Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

A relatively thick sequence of Mid-Cretaceous (Aptian) strata exposed in Baghin area, west of Kerman, Iran. The strata comprise a diverse macro-fauna such as bivalves, echinoids, gastropods, corals and brachiopods. Among the bivalves, presence of a pectinid species, Neithea notabilis is relatively conspicuous. The studies show a marked morphological variation in the species. Also, biometric analysis reveals a mark interspecific variation in the studied specimens. Low diversity in the genus Neithea could be due the high isolation of the Baghin area and therefore its limited connection to other water masses during the Mid-Cretaceous or because of its contribution to the diversification trend seen in the Mediterranean region.

Keywords