On Lithocodium Elliott (Calcareous algae); its paleobiological and stratigraphical significance

Abstract

Abstract. Lithocodium aggregatum Elliott (with its synonyms, Bacinella irregularis Radoiĉić and Pseudolithocodium carpaticum Miŝík), Radoicicinellopsis sterni (Radoiĉić) and Bacinellacodium calcareus Dragastan are referred to the new subfamily Lithocodioidea of the family Codiaceae (marine, chlorophycean, calcareous algae). The significance which has been ascribed to these taxa by past authors is assessed. Radoicicinellopsis is proposed as a new genus. Lithocodium is redescribed and its diagnosis is emended. The importance of this alga in palaeoenvironmental interpretation and fossil hydrocarbon accumulation is noted.