Renaudie, and David Lazarus J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 177–194, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-177-2026, 2026 The Eocene–Oligocene transition was a pivotal interval in Earth's geological history, marked by cooling and Antarctic glaciation. Our research explores how Southern Ocean diatoms responded to these changes. By analyzing records from multiple sites, we revealed previously unrecognized diatom diversity, and identified distinct patterns in diversity and extinction. These findings deepen our understanding of the interplay between climatic perturbations and the biosphere. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:22:01 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-159-2026 Early Eocene evolutionary trajectories within the Toweius genus: insights from a newly identified species in the equatorial Atlantic Joseph D. Asanbe and Jorijntje Henderiks J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 159–175, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-159-2026, 2026 Toweius was among the most widespread and important calcareous nannoplankton groups in the oceans 53 million years ago, playing a key role in the evolutionary transition to another prominent group during the Cenozoic (Reticulofenestra). Using detailed biometric measurements with high-resolution imaging, we describe a distinctive, smaller morphotype of Toweius. Our results indicate that this form evolved gradually through speciation, shedding light on the complex evolutionary dynamics of Toweius. Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:22:01 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-147-2026 Developing a new species-level database of Cretaceous calcareous nannoplankton occurrences – Uneptune Yi Zhang, Jeremy R. Young, Paul R. Bown, Chengshan Wang, and Xi Chen J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 147–157, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-147-2026, 2026 We developed a new global database of microscopic fossil algae, known as calcareous nannoplankton, from Cretaceous ocean sediments to improve the understanding of ancient oceans and climate change. By integrating data from numerous published studies and standardising species names and ages, we created the Uneptune database with about 175 000 fossil records. Hosted on the Nannotax website, it provides visualisation tools that help scientists explore global marine ecosystems during the Cretaceous. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:22:01 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-117-2026 Environmental changes at the seafloor of the Faro drift (Gulf of Cadiz) during the transition from the Early to the Middle Pleistocene Giulia Silveira Molina, Gerhard Schmiedl, Francisco Jiménez-Espejo, Henning Kuhnert, Teresa Rodrigues, and Antje Helga Luise Voelker J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 117–145, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-117-2026, 2026 Benthic foraminifera from sediment cores collected in the Gulf of Cadiz were analysed to track ocean changes between 1014 and 761 kyr ago. Our results reveal shifts in species composition throughout the climate cycles. Oxygen loss occurred in the Mediterranean Outflow Water during warmer periods when solar insolation was intensified and productivity was higher. During cold periods, stronger bottom currents were identified by sand content and the abundance of the species Planulina ariminensis. Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:22:01 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-95-2026 Automated identification of fossil benthic foraminifera from the Peruvian margin using convolutional neural networks Sikandar Hayat, Meryem Mojtahid, Mary Elliot, Jorge Cardich, Emmanuelle Geslin, Thibault de Garidel-Thoron, Matthieu Carré, and Christine Barras J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 95–116, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-95-2026, 2026 We studied how artificial intelligence can speed up the study of tiny ocean organisms called benthic foraminifera, whose shells help scientists understand past ocean changes. Normally, identifying and counting them under a microscope takes a lot of time and skill. Here, we compared automated image analysis and human counting for 31 samples. The automated method showed promising results for faster and reliable research. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:22:01 +0100 https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-73-2026 Early–Middle Ordovician chitinozoans from the Dawan Formation, Yichang area, Central China Yan Liang, Shouhan Wu, Xiaocong Luan, and Renbin Zhan J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 73–93, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-73-2026, 2026 A study on Ordovician chitinozoans from South China was conducted. A total of 13 genera and 31 taxa are recognised, including 3 new taxa. Systematic and biostratigraphic remarks are provided for key or disputed taxa to foster our understanding of their classification and biostratigraphy. Furthermore, network analysis is applied for the first time to assess their palaeoenvironmental significance, yielding positive results that highlight a promising new research direction in chitinozoan studies. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:22:01 +0100