PART 10
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BULLOUGH, W. S. 1960. Practical invertebrate anatomy. 2nd ed. London: Macmillan.
FISCHER, P.—H. 1948. Données sur la résistance et de le vitalité des mollusques. J. Conch., Paris 88: 100-140.
FISCHER, P.-H., DuvAL, M. & Rarry, A. 1933. Etudes sur les échanges respiratoires des littorines. Archs
Zool. exp. gén. 74: 627-634.
Konn, A. J. 1960a. Ecological notes on Conus (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in the Trincomalee region of Ceylon.
Ann. Mag. nat. Hist. (13) 2: 309-320.
Koun, A. J. 19606. Spawning behaviour, egg masses and larval development in Conus from the Indian Ocean.
Bull. Bingham oceanogr. Coll. 17 (4): 1-51.
THIELE, J. 1910. Mollusca: B. Polyplacophora, Gastropoda marina, Bivalvia. In: SCHULTZE, L. Zoologische
und anthropologische Ergebnisse einer Forschungsreise im westlichen und zentralen Siid-Afrika 4: 269-270.
Jena: Fischer. Denkschr. med.-naturw. Ges. Jena 16: 269-270.
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ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
ANNALE VAN DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE MUSEUM
Volume 72 ~~ #2Band
April 1977 April
Part 10 #£Deel
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE
INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS FROM
LANGEBAANWEG, CAPE
By
BRIAN KENSLEY
Cape Town Kaapstad
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A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE
FOSSILS FROM LANGEBAANWEG, CAPE
By
BRIAN KENSLEY
South African Museum, Cape Town
(With 16 figures)
[MS. accepted 30 November 1976]
ABSTRACT
An assemblage of fossils from the Quartzose Sand Member of the Varswater Formation
at Langebaanweg is described. The assemblage consists. of 20 species of gasteropods, 2 species
of bivalves, 1 amphineuran species, about 4 species of ostracodes, and the nucules of a species
of the alga Chara (stonewort). Included amongst the molluscs is a new species of Bullia, to
be described later by P. Nuttall of the British Museum, and a new species of the bivalve genus
Cuna described here. The molluscs represent a mixture of marine, marine/estuarine, estuarine,
freshwater, and terrestrial species. The ostracodes are all freshwater species. From the con-
dition and relative abundance of the fossils, it is suggested that the specimens were deposited
under very calm conditions in an estuarine area, perhaps after riverine flooding.
CONTENTS
PAGE
Introduction : : f 6 189
Systematic discussion : . 190
General discussion . é a PA0/
Acknowledgements . 5 oe 209
References . b : : 7209
INTRODUCTION
The commercial phosphate mine at Langebaanweg, Cape, has yielded a
vast array of fossils, mainly of Pliocene age (vide Hendey 1976). The fossils
are derived from the Varswater Formation, the geology of which is dealt with
in some detail by Tankard (19755). An assemblage of invertebrate fossils from
the Gravel Member of this formation has been described (Kensley 1972). This
Suite was composed mainly ‘of marine gasteropod and bivalve molluscs (both
fossil shells and shell casts) but also included a single brachiopod and echino-
derm, and barnacle fragments. Expansion of the quarrying activities has since
exposed a second assemblage of invertebrate fossils in the south-western part
of the mine. This material occurred in a mud deposit within the Quartzose
Sand Member, which immediately overlies the Gravel Member. These are the
fossils dealt with in the present report. All the material is housed in the South
African Museum, whose catalogue numbers they bear.
189
Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 72 (10), 1977: 189-210, 16 figs.
190 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
SYSTEMATIC DISCUSSION
MOLLUSCA
Class GASTEROPODA
Family Trochidae
Gibbula benzi (Krauss)
Gibbula benzi: Barnard, 1963: 276.
Material
Single specimen, height 4,4 mm, width 5,0 mm.
Distribution
Living: East London to Saldanha.
Remarks
The colour pattern of white dots on the periphery, rows of dark and light
dots on the base, and the spire slightly mottled, is well preserved.
Oxystele variegata (Anton)
Oxystele variegata: Tankard, 1975a: 22.
Material
Single specimen, height 6,0 mm, width 10,0 mm.
Distribution
Living: Natal to southern Angola.
Fossil: Port Elizabeth, Verlorevlei, Saldanha.
Remarks
The general colour of the specimen is dark brown, but remains of the
colour pattern are still visible.
Family Phasianellidae
Tricolia capensis (Dunker)
Fig. 1
Tricolia capensis: Barnard, 1963: 206.
Material
Numerous specimens, from 1,6 mm to 4,0 mm in height.
Distribution
Living: False Bay to Kunene River mouth.
Remarks
All the specimens retain the characteristic colour pattern of a pale ground
with darker pink-brown spots and mottling.
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 19]
Fig. 1. Tricolia capensis (scale = 3 mm).
Tricolia neritina (Dunker)
Tricolia neritina: Kensley, 1972: 177.
Material
Two specimens, greatest diameter 3,4 mm, 2,0 mm.
Distribution
Living: East London to South West Africa.
Fossil: Langebaanweg.
Remarks
Both specimens retain the spiral colour bands of this species.
Family Littorinidae
Littorina cf. knysnaensis (Philippi)
Littorina knysnaensis: Tankard, 1975a: 22.
Material
Two damaged specimens, greatest diameter of larger specimen 5,0 mm.
Distribution
Living: Natal to Rocky Point, South West Africa.
Fossil: Saldanha, Verlorevlei, Knysna.
192 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Remarks
Both specimens are low-spired, showing about twenty-five spiral lines on
the body whorl, plus numerous fine growth lines characteristic of this species.
A basal keel as is found in specimens living in strong wave action, is not present.
Family Collumbellidae
Pyrene albuginosa (Reeve)
Fig. 2
Pyrene albuginosa: Barnard, 1962: 190.
Material
Thirteen specimens ranging in height from 3,5 mm to 7,4 mm.
Distribution
Living: Natal to False Bay.
Fossil: Port Elizabeth.
Remarks
Several of the specimens show two irregular rows of white spots on the
body whorl, white spots at the suture, and a darker reticulation between the
spots.
5
Fig. 2. Pyrene albuginosa (scale = 2 mm).
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 193
Family Nassariidae
Bullia digitalis (Meuschen)
Bullia digitalis: Barnard, 1959: 137.
Bullia sp. Kensley, 1972: 179.
Material
Ten specimens, all damaged, largest 20 mm length.
Distribution
Living: Port Elizabeth to Walvis Bay.
Fossil: Liideritz, Orange River, Langebaanweg, Keurbooms River.
Bullia laevissima (Gmelin)
Bullia laevissima: Tankard, 1975a: 23.
Material
Eight specimens, all damaged, length 6,0 mm to 21,0 mm.
Distribution
Living: Port Alfred to Walvis Bay.
Fossil: Bogenfels, Saldanha, Knysna.
Bullia sp.
Fig. 3
Remarks
Large numbers of this species varying in size from protoconch plus a few
postnatal whorls, to specimens up to 18 mm in length have been collected.
P. Nuttall of the British Museum is of the opinion that this is an undescribed
species and will be dealing with it in a later work.
Nassarius cf. analogicus (Sowerby)
Fig. 4
Nassa analogica: Barnard, 1959: 99.
Nassarius analogicus: Tankard, 1975a: 22.
Material
Three specimens, protoconchs missing, length 16,2 mm to 18,9 mm.
Distribution
Living: East London to St Helena Bay.
Fossil: Saldanha.
Remarks
Although the specimens are very worn, traces of the spiral lirae charac-
teristic of this variable species can be seen. Only faint traces of axial ribs are
visible on the upper whorls.
194 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Fig. 3. Bullia sp. (scale =5 mm).
Fig. 4. Nassarius cf. analogicus (scale = 4 mm).
Nassarius sp.
Fig. 5
Description
Protoconch smooth, 24 whorls; 2 postnatal whorls, first whorl with 14-15
axial ribs, second whorl with 14-15 ribs. First whorl with 5 spiral lirae, 6-7 on
second whorl, 4 on rostrum, 4-5 slightly stronger lirae on base.
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 195
Material
One damaged specimen, outer lip broken, length 3,3 mm, width 1,8 mm.
Remarks
The specimen agrees well with material of N. plebeja (Thiele) from Port
Elizabeth, and with Barnard’s (1959: 106) description. As this living species
has only been recorded from relatively deep water (80-100 metres) no certainty
can be placed on this identification.
Nassarius sp.
Fig. 6
Description
Protoconch plus 43 whorls, outer lip and base of shell damaged. Spire
tapering evenly, apical angle 45°. Axial ribs well separated bent slightly near
upper suture, and forming barely perceptible shoulder, 9-11 axial ribs per
whorl. Periphery of body whorl with single spiral lira stronger than other
faint lirae, latter almost obscure, about twelve per whorl.
Material
One specimen, damaged, length 15,5 mm width 7,0 mm.
Fig. 5. Nassarius sp. (scale | mm). Fig. 6. Nassarius sp. (scale = 2 mm).
196 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Remarks
The specimen closely resembles N. scopularcus, known as a Tertiary fossil
from Bogenfels, Saldanha, and taken alive from Langebaan and Liideritz, but
differs in the shape of the profile. N. scopularcus has a slightly convex profile,
as opposed to the present straight-sided specimen.
Family Marginellidae
Marginella sp.
Material
One specimen, length 2,9 mm.
Remarks
This species belongs to the group possessing a smoothly convex shoulder,
three columellar pleats. In general form there is some resemblance to
M. differens.
Family Assimineidae
Assiminea Sp.
Fig. 7
Material
Numerous specimens, length ranging from 2,4 mm to 4,0 mm.
Fig. 7. Assiminea sp. (scale 3 mm).
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 197
Remarks
In proportions this species resembles A. bifasciata but does not appear
to reach this species size. The present species is not quite as rounded and squat
as A. globulous, but falls within that species size range.
Family Ferrissiidae
Burnupia capensis (Walker)
Fig. 8
Burnupia capensis: Connolly, 1939: 521. Burch, 1975: 54.
Material
Numerous specimens, largest length 4,0 mm, width 2,3 mm.
Distribution
Living: Natal to southern Cape and Cape Peninsula.
Subfossil: from vlei deposit, Cape St Francis.
Remarks
As Burch (1975) has shown, the nature of the apical sculpture in the fresh-
water limpets is a very useful feature for separation of species. With this in
view, scanning electron micrographs were obtained of the present material.
These show the subapical rows of pits characteristic of B. capensis, but the
rows of pits are not as numerous as in the modern material figured by Burch.
The shape of the pits, however, is closer to B. capensis than to B. stenochorias
with its sparser pit rows. None of the present specimens reach the size of the
type or the fresh material in the South African Museum (i.e. up to 7,5 mm in
length) of B. capensis, which is itself a smaller species than a normal B. steno-
chorias (length 8,5 mm).
Family Planorbidae
Ceratophallus natalensis (Krauss)
Fig. 9
Planorbis natalensis Krauss, Connolly, 1939: 490.
Ceratophallus natalensis: Brown & Mandahl-Barth, 1973: 289.
Material
Numerous specimens, greatest diameter 4,7 mm.
Distribution
Living: eastern Africa from Eritrea to eastern Cape, westwards to Chad
and lower Congo.
Remarks
Connolly notes that populations of this species may for years remain below
the normal adult dimensions before reaching full size. This may account for
the small average size of the present material.
198 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Fig. 8. Burnupia capensis (scale = 1 mm) with electromicrograph enlargement of apex.
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 199
Fig. 9. Ceratophallus natalensis (scale = 2 mm).
Bulinus ‘tropicus’ (Krauss)
Fig. 10
Bulinus tropicus: Connolly, 1939: 499.
Material
Numerous specimens. Largest, length 3,9 mm, width 3,2 mm.
Distribution
Living: entire Republic of South Africa, Lesotho, Rhodesia, Botswana.
Subfossil: South West Africa.
Family Endodontidae
Trachycystis cf. capensis (Pfeiffer)
Fig. 11
Trachycystis capensis: Connolly, 1939: 228. Van Bruggen, 1970: 457.
Material
Seven specimens up to 4,2 mm width, 2,7 mm length.
Distribution
Living: East London to Orange River Mouth, common in coastal sand
dunes, seldom extending more than 24 km inland. Recorded from ‘Langebaan,
under stones in dry sand fields’ (Van Bruggen 1970: 458).
200 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
Fig. 10. Bulinus ‘tropicus’ (scale 2mm).
5
Fig. 11. Trachycystis cf. capensis (scale 2 mm).
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 201
Family Succineidae
Succinea sp.
Fig. 12
Material
One specimen, length 3,3 mm, width 1,9 mm.
Remarks
In the relatively slender shape of the dextral shell, its very delicate structure,
this specimen resembles the genus Succinea. Without more material (and the
lack of soft parts) further identification is not possible.
Family Hydrobiidae
Tomichia ventricosa (Reeve)
Tomichia ventricosa: Connolly, 1939: 573.
Material
Two fragments.
Distribution
Living: southern Cape and Cape Peninsula.
Remarks
Although the material is fragmented, it agrees well with subfossil as well
as fresh material of this species.
Fig. 12. Succinea sp. (scale = 1 mm).
202 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
? Family
Fig. 13
Material
Numerous shell apices, lower portion of shell never present, maximum
diameter 4,0 mm.
Remarks
There can be no certainty about the status of this species until a complete
specimen is found. The very flattened spire is similar to that of many of the
Naticidae. The rather delicate shell, however, is unlike most Natica species,
and the possibility that this is a freshwater or terrestrial species cannot be ruled
out.
4
Fig. 13. ? Family (scale 2 mm).
Class AMPHINEURA
Family Chitonidae
Chiton nigrovirescens (Blainville)
Fig. 14
Chiton nigrovirescens: Barnard, 1963: 342.
Material
Single valve, 11,5 mm wide.
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 203
Distribution
Living: False Bay to Liideritz.
Remarks
The single valve agrees exactly with a valve taken from a living animal,
in the shape of the apophyses, the ribbed lateral area and the pectinate margin
with its single slit.
Fig. 14. Chiton nigrovirescens (scale = 1 mm).
Class PELECYPODA
Family Donacidae
Donax serra (Réding)
Donax serra: Tankard, 1975a: 24.
Donax cf serra and Donax sp., Kensley, 1972: 183.
Material
Numerous fragments of left and right valve hinges, also several fragments
of the blade of the shell.
Distribution
Living: Kei Mouth to Walvis Bay.
Fossil: Angras Juntas, Oranjemund, Alexander Bay, Saldanha, Lange-
baanweg, Milnerton, Sedgefield.
Remarks
All the material is very fragmented, mainly hinge-lines surviving. Never-
theless, comparison with recent material of similar size shows no differences
in hinge structure, while the characteristic serrations of the lower margin of
this species are visible in some of the fragments.
Family Carditidae
Cuna aquaedulcensis sp. nov.
Fig. 15
Description
Valves inequilateral, umbo to anterior margin longer than umbo to pos-
terior margin length. Posterior margin straight. Sculpture consisting of 20-21
204 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
radiating ribs crossed by numerous concentric growth lines, thus forming
elongate-rounded tubercles. Inner ventral margin crenulate, mantle line uninter-
rupted. Hinge line with anterior cardinal tooth elongate, low; posterior cardinal
tooth reduced to low knob. Median tooth relatively strong, narrowly triangular,
separated from anterior tooth by narrow gutter. Posterior tooth forming part
of shell margin. Single low lateral tooth on anterior margin.
Material
Holotype, right valve, length 3,4 mm, height 3,1 mm, SAM-L25892W.
Paratype, right valve, length 3,4 mm, height 3,1 mm, SAM-A25892W.
Fig. 15. Cuna aquaedulcensis (scale = | mm).
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 205
Remarks
This species most closely resembles the West African Cuna gambiensis
Nicklés, 1955. This similarity lies in the overall proportions, and in the external
sculpture. The West African species, however, has more radiating ribs (26)
than C. aquaedulcensis, while examination of the hinge lines shows obvious
differences. The right valve of C. gambiensis possesses three distinct cardinal
teeth, while the posterior cardinal tooth in the present species is reduced to a
knob. Little is known of the habits of these tiny bivalves. The specific name is
derived from the Varswater (freshwater) Formation in which it was found.
ARTHROPODA
Class CRUSTACEA
Subclass OSTRACODA
A vast number of perfect ostracode valves, often both valves together,
was obtained by sieving of the present sediments. Only about 5 species appear’
to be present, and of these 2 are abundant, the other 3 relatively uncommon.
Difficulty was experienced in identifying these latter; one is probably a Hetero-
cypris sp. There is little doubt, however, that the ostracodes are of freshwater
origin.
Family Cytheridae
Gomphocythere expansa (Sars)
Gomphocythere expansa: McKenzie, 1971: 162, 195.
Distribution
Living: known only from the Cape Flats.
Remarks
This is the most abundant ostracode in the sediments, and occurs in
thousands, often with the two valves joined. The very tumid shape and the
flattened ventral surface with its sharply marked ridge make this species quite
distinctive. Comparison with Sars’s type material revealed no differences from
the present material.
Family Cyprididae
Zonocypris cordata (Sars)
Zonocypris cordata: McKenzie, 1971: 169, 194.
Distribution
Living: vicinity of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth.
Remarks
This is the second most abundant species from the sediments, very often
occurring with both valves joined. Comparison with Sars’s type material
revealed no differences.
206 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
CHAROPHYCOPHYTA (Stoneworts)
Chara sp.
Fig. 16
Material
Numerous nucules (2 sexual reproductive structures).
Remarks
In spite of their varying proportions, these nucules are all composed of
four spiral cells, thus placing the material in the genus Chara. R. D. Wood, of
the University of Rhode Island, U.S.A., who looked at the material, gave the
opinion that all the nucules belonged to the same species, variation in pro-
portions being quite usual. Without further structures, specific identification
is difficult. However, two possibilities present themselves:
Chara globularis a brackish water species usually living in water of a
salinity of 5-15%,.
Chara vulgaris a purely freshwater species.
This is the first record of a fossil alga from Langebaanweg. Previous plant
remains from the area include roots and pollen grains from the peat deposit,
as well as plant fragments (Hendey 1976: 243).
Fig. 16. Nucules of Chara sp. (scale = 0,4 mm).
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 207
GENERAL DISCUSSION
As already mentioned, this assemblage of fossils was recovered from a
fine-grained horizon in the Quartzose Sand Member of the Varswater Forma-
tion. Speculation on the environmental conditions under which the animals
lived can be aided by two sources of information, viz. knowledge of the geology
of the area, and present-day ecological knowledge of the same or related species.
Regarding the geological evidence, Tankard (19755) has described the
broad series of events in the area, viz. a marine transgression in the Pliocene,
the accumulation of freshwater estuarine sands behind a barrier followed by a
final marine transgression. In the Quartzose Sand Member Tankard recognizes
in the sediments a fluviatile facies as well as an estuarine facies. A broad analysis
of the present fossil assemblage and what knowledge we have of the environ-
mental niches of these species, supports to some extent this geological view.
The fossils may be divided into the following categories:
MARINE SPECIES MARINE/ESTUARINE SPECIES
Bullia digitalis Bullia laevissima
Chiton nigrovirescens Littorina cf knysnaensis
Donas serra Marginella sp.
Gibbula benzi Nassarius spp.
Pyrene albuginosa Oxystele variegata
Tricolia capensis
Tricolia neritina
ESTUARINE SPECIES FRESHWATER SPECIES
Assiminea sp. Ceratophallus natalensis
Bulinus tropicus
Burnupia capensis
TERRESTRIAL SPECIES Chara sp.
Trachycystis capensis Gomphocythere expansa
Succinea sp.
Tomichia ventricosa
Zonocypris cordata
Under the marine/estuarine group are included species which have been
recorded in both habitat types, as well as those forms which are only tentatively
identified, and whose genera are usually marine, but sometimes also estuarine,
e.g. Nassarius.
The assemblage is thus obviously a mixture of species from a variety of
habitats, with major contributions from the marine and the freshwater repre-
sentatives. If the assemblage is looked at in terms of abundance (even though
208 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
no quantitative collecting as such was done), it becomes apparent that a few
species are very common, the rest being rare. These abundant species are the
following: ;
MARINE SPECIES FRESHWATER SPECIES
Tricolia capensis Ceratophallus natalensis
Bulinus tropicus
Burnupia capensis
Gomphocythere expansa
Zonocypris cordata
The new species of Bullia is probably not a freshwater species, but whether
it is purely marine or marine/estuarine, is uncertain. The abundance of all
stages of these Bullia shells, and their good state of preservation, however,
suggests that this was an estuarine species.
To speculate on the environmental conditions at the time of deposition,
not only the species composition (and their ecological implications) must be
considered, but also the sediments and the state of preservation of the fossils.
The following points are of relevance in this connection: the sediments are very
fine with a considerable clay fraction; many of the ostracodes are undamaged
and often both valves are still joined; the nucules of Chara are often complete,
in spite of the very delicate and brittle nature of the spiral cells; Bulinus, Bur-
nupia, and Ceratophallus are small, very delicate shells, yet the majority of
specimens are undamaged. Deposition must thus have taken place under very
calm conditions.
To explain the presence of marine, estuarine, and freshwater species in
the sediments, one must postulate a lagoonal/estuarine area, protected from
wave action, yet with access to the sea. Close to this sea-mouth, there must
have been both rocky shores (to accommodate Tricolia, Pyrene, Oxystele,
and Chiton), and sandy shores (Donax, Bullia digitalis). Tidal movement could
wash these marine forms into the sheltered lagoon, the larger shells such as
Donax and Bullia becoming abraded and fragmented, the smaller shells of
Pyrene and Tricolia surviving intact. (Movement of shells of the two former
genera into a lagoon from the sea has been observed by the author at Milnerton.)
That the rocky shores were nearby is implied from the condition of the Pyrene
and Tricolia shells. These are without exception unworn, with the protoconches
preserved, and in most cases, the colour patterns still visible. The true estuarine
forms could have lived along the lagoonal/estuarine shores (Assiminea sp.) or
on the muddy bottom (Bullia laevissima). The Charophyte alga probably
flourished in a pond or temporary pool, isolated from the general estuary (as
shown in Hendey 1976, fig. 2). (Charophytes, which are abundant on the
present-day Cape Flats, are usually found in quiet ponds, shallow water holes,
temporary pools, and dams (Stephens 1929).) The large numbers of fluviatile
molluscs and ostracodes might have been washed in by seasonal floods, with
the flood waters sweeping over nearby stagnant pools, finally to loose their
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS 209
force and spread out in the lagoonal/estuarine area. Fine sediment in suspension,
as well as the mollusc and ostracode shells and the charophyte nucules would
then settle on the bottom, along with the marine/estuarine shells already there.
Deposition of these sediments occurred during a stillstand in a marine trans-
gression (Tankard 19755: 271).
The presence of the terrestrial Trachycystis can also be explained by
flooding, or by strong wind action.
Comparison between the present fossil suite and the assemblage previously
recorded from the Gravel Member of the same formation, shows that only
two species occur in both. These are Bullia digitalis and Donax serra, both
marine sand-dwelling species, still occurring on the nearby coast at Saldanha.
The general dissimilarity is not surprising in view of the fact that the Gravel
Member material was evidently accumulated in a marine beach environment.
The differences between the two assemblages do not necessarily have any
temporal significance.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Mr C. Appleton, Mr R. N. Kilburn, and Dr A. J. Tankard
for reading the manuscript and for their useful criticisms; to Dr Q. B. Hendey
for comments and for making the material available; to Prof. R. D. Wood of
the University of Rhode Island, U.S.A., for his comments on the Charophytes;
to Mr D. Gerneke for the photographs, and to Dr Tankard for arranging for
the electromicrographs to be taken at Rhodes University, Grahamstown.
REFERENCES
BARNARD, K. H. 1959. Contributions to the knowledge of South African marine Mollusca.
Part II. Gastropoda: Prosobranchiata: Rhachiglossa.— Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 45: 1-237.
BARNARD, K. H. 1962. Revised list of South African Late Tertiary and Pleistocene marine
Mollusca.— Trans. R. Soc. S. Afr. 36: 179-196.
BARNARD, K. H. 1963. Contributions to the knowledge of South African marine Mollusca.
Part IV. Gastropoda: Prosobranchiata: Rhipidoglossa, Docoglossa. Tectibranchiata.
Polyplacophora. Solenogastres. Scaphopoda.— Amn. S. Afr. Mus. 47: 201-360.
Brown, D. S. & MANDAHL-BARTH, G. 1973. Two new genera of Planorbidae from Africa
and Madagascar.— Proc. malac. Soc. Lond. 40: 287-302.
Burcu, J. B. 1975. Apical shell sculpture of some African freshwater limpets (Mollusca:
Basommatophora: Ancylidae).— Zool. afr. 10: 53-62.
CONNOLLY, M. 1939. A monographic survey of South African non-marine Mollusca.— Ann.
S. Afr. Mus. 33: 1-660.
HENDEY, Q. B. 1976. The Pliocene fossil occurrences in ‘E’ Quarry, Langebaanweg, South
Africa.— Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 69: 215-247.
KENSLEY, B. F. 1972. Pliocene marine invertebrates from Langebaanweg, Cape Province.
—Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 60: 173-190.
McKenzie, K. G. 1971. Species list of South African freshwater Ostracoda with an appendix
‘listing museum collections and some further determinations.— Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 57:
157-213.
NICKLEs, M. 1955. Scaphopodes et lamellibranches récoltés dans l'Ouest africain. — Atlantide
Rep. 3: 93-238.
210 ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM
STEPHENS, E. L. 1929. Fresh water aquatic vegetation of the south-western districts. In:
ADAMSON, R. S., et al., eds. The Botanical features of the south-western Cape Province.
Cape Town: Speciality Press.
TANKARD, A. J. 1975a. Thermally anomalous Late Pleistocene molluscs from the south
western Cape Province, South Africa.— Ann. S. Afr. Mus. 69: 17-45.
TANKARD, A. J. 19755. Varswater Formation of the Langebaanweg-Saldanha area, Cape
Province.— Trans. geol. Soc. S. Afr. 77: 265-283.
VAN BRUGGEN, A. C. 1970. Non Marine Mollusca. Jn: HANSTROM, B., BRINCK, P., & RUDE-
BECK, G., eds. South African animal life 14: 444-476. Lund: Berlingska Boktryckeriet.
6. SYSTEMATIC papers must conform with the International code of zoological nomenclature
(particularly Articles 22 and 51).
Names of new taxa, combinations, synonyms, etc., when used for the first time, must be
followed by the appropriate Latin (not English) abbreviation, e.g. gen. NOv., sp. nov., comb.
nov., Syn. nov., etc.
‘An author’s name when cited must follow the name of the taxon without intervening
punctuation and not be abbreviated; if the year is added, a comma must separate author’s
name and year. The author’s name ‘(and date, if cited) must be placed in parentheses if a
species or subspecies is transferred from its original genus. The name of a subsequent user of
a scientific name must be separated from the scientific name by a colon.
Synonymy arrangement should be according to chronology of names, i.e. all published
scientific names by which the species previously has been designated are listed in chronological
order, with all references to that name following in chronological order, e.g.:
Family Nuculanidae
Nuculana (Lembulus) bicuspidata (Gould, 1845)
Figs 14-15A
Nucula (Leda) bicuspidata Gould, 1845: 37.
Leda plicifera A. Adams, 1856: 50.
Laeda bicuspidata Hanley, 1859: 118, pl. 228 (fig. 73). Sowerby, 1871: pl. 2 (figs 8a—b).
Nucula largillierti Philippi, 1861: 87.
Leda bicuspidata: Nicklés, 1950: 163, fig. 301; 1955: 110. Barnard, 1964: 234, figs 8-9.
Note punctuation in the above example:
comma separates author’s name and year
semicolon separates more than one reference by the same author
full stop separates references by different authors
figures of plates are enclosed in parentheses to distinguish them from text-figures
dash, not comma, separates consecutive numbers
Synonymy arrangement according to chronology of bibliographic references, whereby
the year is placed in front of each entry, and the synonym repeated in full for each entry, is
not acceptable.
In describing new species, one specimen must be designated as the holotype; other speci-
mens mentioned in the original description are to be designated paratypes; additional material
not regarded as paratypes should be listed separately. The complete data (registration number,
depository, description of specimen, locality, collector, date) of the holotype and paratypes
must be recorded, e.g.:
Holotype
SAM-A13535 in the South African Museum, Cape Town. Adult female from mid-tide region, King’s Beach,
Port Elizabeth (33°51’S 25°39’E), collected by A. Smith, 15 January 1973.
Note standard form of writing South African Museum registration numbers and date.
7. SPECIAL HOUSE RULES
Capital initial letters
(a) The Figures, Maps and Tables of the paper when referred to in the text
OE . the Figure depicting C. namacolus . . in C. namacolus (Fig. 10) .
(b) The aes of prefixed surnames in all neaiees ene used in the text, if not Oe
by initials or full names
e.g. DuToit but A.L.du Toit; Von Huene but F. von Huene
(c) Scientific names, but not their vernacular derivatives
e.g. Therocephalia, but therocephalian
Punctuation should be loose, omitting all not strictly necessary
Reference to the author should be expressed in the third person
Roman numerals should be converted to arabic, except when forming part of the title of a
book or article, such as
‘Revision of the Crustacea. Part VIII. The Amphipoda.’
Specific name must not stand alone, but be preceded by the generic name or its abbreviation
to initial capital letter, provided the same generic name is used consecutively.
Name of new genus or species is not to be included in the title: it should be included in the
abstract, counter to Recommendation 23 of the Code, to meet the requirements of
Biological Abstracts.
“Wi LN
1206 6536
BRIAN KENSLEY
A SECOND ASSEMBLAGE OF PLIOCENE
INVERTEBRATE FOSSILS FROM
LANGEBAANWEG, CAPE