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CENOZOIC
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PALAEONTOLOGY
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Oiselier
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Overall, the fossil content discovered in the “Conglomerates de Porrentruy” of “Oiselier” is poor, limited to Characeae stems, Gastropoda and microorganisms in microbolites observed in thin sections. A complete gastropod assigned to Nanina sp. type was found in a calcareous level of the site OIP. This form was described by Gutzwiller (1906) and Jenny (1928) in the “Eocene” freshwater carbonate deposits of the Basle area (Hochwald, Lausen, Diegten). Some imprints of leave, are preserved in biomineralized sediments, were also observed. Nevertheless, Picot (2002) and Picot et al. (2005) reported Foraminifera and Ostracoda in some marly levels of the site POR-BBC.
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| Beuchille |
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The sections and the systematic excavations of “La Beuchille” locality have yielded numerous continental fossil remains, mostly composed of fluvio-terrestrial gasteropods and vertebrates (Tab.1). |
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Tab.1: Fauna and flora listing of “Beuchille” site. © SAP 2004. |
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However the most spectacular discovery is a wood-bearing bed excavated in 2001
(Photo 1; Fig.1).
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Photo 1: Excavation of “Beuchille”.
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<<--Fig.1 – PDF 140 KB |
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This bed was particularly rich in fossil trees (conifers and leafy trees), notably with some entire trunks of 6 to 8 m length and preserved mostly in lignine. Furthermore, the excavation has yielded a very interesting mammalian fauna (Ruminantia, Anthracotheriidae, Rhinocerotidae, Theridomyidae, Cricetidae and Gliridae) of post “Grande Coupure” age and some rare benthic forams showing probably an influence of the Rhinish Sea (Becker et al. 2004).
Palynological analyses were realized in some different levels of “Beuchille”, for the moment the following floral groups have been determined: Juglandaceae, Taxodiaceae, Pinaceae, Betulaceae and ferns.
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Beuchille Est
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The locality of “Beuchille Est“ is essentially interesting for its marine micro- and macrofauna (Becker & Lapaire 2004a & b). Some levels show clearly marine associations, with forams, bivalvs (Ostrea, Panopea, Meretrix, Cerastoderma), gastropods (Cerithium, Natica), crinoids, ostracods, crabs and shark (e.g. Synodontapsis) and bone fish (e.g. Sparidae) teeth. . Other levels present more continental-influenced environments, as indicated by charophytes and ostracods. |
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Poillat
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The large excavation of “Poillat” revealed a classical vertebrate community of coastal and alluvial plain environments: terrestrial Chelonia, Crocodylia, large mammals (Iberomeryx minor, Ronzotherium sp.). In addition, numerous remains of fossil leaves were discovered in sandy levels.
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Solé
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The numerous samples of sediment collected in the red marls of “Solé” revealed a rich small mammal association composed notably of Megacricetodon and Melissiodon.
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