Stomatal frequency data from four independently calibrated woody plant species reveal pronounced CO₂ fluctuations since the Late Oligocene. CO₂ fluctuations in the Early to Middle Miocene are of such a magnitude that they may have driven much of the temperature variation and major climatic events. Warm intervals such as in the Late Oligocene and the mid-Miocene climatic optimum are characterized by significantly elevated CO₂ levels of at least about 500 ppmv. Elevated CO₂ levels may have also increased the diversity in C3 plant communities. The major cooling events in the Early Miocene and the late Middle Miocene are characterized by CO₂ decreases down to 340 ppmv and 280 ppmv, respectively. A comparison with marine and continental climate records indicates that much of the long-term climate variation was linked to changes in atmospheric CO₂. The CO₂ fluctuations may have influenced ancient diversity of plant communities indirectly via changes in climate parameters, such as temperature or precipitation, seasonality, and/or directly by affecting plant photosynthetic performance. In the Oligocene, the type of vegetation is dominated by thermophilous paratropical–subtropical elements including palms but also with a considerable proportion of deciduous trees. The vegetation during the Oligocene–Miocene transition is slightly impoverished in species richness. There are profound differences in the physiognomy of elements, which are predominantly deciduous. During the Early to early Middle Miocene (15–17 Ma), plant assemblages are characterized by subtropical Notophyllous Evergreen forest vegetation with a maximum in species richness reflecting the middle Miocene climate optimum (Late Mastixioid floras sensu Mai). In the late Middle Miocene (13–14 Ma), the floras are less diversified, the woody elements are mostly dicots, both evergreen and deciduous and the vegetation type belongs to the Mixed Mesophytic Forest with a higher proportion of evergreen elements but with exceptional macrofossils of palms. The youngest flora of the latest Middle Miocene is much less diversified in contrast to the previous time interval. Generally, more diversified deciduous broad-leaved trees predominate while the lauroid elements become much less dominant. The diversity trends in central Europe suggest that the highest diversity found during the Late Oligocene and Middle Miocene most likely resulted from optimal climate conditions that expanded the area available for thermophilous, paratropical–subtropical vegetation into the mid-latitudes. The Oligocene–Miocene vegetation history is hard to explain with permanent low CO₂ conditions (~200–280 ppmv) as suggested by the marine CO₂ proxy records. • Key words: vegetation, CO₂ concentrations, Late Oligocene, Miocene, palaeoclimate.

Kürschner, W.M. & Kvaèek, Z. 2009. Oligocene–Miocene CO₂ fluctuations, climatic and palaeofloristic trends inferred from fossil plant assemblages in central Europe. Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 189–202 (3 figures, 3 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received July 14, 2008; accepted in revised form December 11, 2008; published online February 25, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Wolfram M. Kürschner, Faculty of Sciences, Section Palaeo-Ecology, Laboratory of Palaeobotany and Palynology, Utrecht University, Budapestlaan 4, 3584 CD Utrecht, Netherlands; w.m.kuerschner@.uu.nl • Zlatko Kvaèek, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic; kvacek@natur.cuni.cz

Six fructifications of arborescent lycopsids and their in situ spores from the Westphalian Coal Measures of the Pennine Basin and the Clackmannan Coalfield in Scotland, UK, were studied to improve our knowledge of their taxonomic characteristics and to provide a basis for the comparison of the floras of the British and Czech coalfields. The cones, which yielded in situ spores, were assigned to the genera Lepidostrobus (Brongniart) Brack-Hanes & Thomas, Flemingites (Carruthers) Brack-Hanes & Thomas and Sigillariostrobus Schimper. Lepidostrobus cones are represented by four species/specimens that can be subdivided into two groups based on their in situ spores. L. boltonensis n. sp., L. huttonii n. sp. and L. spinosus Kidston contain cingulizonate lycospores with relatively narrow cingulum and narrow zona which are comparable with the dispersed species Lycospora subjuga Bharadwaj, L. brevijuga Kosanke, L. triangulata Bharadwaj, L. microgranulata Bharadwaj or L. contacta Habib. The cone L. cf. obovatus yielded in situ lycospores with narrow cingulum and wide zona similar to those of the dispersed species Lycospora loganii (Wilson) Potonié & Kremp, L. pellucida (Wicher) Schopf, Wilson & Bentall, L. micropapillata (Wilson & Coe) Schopf, Wilson & Bentall, L. micrograna Hacquebard & Barss, L. intermedia (Wilson & Hoffmeister) Wilson & Hoffmeister, L. pseudoannulata Kosanke and L. perforata Bharadwaj & Venkatachala. The genus Flemingites is represented by F. cf. russelianus Binney. The Flemingites cone yields in situ microspores identified as the Lycospora orbicula-type. Sigillarian cones are rare and were represented by a single specimen of Sigillariostrobus acicularis n. sp. which contained Crassispora kosankei-type microspores. Only one of these British species (Lepidodendron cf. obovatus) is unequivocally present in the coalfields of central and western Bohemia. It is probable that Flemingites cf. russelianus also occurs in both areas. • Key words: Lepidostrobus, Flemingites, Sigillariostrobus, in situ spores, Lycospora, Crassispora.

OPLUŠTIL, S. & BEK, J. 2009. Some Pennsylvanian arborescent lycopsid cones and their microspores from the British coalfields. Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 203–226 (7 figures, 5 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received June 3, 2008; accepted in revised form January 26, 2009; published online March 27, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Stanislav Opluštil, Department of Geology and Palaeontology, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Sciences, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic; oplustil@natur.cuni.cz • Jiøí Bek, Department of Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology, Institute of Geology v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic; bek@gli.cas.cz

Fossilized cuticles, though rare in the roof rocks of coal seam in the younger part of the Pennsylvanian Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, represent nearly all of the major plant groups. Selected for investigation, by methods of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elemental analysis, are fossilized cuticles (FCs) and cuticles extracted from compressions by Schulze’s process (CCs) of Alethopteris ambigua. These investigations are supplemented by FTIR analysis of FCs and CCs of Cordaites principalis, and a cuticle-fossilized medullosalean(?) axis. The purpose of this study is threefold: (1) to try to determine biochemical discriminators between FCs and CCs of the same species using semi-quantitative FTIR techniques; (2) to assess the effects chemical treatments have, particularly Schulze’s process, on functional groups; and most importantly (3) to study the primary origin of FCs. Results are equivocal in respect to (1); (2) after Schulze’s treatment aliphatic moieties tend to be reduced relative to oxygenated groups, and some aliphatic chains may be shortened; and (3) a primary chemical model is proposed. The model is based on a variety of geological observations, including stratal distribution, clay and pyrite mineralogies associated with FCs and compressions, and regional geological structure. The model presupposes compression-cuticle fossilization under anoxic conditions for late authigenic deposition of sub-micron-sized pyrite on the compressions. Rock joints subsequently provided conduits for oxygen-enriched ground-water circulation to initiate in situ pyritic oxidation that produced sulfuric acid for macerating compressions, with resultant loss of vitrinite, but with preservation of cuticles as FCs. The timing of the process remains undetermined, though it is assumed to be late to post-diagenetic. Although FCs represent a pathway of organic matter transformation (pomd) distinct from other plant-fossilization processes, global applicability of the chemical models remains to be tested. CCs and FCs are inferred endpoints on a spectrum of pomd which complicates assessing origin of in-between transformations (partially macerated cuticles). FCs index highly acidic levels that existed locally in the roof rocks. • Key words: Carboniferous, fossilized cuticles, natural maceration, pyrite oxidation, FTIR.

ZODROW, E. & MASTALERZ, M. 2009. A proposed origin for fossilized Pennsylvanian plant cuticles by pyrite oxidation (Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada). Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 227–240 (15 figures, 4 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received July 23, 2008; accepted in revised form February 3, 2009; published online April 1, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Erwin Zodrow, Department of Geology, Cape Breton University, Sydney, Nova Scotia, B1P 6L2 Canada; Erwin_Zodrow@cbu.ca • Maria Mastalerz, Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University, 611 N. Walnut Grove, Bloomington, IN 47405-2208, USA; mmastale@indiana.edu

The paper deals with two Pennsylvanian species Rhodeites gutbieri (Ettingshausen) Nìmejc and Rhodeopteridium subpetiolatum (Potonié) comb. nov. which are mostly mistakenly placed into one species Rhodea subpetiolata (Potonié) Zeiller. The clear differences between the two species are given. This paper focuses on their morphological details (including cuticle), as well as stratigraphical and geographical distributions. The genus Rhodeites is emended. Only sterile specimens of Rhodeites are known up till now and so the systematic position is still unknown. This paper also discusses their ecological status in nature. • Key words: Pennsylvanian, Rhodeites, Rhodeopteridium, cuticle.

PŠENIÈKA, J. & SCHULTKA, S. 2009. Revision of the Carboniferous genus Rhodeites Nìmejc from European and American localities. Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 241–256 (14 figures). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received October 23, 2008; accepted in revised form April 9, 2009; published online May 24, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Josef Pšenièka, Palaeontology Department, West Bohemian Museum in Pilsen, Kopeckého sady 2, 30100 Plzeò, Czech Republic; jpsenicka@zcm.cz • Stephan Schultka, Museum für Naturkunde zu Berlin, Invalidenstrasse 43, 10115 Berlin, Germany; stephan.schultka@mfn-berlin.de

The Late Cretaceous flora of the Klikov Formation (Upper Turonian–Santonian) in South Bohemia comprises 110 species representing pteridophytes, ferns, conifers, angiosperms, macro and mesofossils. Palaeoclimatic analysis of the Klikov Formation Flora using methods of Leaf Margin Analysis, Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP) and the Nearest Living Relative allows us to conclude that this flora experienced a seasonally dry subtropical climate. Mean annual temperature is predicted to have been approximately 15 °C. Numerous charcoalified fossils strongly suggest frequent fires typical of a seasonally dry climate. • Key words: flora, Klikov Formation, Late Cretaceous, palaeoclimate, CLAMP, CoA.

VÁCHOVÁ, Z. & KVAÈEK, J. 2009. Palaeoclimate analysis of the flora of the Klikov Formation, Upper Cretaceous, Czech Republic. Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 257–268 (5 figures, 6 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received September 26, 2008; accepted in revised form April 8, 2009; published online May 15, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Zuzana Váchová, Charles University, Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Albertov 6, 128 43, Prague 2, Czech Republic; zuzana.vachova@volny.cz • Jiøí Kvaèek, National Museum, Prague, 115 79 Václavské námìstí 68, Prague 1, Czech Republic; jiri.kvacek@nm.cz

An exceptionally well preserved, large fragment of Paripteris gigantea frond with “pseudo-pinnate” organization was found in Žacléø, Lampertice Member, Žacléø Formation (Intrasudetic Basin, Czech Republic). The single distal dichotomy of several basal “ultimate” pinnae is documented. The adaxial cuticle has elongated tetragonal cells oriented parallel to veins. The cells of the abaxial cuticle are probably polygonal with faintly discernible anticlinal walls; the haplocheilic stomata are sunken, partly covered by the proximal papillae of the subsidiary cells. Stomata are 22–30 µm long and 10–14 µm wide. Trichom bases are present on the pinnule margin and in the intercostal field of the abaxial cuticle. There are two concepts in the infrageneric classification of Paripteris. In contrast to traditional binomical classification (e.g., Cleal & Shute 1995), Zhang et al. (1993) preferred to provisionally interpret all the so far described species as forms of Paripteris gigantea. • Key words: Paripteris gigantea, Pennsylvanian, cuticular analysis, Intrasudetic Basin.

ŠIMÙNEK, Z. 2009. A large specimen and cuticles of Paripteris gigantea (Sternberg) Gothan from its type area Žacléø (Pennsylvanian, Czech Republic). Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 269–282 (10 figures, 1 table). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received December 16, 2008; accepted in revised form April 3, 2009; published online May 5, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Zbynìk Šimùnek, Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3/131, 118 21 Prague, Czech Republic; zbynek.simunek@geology.cz

A new bisporangiate lycopsid cone genus Thomasostrobus gen. nov. from the Stephanian strata of the Intra-Sudetic Basin (Czech Republic) is proposed as a new organ genus. The only species in the genus, Thomasostrobus longus sp. nov., is established. Mega- and microsporangia are arranged in zones, with megasporangia in the lower part of the cones and microsporangia in their apical portions. Microspores assigned to the dispersed genus Cadiospora and megaspores comparable with the dispersed species Sublagenicula levis, are described in situ for the first time. The possible parent plant of Thomasostrobus longus is discussed and an overview of dispersed Cadiospora and Sublagenicula spores is given. • Key words: lycopsids, in situ spores, Cadiospora, Sublagenicula, Pennsylvanian.

OPLUŠTIL, S., BEK, J. & DRÁBKOVÁ, J. 2009. A new bisporangiate lycopsid cone genus Thomasostrobus gen. nov. from the Late Pennsylvanian of the Intra-Sudetic Basin (Czech Republic). Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 283–300 (8 figures, 5 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received February 27, 2009; accepted in revised form May 7, 2009; published online May 27, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Stanislav Opluštil, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 1, Czech Republic; oplustil@natur.cuni.cz • Jiøí Bek, Department of Palaeobiology and Palaeoecology, Institute of Geology v.v.i., Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic; bek@gli.cas.cz • Jana Drábková, Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3, 118 21 Prague 1, Czech Republic; jana.drabkova@geology.cz

The remains of cordaitalean plants are an important element in Bolsovian plant fossil assemblages from the Radnice Basin (Czech Republic). The study of historic collections and new excavations brings together new data on the Cordaites type species – Cordaites borassifolius. Cordaites borassifolius was probably quite a large tree of monopodial or even sympodial stature. Its trunk diameter was at a minimum 0.5 m. Branches were between 1.1 m and spaced less than 0.7 m appart. The bases of the branches usually attained about 2/3 to 1/2 of the trunk width. The abaxial cuticle has stomata arranged in multiplex stomatal rows that formed a wide stomatiferous band. A transverse crypt above the stoma is an important diagnostic feature. The cordaitalean leaves, twigs, pith casts, fertile organs and seeds found are referable to a single natural species. The associated fertile organs belong to two types: 1) male fertile organs Florinanthus volkmannii and 2) a more robust, probably female, form similar to Cordaitanthus ovatus. Cuticles from the scales and long bracts of Florinanthus volkmannii have been studied in detail. Most scale cuticles are astomatal, but stomata may occur very rarely on some parts of the abaxial cuticle. Small trichomes grew from the scale margins. The cuticle of the bract has elongate cells and stomata are arranged in single stomatal rows on the abaxial cuticle. Many bilateral monosaccate pollen grains [Florinites ovalis, Florinites guttatus and Pseudoillinites, with a central body bipolar attachment to the equatorial saccus were separated from scale surfaces of Florinanthus volkmannii. The pith cast belong to the species Artisia approximata. The seeds are small and of the “Cardiocarpus-type”. Cordaites borassifolius grew in wet, peat-forming habitats and they were most likely trees of medium height. • Key words: Carboniferous, Radnice Basin, Cordaites, cuticles, cordaitalean fertile organs.

ŠIMÙNEK, Z., OPLUŠTIL, S. & DRÁBKOVÁ, J. 2009. Cordaites borassifolius (Sternberg) Unger (Cordaitales) from the Radnice Basin (Bolsovian, Czech Republic). Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 301–336 (33 figures, 3 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received March 6, 2009; accepted in revised form May 22, 2009; published online June 18, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Zbynìk Šimùnek & Jana Drábková, Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 3/131, 118 21 Praha 1, Czech Republic, zbynek.simunek@geology.cz, jana.drabkova@geology.cz • Stanislav Opluštil, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University Praha, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic, oplustil@natur.cuni.cz

Late Carbonifeous to Permian core samples from two borehole sections, STRAT 1 and CKP 6, that penetrate the glacial to postglacial and coal-bearing Lower Karoo sequence, Kalahari Karoo Basin, Botswana, contain well preserved pollen and spore palynomorphs. The palynomorph assemblages comprise 165 species of spores and pollen, and few acritarchs and chlorophycean algae. This paper presents a local biozonation of three succeeding assemblage zones, recognisable in each borehole section. The assemblage zones are named: the Hamiapollenites bullaeformis Biozone, the Cyclogranisporites gondwanensis Biozone and the Platysaccus papilionis–Striatopodocarpites fusus Biozone, in ascending order of stratigraphy. Assemblages are compared and correlated with assemblages described from other Gondwana areas of Africa, Australia, Arabia, South America and Antarctica. A general analysis of taxa from the Kalahari Karoo Basin indicates a distinct similarity with assemblages from the Paraná Basin of South America. The Hamiapollenites bullaeformis Biozone is comparable with the Vittatina costabilis Interval Zone of the Paraná Basin. Assemblages from the Cyclogranisporites gondwanensis and the Platysaccus papilionis–Striatopodocarpites fusus zones are comparable with the Lueckisporites virkkiae Interval Zone. Age determination for the assemblages in the Kalahari Karoo Basin is inferred from comparison with similar assemblages from previous Gondwana studies, and ranges from the Late Carboniferous (Kasimovian–Gzhelian) to latest Early or possibly earliest Middle Permian (Late Cisularian to Early Guadalupian). • Key words: Kalahari Karoo Basin, Late Carboniferous–Permian, pollen, spores, assemblage zones.

MODIE, B.N. & LE HÉRISSÉ, A. 2009. Late Palaeozoic palynomorph assemblages from the Karoo Supergroup and their potential for biostratigraphic correlation, Kalahari Karoo Basin, Botswana. Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 337–358 (11 figures). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received January 16, 2009; accepted in revised form May 30, 2009; published online June 19, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Benson N. Modie (corresponding author), The Centre for Knowledge, P.O. Box 1382, Lobatse, Botswana; tesbnm@gmail.com • Alain Le Hérissé, Université de Brest, CNRS, UMR 6538 Domaines Océaniques, Institut Européen de la Mer, CS 93837, 6 Avenue V. Le Gorgeu, 29238 Brest Cedex 3, France

Assemblages of thecamoebians (testate amoebae) were studied in forty-six surface samples of recent bottom sediments from five lakes in the Šumava Mts, Czech Republic. Altogether, twelve species of thecamoebians with anorganic wall were identified. The most abundant species, contained in 96% of samples, was Difflugia globulus. Other common species were Difflugia oblonga and Centropyxis orbicularis. Using cluster analysis it was possible to distinguish three main thecamoebian assemblages. The Difflugia globulus assemblage (66–100% of D. globulus) dominates in Plešné Lake, characterized by a higher phytoplankton content. The Difflugia globulus diversified cluster (4–64% of Difflugia globulus, 3–8 species in total) has the greatest species diversity and dominates in Laka Lake, characterized by the lowest phytoplankton biomass. The transitional Difflugia globulus and Pontigulasia compressa cluster (55–78% of Difflugia globulus, 12–32% of Pontigulasia compressa) occurs in lakes with medium values of phytoplankton biomass (Èerné, Èertovo, Prášilské lakes). All the species found should be adaptable to low pH (< 6) because of the long term acidity of the investigated lakes. The species Difflugia globulus, Difflugia oblonga and Centropyxis orbicularis are characteristic for these lakes. The invariable morphology of Centropyxis orbicularis simplifies its identification and makes this species a good candidate as a palaeoenvironmental indicator. A comparison of recently evidenced taxa with the data from Èerné Lake and Èertovo Lake published by Friè & Vávra (1898) was also made. Six new species have been found in these lakes (Euglypha acanthopora, Centropyxis orbicularis, Centropyxis constricta, Difflugia viscidula, Nebela vitraea, Pontigulasia compressa). • Key words: testate amoebae, thecamoebians, actuoecology, statistical analysis, Šumava Mts.

LORENCOVÁ, M. 2009. Thecamoebians from recent lake sediments from the Šumava Mts, Czech Republic. Bulletin of Geosciences 84(2), 359–376 (13 figures, 5 tables). Czech Geological Survey, Prague. ISSN 1214-1119. Manuscript received March 19, 2008; accepted in revised form January 26, 2009; published online May 12, 2009; issued June 30, 2009.

Markéta Lorencová, Charles University, Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Albertov 6, CZ-128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic; mar.lor@seznam.cz