Paleontological Features of Shivyrtuysky Zeolite Deposit in Transbaikalie
Biodiversity of Late Mesozoic biota of Shyvyrtuysky zeolitic deposit is presented by the dominance of terrestrial plants remains (Czekanowskia, ferns, Ginkgo, conifers, seeds) in oryctocoenosis. Bennettitales are rare. Wide spread occurrence of baisia seeds is a unique feature of phytooryctocoenosis. Grasshoppers (wings) and beetles predominate over terrestrial inhabitants. Aquatic fauna is represented by vagile benthos (conchostraca, ostracoda, aquatic maggots) and nektonic inhabitants - lycoptera fish. Gastropod shells in the absence of bivalves are rare, and it denotes aridization of climate. Scattered types of burials prevail; beddings of valves in the form of shelly pavement are rare. The preservation of remains is extremely unusual: they are replaced by minerals of zeolitic and clay groups and has white appearance. The presence of species-index of Turga complex such as bairdesteria-ephemeropsis-lycoptera in oryctocoenosis of deposit allows comparing the given section with Turga section. The age of the complex is debatable and varies from Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous