JM - recent articles

Temporal and spatial variability in mudflat and mangrove foraminiferal eDNA communities in subtropical environments and their implication for sea-level reconstruction

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Temporal and spatial variability in mudflat and mangrove foraminiferal eDNA communities in subtropical environments and their implication for sea-level reconstruction
Zhaojia Liu, Nicole S. Khan, Howard K. Y. Yu, Magali Schweizer, Jennifer S. Walker, and Celia Schunter
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 679–698, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-679-2026, 2026
We studied how genetic material from foraminifera in Hong Kong mangroves and mudflats varies through seasons and how this affects records of past sea levels. Over 2 years, communities in mangroves were relatively stable, allowing accurate estimates of elevation relative to the sea. The mudflat–mangrove transitional zone changed with season, causing biased estimates. Mangroves are therefore more accurate than mudflats for tracking past sea-level change.

Taxonomic reassessment and palaeobiogeographical patterns of some Miogypsinidae species, larger benthic foraminifera

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Taxonomic reassessment and palaeobiogeographical patterns of some Miogypsinidae species, larger benthic foraminifera
Davide Bassi, Juan Carlos Braga, Shunichi Kinoshita, Johannes Pignatti, and Yasufumi Iryu
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 653–677, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-653-2026, 2026
Based on type specimens, we reassess the larger benthic foraminifera Miogypsinella borodinensis, type of the genus, and Miogypsinoides lateralis. We show that two Miogypsinella species were widespread across the Indo-Pacific in the Chattian–Aquitanian, while another lived in the eastern Pacific. The latest Aquitanian Indonesian Seaway restriction and widespread deeper-water deposition on SE Asia carbonate platforms likely caused the extinction of the studied Indo-Pacific taxa.

Identification of living (Rose Bengal)-stained benthic foraminifera using automated image recognition

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Identification of living (Rose Bengal)-stained benthic foraminifera using automated image recognition
Tobias Walla, Christine Barras, Emmanuelle Geslin, Camille Godbillot, Louis Lanoy, Ross Marchant, Delphine Dissard, and Thibault de Garidel-Thoron
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 623–652, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-623-2026, 2026
We developed an automated method that uses artificial intelligence to identify marine microscopic organisms called foraminifera, which serve as bioindicators of ocean health. By combining a low-cost imaging system with computer vision, our approach can quickly and accurately recognize both living and dead specimens. This makes environmental monitoring faster, more consistent, and more accessible for studying how coastal ecosystems respond to pollution and climate change.

Quaternary Arctic planktonic foraminifera: morphological differentiation and taxonomic reassessment of subpolar spinose taxa

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Quaternary Arctic planktonic foraminifera: morphological differentiation and taxonomic reassessment of subpolar spinose taxa
Helen K. Coxall, Thomas M. Cronin, Kate Darling, Katrine Husum, Tamara Handl, Brian T. Huber, Megh M. Kanvinde, Mohammad Razmjooei, Flor Vermassen, Antje H. L. Voelker, Tirza M. Weitkamp, and Matt O'Regan
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 581–622, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-581-2026, 2026
Today’s sea-ice-covered Arctic Ocean hosts only one species of calcifying planktonic foraminifera, unlike warmer oceans with diverse communities. Fossils show that other species once inhabited the Arctic, but their identities and environmental significance remain uncertain. Using detailed microscopy and hundreds of shell measurements, we resolve these fossil species and establish a new taxonomic framework providing the foundation for improved reconstructions of Quaternary Arctic climate history.

Reply to Papazzoni et al.'s 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)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Reply to Papazzoni et al.'s 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)
Mónica Bolivar-Feriche, Jesús Reolid, Julio Aguirre, Davide Bassi, and Juan C. Braga
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 577–579, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-577-2026, 2026
In the Marmolance succession (SE Spain), in limestones intercalating marls with planktonic foraminifera, we documented Langhian Nummulites species as well as Serravallian lepidocyclinids and Risananeiza. Papazzoni et al. questioned our results, arguing that the larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) must be reworked. However, the quantitatively defined LBF assemblages are spatially and temporally segregated, which can only be due to in situ accumulation across different facies belts of the carbonate ramp.

Emendation of the genera Selenopemphix and Multispinula (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae), with the description of Multispinula varispinosa sp. nov. and Multispinula robusta sp. nov.

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Emendation of the genera Selenopemphix and Multispinula (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae), with the description of Multispinula varispinosa sp. nov. and Multispinula robusta sp. nov.
Ophélie David, Pjotr Meyvisch, Haifeng Gu, Gwenael Bilien, Dave Clarke, Fabienne Marret, and Kenneth N. Mertens
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 547–576, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-547-2026, 2026
By combining incubation experiments, microscopy, biomolecular analyses, and spectroscopy to assess the biomacromolecular composition of cyst walls, we show that Selenopemphix and Multispinula represent two distinct cyst-based genera, with different preservation potentials. We emend their diagnoses and describe two new Multispinula species, M. varispinosa sp. nov. and M. robusta sp. nov., in addition to M. quanta.

Diversity and systematics of calcified cyanobacteria and associated microfossils in Cambrian Series 2 shallow-marine carbonates, Yangtze Platform, South China

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Diversity and systematics of calcified cyanobacteria and associated microfossils in Cambrian Series 2 shallow-marine carbonates, Yangtze Platform, South China
Jinwen Shen, Jiawei Zheng, Lijing Liu, Rui Wang, and Robert Riding
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 513–546, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-513-2026, 2026
This study presents a paleobiological investigation and systematic taxonomy of early Cambrian calcified cyanobacteria in 10 shallow marine carbonate sections – both reefal and non-reefal – from South China. Our findings provide robust support for the view that cyanobacterial calcification was widespread in shallow marine environments and associated facies during the early Cambrian, defining a major cyanobacterial calcification episode (CCE).

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages as proxies for paleoenvironmental indicators in the Indo-Pacific (Indonesia)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages as proxies for paleoenvironmental indicators in the Indo-Pacific (Indonesia)
Ria Fitriany, Khoiril Anwar Maryunani, Purna Sulastya Putra, Septriono Hari Nugroho, and Sri Ardhyastuti
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 487–512, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-487-2026, 2026
This study analyzed foraminifera in Indo-Pacific (Indonesia) seafloor sediments from transitional to deep-ocean environments. Our findings reveal a fundamental ecological pattern: environmental controls shift systematically from physical forces in shallow waters to chemical factors in deep waters. This validates ecological theory in tropical settings for the first time, enabling scientists to accurately determine ancient water depths from fossil assemblages preserved in Indonesian seas.

Coccolithophore signatures across the termination of the late Miocene to early Pliocene biogenic bloom in the Atlantic and Indian oceans

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:05:53 +0200

Coccolithophore signatures across the termination of the late Miocene to early Pliocene biogenic bloom in the Atlantic and Indian oceans
Boris-Theofanis Karatsolis, Joseph D. Asanbe, and Jorijntje Henderiks
J. Micropalaeontol., 45, 475–486, https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-45-475-2026, 2026
Marine sediments help us investigate the end of a long period of high ocean productivity that occurred 9 to 3 million years ago. By comparing fossil assemblages of calcifying algae from the Indian and South Atlantic oceans, we found that the dominant, fast-growing species and their ecological prominence determined how and when this period ended in each region, showing that phytoplankton species’ dynamics control large changes in paleoproductivity and carbonate deposition across ocean basins.

Cuticular microfragments from the lower Cambrian Yanjiahe Formation, China: insights into ecdysozoan biodiversity at the dawn of animal radiation

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Ontogenetic growth of three cultured species of Heterocypris Claus, 1892 (Crustacea: Ostracoda): eggs and valve morphology

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

First report of modern planktonic foraminifera in the southeastern Arabian Gulf, with observations on the morphology and ecology of Neogallitellia vivans (Cushman)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Artificial intelligence applied to the automated detection and identification of Devonian miospores

Tue, 19 May 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Testing the applicability of automated size and shape analyses in non-marine ostracods – a case study from the Tibetan Plateau

Mon, 18 May 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Latest Guadalupian to Lopingian conodonts from western Hubei–eastern Chongqing, South China

Mon, 18 May 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Palynofacies and lacustrine sequence stratigraphy: a case example from the Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation, Cañadón Asfalto Basin, Extra-Andean Patagonia, Argentina

Wed, 13 May 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

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)?

Wed, 06 May 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

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)

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Planktic foraminiferal distribution across the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary from the Neuquén Basin (Cerro Azul section): biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental significance

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.

Dinoflagellate cysts as indicators of primary productivity along a Baltic Sea–North Sea–Atlantic transect

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:05:53 +0200

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.