First record of preserved gemmules of a Pleistocene assemblage of freshwater sponges

Abstract

Entire structures of freshwater sponges are rare in the paleontological record and no register existed for the Pleistocene. A previous study of the spicules of such sponges composing pleistocenic strata of the Cemitério Paleolake, Brazil, led to the discovery of several in situ preserved gemmules. The present research aimed to identify the sponge species which produced these gemmules, their relationship to the already described spicules found in the lake strata and enter a taphonomic enquiry towards the factors which would have led to this remarkable preservation. The materials were mounted for analysis at SEM. The gemmules pertain to the extant species Corvoheteromeyenia australis, Dosilia pydanieli, Radiospongilla amazonensis and Corvomeyenia thumi. Young gemmules of Heterorotula fistula, a sponge known only from loose spicules in spongillite deposits were also detected and are for the first time figured, confirming the species status. Two factors would have favored this exceptional gemmular preservation. The abundance of young gemmules indicates short immersion periods, which led to the incipient development of pneumatic coats, impairing their buoyancy and accelerating deposition in the lake bottom. Algal blooms, formed next with probable heat and desiccation, would have provided an elastic but consistent crust over the recently deposited gemmules, preventing their dismantling. Radiocarbon dating of the basal-most layer indicated an age of more than 53,780 14C years BP. © 2013 by the Sociedade Brasileira de Paleontologia.