The case of the carnian (triassic) conodont genus metapolygnathus hayashi

Abstract

Successive evolutionary trends control the genera Paragondolella Mosher and Metapolygnathus Hayashi over the about 20 Ma long Aegean-Tuvalian timespan. In consideration of their evolutionary criteria, these genera have been retained together with Carnepigondolella Kozur and the two new genera proposed herein, Mazzaella (type species M. carnica) and Hayashiella (type species H. nodosa). Mazzaella n. gen. represents a Late Julian side branch of Metapolygnathus, harbouring a platform ornamentation similar to the several million years younger Tuvalian lineage of Carnepigondolella, issued from Hayashiella n. gen. that is intermediary between Metapolygnathus and Carnepigondolella, based on appearance and platform ornamentation.