Crinoid columnal associations and sequence stratigraphy architecture: the Le Faou Formation, Lower Devonian of the Massif armoricain (France)

Botquelen A;Le Menn J;Gourvennec R;LOI, ALFREDO

2006-01-01

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Abstract

Crinoid columnals are major rnacrobenthic components of the Lower Devonian faunas of the Massif armoricain particularly in the Seillou section. Three crinoid columnal associations have been delineated based on R and Q-mode cluster analysis. Distribution of these associations is correlated to the sequence stratigraphic architecture, showing the close relationships between crinoid columnal association dynamics and relative sea-level variations. Comparing the distribution of benthic associations, we note a lesser diversity in crinoid columnal associations than in brachiopod ones. Crinoids (high-level Suspension feeders) seem to occupy broader specialised niches than brachiopods (reclining and low-level suspension feeders) and are characterised by a different ecological space utilisation.