Lower and Middle Cambrian brachiopods from the Iberian Chains and Sierra Morena (Spain)

Abstract

Brachiopods from the Lower and Middle Cambrian of the Iberian Chains and Sierra Morena are described. The following taxa occur in the Iberian Chains: "Lingulella" sp., Redlichella cf. bohemica (Barrande), Dictyonina radioplicata sp. n., Micromitra sp., Trematobolus simplex (Vogel), Trematobolus borobiensis sp. n. and Jamesella sp. The taxa "Lingulella" sp. and Sibiria? sp. are reported from the Lower Cambrian of Sierra Morena. Brachiopods constitute several distinct associations: the relatively shallow water Trematobolus assemblage near the Lower-Middle Cambrian boundary interval is followed by the deeper Dictyonina­Redlichella assemblage. The alternation of these assemblages permit us to interpret the response of brachiopod communities to sea level changes.