Choice of conodont Idiognathodus simulator (sensu stricto) as the event marker for the base of the global Gzhelian stage (Upper Pennsylvanian series, Carboniferous system)

Abstract

We propose that the level at which the conodont species Idiognathodus simulator (Ellison 1941) (sensu stricto) first appears be selected to mark the base of the Gzhelian Stage, because we believe that this is the optimal level by which this boundary can be correlated This taxon has a short range and a wide distribution, as shown by correlation of glacial-eustatic cyclothems across the Kasimovian-Gzhelian boundary interval among Midcontinent North America and the Moscow and Donets basins of eastern Europe, based on scale of the cyclothems along with several aspects of biostratigraphy. Outside of these areas, I. simulator (sensu stricto) is known also from other parts of the U.S., and is reported from the southern Urals and south-central China in its expected position between other widespread taxa. Its first appearance is consistent with the current ammonoid placement of the boundary (first appearance of Shumardites cuyleri), and it is also compatible with certain aspects of the distribution of Eurasian fusulinid faunas (e.g., lectotype of Rauserites rossicus).