Absurdaster, a new genus of basal atelostomate from the Early Cretaceous of Europe and its phylogenetic position.

ABSTRACT: Field work in the Lower Cretaceous of the Dolomites (Italy) has resulted in the recovery of a new genus of 'disasteroid' echinoid, which successively was also discovered in slightly older strata in Northern Hungary. This new genus, Absurdaster, is characterized by its highly modified, disjunct apical disc in which all genital plate except genital plate 2 are reduced or fused. The gonopores (which may be multiple) have shifted and pierce interambulacral plates. Anteriorly ambulacrum III is distinctly sunken and forms a distinct frontal notch, while the posterior end is pointed and features a small sharply defined posterior face bearing the periproct. Two new species are established: Absurdaster puezensis sp. nov. from the Upper Hauterivian to Lower Barremian Puez Formation of

SUBMITTER: Kroh A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4819037 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature