README: Dataset from: Spatiotemporal dynamics of Nektonic biodiversity and vegetation shifts during the Smithian–Spathian Transition: Conodont and Palynomorph insights from Svalbard

https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.7wm37pw12

Description of the data and file structure

The dataset includes:

Data Table Stensiö Palyno.csv: Sporomorph counting of samples from the Stensiöfjellet section, Svalbard.

For palynological analysis, samples (n = 61) were cleaned, crushed, weighed (15 g on average), and subsequently treated with concentrated hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid as described by Traverse (2007). The residues were sieved over an 11-µm mesh screen. Samples were additionally treated with concentrated nitric acid and 30 s of ultrasonic vibration. Residues were sieved again over an 11-µm mesh screen.

The Datatable shows the number of sporomorphs counted in each sample. Furthermore, the data table shows how many specimens of each species are present.

p= palynomorphs are present, but out of count.

q= palynomorphs are present but the identification is questionable

Supplementary remarks on conodonts from Svalbard.doc: Additional taxonomic notes on conodonts from the Stensiofjellet section, Svalbard

For conodonts, we collected 17 samples, each weighing approximately 10kg, from section Stensiöfjellet C. Of the 17 samples, 11 were taken from the Lusitaniadalen Member and 6 from the Vendomdalen Member, with varying spacing between samples ranging from 1 m to 60 m. The samples were dissolved using a ~ 10% buffered acetic acid solution following the procedure described by Jeppsson et al. (1999). The residues were concentrated by using sodium polytungstate (Jeppsson & Anehus 1999) as a heavy liquid for separation. They were then sieved using a 0.075-mm mesh, and the heavy fraction was handpicked under a binocular microscope. The selected conodont elements were illustrated using a scattered electron microscope (SEM) (JEOL JSM-6010) without the use of a sputter coater, and a digital microscope (Keyence VHX 6000). The illustrations of the conodont elements can be found in the main document.

This document provides additional systematic taxonomical notes on the species illustrated in the main document. The document provides largely a form-taxonomic, non-hierarchical presentation because of the biostratigraphic emphasis of the present work. Synonymy lists of each genus and species are provided as well as taxonomic remarks on each identified species. Furthermore, it is indicated in which figure in the main text the species description is referring to.

Geological context:

Sassendalen, central Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway.

Smithian-Spathian, Vikinghøgda Formation, Lusitaniadalen and Vendomdalen Member.

Access information

The material is curated at the Paläontologisches Institut und Museum, Universität Zürich, Switzerland, and figured specimens have received catalog numbers from this institution.