Echinoids associated to the Neolobites event from the Sahara (upper Cenomanian, Southern Algeria)

Abstract

Three Upper Cretaceous sections (Boukaïs sections from the Guir Basin; Gour Louazouaza section from the Tademait Hamada and Gour Belhouillet section from the Tinrhert Hamada) were measured, and their respective echinoid content was studied. Fifteen echinoid species referred to ten genera, are identified and taxonomically described from the upper Cenomanian strata belonging to the Neolobites bioevent. Among the studied echinoids, Pedinopsis (P.) hemisphaerica Abdelhamid, 2014a is recorded for the first time from outside Egypt. The palaeobiogeographic distribution of this fauna is discussed and indicates strong Tethyan affinity.