Biology:Zeatoma
Zeatoma is a genus of extinct sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Pseudotomidae.[1] Species in the genus begin to appear in fossil record in the Kaiatan stage of the Eocene, and are only known to occur in New Zealand, living in warm water environments. Falling temperatures during the Pliocene has been suggested as a reason for the extinction of Zeatoma.
Description
Members of the genus have fine, closely spaced spiral threads that are located between the primary spiral cords, which are not bisected by axial sculpture.[2]
Taxonomy
Zeatoma was first described in 1992 by Phillip A. Maxwell.[3]
Ecology
Members of Zeatoma preferred to live in warm waters.[4] The genus likely became extinct due to falling seawater temperatures during the Pliocene.[5]
Distribution
All known fossil species have been found in New Zealand, and date to between the Kaiatan stage of the Eocene (39.1 million years ago) to the Waipipian stage of the Pliocene (3.70 million years ago).[6][7]
Species
Species within the genus Zeatoma include:[1]
- † Zeatoma allani P. A. Maxwell, 1992
- † Zeatoma anomala (A. W. B. Powell, 1942)
- † Zeatoma austrotomoides (A. W. B. Powell, 1931)
- † Zeatoma celsa (Marwick, 1931)
- † Zeatoma decens (Marwick, 1931)
- † Zeatoma impar (A. W. B. Powell, 1942)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Zeatoma P. A. Maxwell, 1992 †. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species on 22 January 2026.
- ↑ , Wikidata Q54553193
- ↑ Maxwell, P.A. (1992). "Eocene Mollusca from the vicinity of McCulloch's Bridge, Waihao River, South Canterbury, New Zealand: paleoecology and systematics". New Zealand Geological Survey Paleontological Bulletin 65.
- ↑ , Wikidata Q123250864
- ↑ , Wikidata Q127114061
- ↑ Maxwell, P.A. (2009). "Cenozoic Mollusca". New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity. Volume one. Kingdom Animalia: Radiata, Lophotrochozoa, Deuterostomia.. Christchurch: Canterbury University Press. p. 250. ISBN 978-1-877257-72-8.
- ↑ , Wikidata Q135397912
Wikidata ☰ Q95510404 entry
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