Calpionellites

Calpionellites is an ancient group of tiny, single-celled organisms that no longer exist today. Scientists know about them because their fossils have been found in rocks.

These fossils are special because they help us understand a time called the Valanginian stage, which was part of the Early Cretaceous period. This was a time long ago when dinosaurs lived on Earth.

Studying Calpionellites and their fossils helps scientists learn more about the history of our planet and how life has changed over millions of years.

Biostratigraphic significance

The first time scientists find the fossil of a tiny creature called Calpionellites darderi, it tells us the start of a special time called the Valanginian. This also means the end of another time called the Berriasian. These tiny fossils help scientists understand how old rocks are.

Distribution

Fossils of this ancient group have been discovered in several places around the world. These include locations in Puke, Albania; the Steinmühl Formation in Austria; the Guasasa Formation in Cuba; Lake Rożnów in Poland; the Lapos Formation in Romania; and the Miravetes and Tollo Formations in Spain.