First non-calcified dasycladalean alga from the Carboniferous.

Abstract

• A non-calcified dasycladalean alga is described from the Mississippian of Scotland. This occurrence constitutes the first Carboniferous record of non-calcified dasyclads. The fossils are preserved as carbonaceous remains within siderite nodules. Preservation of their delicate structure suggests that the algae were preserved in situ or experienced minimal transport from life habitat. Associated fauna include small adult shells of the bivalve Naiadites obesus, palaeoniscid fish and a distinctive tooth of the shark Ageleodus pectinatus. The presence of these algae provides further evidence that some of the Strathclyde Group sediments of the Midland Valley of Scotland were deposited in relatively shallow water marine conditions.