The geographical distribution of brachiopods in the British Middle Lias

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Abstract
Summary: A study of the rhynchonelloid and terebratuloid faunas of the zone of Pleuroceras spinaturn in the Lower Jurassic of the British Isles has revealed a pronounced lateral variation in the distribution of genera and species. Four distinct faunal provinces are distinguished within the British area, and two of these are subdivided into two and three subprovinces respectively. The palaeo-ecological and palaeogeographical implications of the distribution are discussed. The Mendip, Moreton in Marsh and Market Weighton axes are shown to have acted as faunal barriers in spinatum Zone times. The ironstone facies of the Midlands provided a strongly selective environment. There are marked affinities between the brachiopod fauna of South-West England and that of Normandy, and also between those of Yorkshire and western Germany. The Hebridean region is believed to have been populated by migratory streams from both the above faunas, together with a third stream coming presumably from the north. A strong and ,effective faunal barrier existed along the line of the Pennines, possibly connecting with the Moreton in Marsh axis. Certain forms are thought to have been restricted to particular areas throughout considerable spans of Jurassic time.

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