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Abstract


Devonian of the World: Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on the Devonian System — Memoir 14, Volume III: Paleontology, Paleoecology and Biostratigraphy, 1988
Pages 397-412
Paleoecology and Biostratigraphy

The Devonian Rugose Coral Genus Tabulophyllum Fenton and Fenton, 1924

J. E. Sorauf

Abstract

The predominantly Middle Devonian and Frasnian coral genus Tabulophyllum is highly characteristic of the cosmopolitan faunas of the latter part of the Devonian System and approximately 99 species have been described from all major areas of marine Devonian outcrop. At least 20 of these are wrongly assigned and should be placed in Carboniferous or other Devonian genera, and in addition the status of some of the remainder must be regarded as possible synonyms due to the highly variable nature of those species that are thoroughly known. In this study all post-Frasnian corals are excluded from the genus, with the questionable exception of one species from Czechoslovakia.

The genus has a characteristic diagenetic lamellar wall structure in thin-section; its septal structure is of very fine monacanthine trabeculae and fibro-normal flanks in well preserved specimens. Long, complete tabulae are typically marked by peripheral gutters, gracefully downcurved (as seen in longitudinal section), while the characteristic lonsdaleoid dissepimentarium is marked by large presepiments which interrupt the septa in peripheral areas.

Some Frasnian species show the development of large individuals with a cardinal fossula and marked bilaterality. This is most marked in species of the latest Frasnian, preceeding the Frasnian-Famennian extinction event.

Adaptation to substrate played an important role in the success of Tabulophyllum species. Those inhabiting soft, muddy substrates are commonly characterized by thin, leaf-like expansions of the corallite through large presepiments, along with a sharply pointed apex positioned within the substrate. Several species were apparently adapted for a sandy (shifting ?) substrate, with the apical part of the skeleton filled by biogenic calcite. Species living on a firm substrate have well developed talons and normal growth above, forming a large base.


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