Brachiopodes récoltés lors de campagnes (1976-2014) dans l’étage Bathyal des côtes françaises méditerranéennes. Redéfinition des limites du système phytal dans le domaine marin benthique

During the period from 1976 to 2014, the distribution of brachiopods along the French Mediterranean coasts was particularly well investigated, especially in the Bathyal zone. From 1983 to 1989, the study of this zoological group was the aim of the RCP-CNRS No 728 whose data of the expeditions are the purpose of this ebook: the results concern five species occurring in the Upper Bathyal, i.e., Novocrania anomala, Gryphus vitreus, Terebratulina retusa, Megathiris detruncata, Platidia anomioides and Mergerlia truncata. They are developped over nine chapters, the latter two on the notebooks of samples in the surveyed stations and their distributional charts, as well as those of the five brachiopod species. The occurrences in Mediterranean biocoenoses have revealed biases with the systematics when restricted to shell characters because phylogenetic methods are needed in living species. Another highlight raises questions about the validity of some related fossil species, Terebratula minor (= Gryphus vitreus) is taken as example herein. Finally, the infestation of G. vitreus shells by the Ostreobium alga led to discuss again about the lower limit of the benthic phytal system and its bathymetric variations as far as in the Bathyal.