Taphonomy and palaeoecology of Mid-Cretaceous amber-preserved micro-organisms from southwestern France

Abstract : The investigation of microorganisms preserved in amber from Charente- Maritime (southwestern France) provides new insights into the mid-Cretaceous amber forest ecology. Amber from the localities of Archingeay-Les Nouillers and Cadeuil is unique due to the plethora of microinclusions and macroinclusions as well as the preservation of litter organisms. Soil microorganisms such as actinomycetes, sheathed prokaryotes, carnivorous fungi (Ascomycota), algae, testate amoebae and nematodes indicate that the resin solidifi ed in terrestrial or limnetic- terrestrial microhabitats on the forest fl oor. Furthermore, arboreal and even marine micro organisms are preserved in the amber. This micro-assemblage suggests that the amber forest was located close to the sea shore or was at least temporarily under marine infl uence.