Remarks on some orbitolinid foraminifera from the Urgonian-type upper Aptian limestones of the Geyik Dagi area, Central Taurides, Turkey

The upper Aptian sequence in the Geyik Dagi area (Central taurides, Turkey) corresponding to Urgonian-type carbonates, is characterized by the occurrence of stratigraphic levels rich in orbitolinid foraminifera. Three significant taxa of orbitolinid foraminifera which have been recorded for the first time from the upper Aptian of the Taurides are notable: Carseyella tunesiana (PEYBERNts), Cribellopsis aff. C. moulladei and Naupliella insolita? DECROUEZ & MOULLADE. These stratigraphically important species, which commonly coexist at the same stratigraphic level, are often confused in the literature due to superficially similar test structures and the ambiguity of clearly distinguishable features. A taxonomic review and morphological analysis of these orbitolinid taxa has been carried to provide clarity on taxonomic distinctiveness. Based on this analysis, Paracoskinolina tunesiana first identified from the upper Aptian of Tunisia and Algeria is taxonomically reviewed and a new combination, Carseyella tunesiana (PEYBERNts) is recognized as a valid name due to priority. Dictyoconus algerianus CHERCHI & SCHROEDER which was transferred to the genus Carseyella SCHLAGINTWEIT is considered as junior synonym of this species. Naupliella insolita? discovered for the first time from older strata (upper Aptian) is herein considered to be the ancestor of Naupliella insolita (in the upper Albian). The occurrence of a pseudo-keriothecal wall structure in the genus Cribellopsis is reported from the Geyik Dagi specimens.

Automated summary

The study focuses on the distribution and taxonomy of orbitolinid foraminifera in the upper Aptian sequence in the Geyik Dagi area of Central Taurides, revealing three new species and conducting a taxonomic review and morphological analysis. The presence of these species helps to clarify the taxonomic differences among them.