Plant–arthropod associations from the Early Miocene of the Most Basin in North Bohemia—Palaeoecological and palaeoclimatological implications

摘要: Abstract Terrestrial plants and insects account for the majority of Earth's biodiversity today, herbivorous interactions are dated back more than 400 million yr. However, investigation their associations remains in its infancy Europe. The Miocene is characterized by palaeogeographic re-organization due to collision African with Eurasian plates. Antarctica's enormous impact on global climatic conditions, thus European palaeoenvironment, resulted from a series episodes minor glaciations Early after initial cooling ice sheet formed during Oligocene. More 3500 plant showing various kinds feeding damage were available present study. These trace fossils classified according external morphology into types (DT) grouped functional feeding-groups. Neogene record Europe rich diverse, offering profound large-scale understanding floristic vegetational development. A database fossil traces Most Basin was compiled analyzed statistical methods terms diversity intensity palaeoherbivory. primary objective results development insect herbivory through section Bilina Mine North Bohemia, aim principal factors that caused observed phenomena. research focused two horizons—Delta Sandy Horizon (DSH) Lake Clayey (LCH)—both sufficiently represented compare palaeoecological palaeoclimatological signals basis presence damages other arthropods. total sample 60 different types, attributed eight main groups, examined. Results analyses frequency selected categories arthropod within both examined horizons significantly support environmental conditions. LCH seems be affected relatively colder drier conditions as indicated four times greater leaves galls lower taxonomic species equability, whereas DSH indicates warmer humid reflecting higher types.