Taphonomical features of the upper eocenian faunal complex from mandrykivka beds (Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine)
Abstract
Mandrykivka Beds are treated as a non-uniform taphoherm body formed in different habitats of the littoral, including areas of coral buildings of the Late Eocene basin. The unique systematic diversity of the Mandrykivka faunal association is provided through accumulation and mixing of residues of various ecological niches of littoral and coral habitat representatives. There are lithological variations in the Mandrykivka Beds area: onkoliths’ bioherms, beach coral sands, algae thickets, etc. Mandrykivka Beds are studied on more than 2,5 km2 area in the quarry “Rybalsky” (Dnipropetrovsk). In the south-eastern slope of the quarry “Rybalsky” deposits of the littoral zone are located. These include numerous remains of “patella”-gastropods, diverse epifauna (Chama, Spondilus, Dymia, Vulsella, Vermetus, Balanus), granite and gerbils pebbles In the southern slope of this quarry the dominant rocks contain the shells remains of the sandy bottom inhabitants (Glycymeris, Arca, Barbatia, Acturellina, etc.) and inhabitants of algae, too (Turritella, Mesalia, Tectus etc.). The representatives of the littoral zone are relatively small. Fossil reefs bodies are not found, but the remains of colonial corals are ubiquitous (at least 22 species). There are other facies of the Upper Eocene too (carbonaceous, dark-colored clay with remnants of Spongia) in the quarry “Rybalsky”apart Mandrykovka Beds.
