Charophytes
Diversity of life
Small algae as clues to water and time
Charophytes are green algae with calcified structures that can fossilise. Their remains provide information about aquatic environments and, for some groups, the age of deposits.
The method in practice
The study focuses particularly on gyrogonites and utricles associated with reproductive structures. Their microscopic form is described and compared with reference assemblages. These shapes help identify charophyte groups and refine the age and environment of deposits.
At Angeac and in regional comparisons
Charophyte assemblages differ between Chassiron, Cherves and Angeac. At Angeac, the relative abundance of Clavatoraceae suggests a stronger freshwater influence. Certain taxa, including Clavator grovesii, help correlate Angeac and Cherves strata in time.
What this research reveals
These fossils provide both ecological and chronological information. One species is not necessarily a precise time marker: some have long ranges. Specialists therefore compare assemblages and combine several characters.
2017 · Published research
Charophytes of the northern Aquitaine Basin
Comparing Chassiron, Cherves and Angeac: charophyte assemblages provide evidence of Berriasian age and aquatic conditions.
People and expertise
Roch-Alexandre Benoit studies charophytes and their assemblages. Comparisons link microfossil identification to stratigraphy and environmental reconstruction.
Further reading
Overview reference: Dinosaures, les géants du vignoble (2017), p. 152–155.
Publications and results → · The book and its authors →
