The Praeorbitolina/Palorbitolinoides Association: an Aptian biostratigraphic key-interval at the southern margin of the Neo-Tethys

The Praeorbitolina/Palorbitolinoides Association characterizes a Lower Cretaceous biostratigraphic interval, which is marked by the common occurrence of these two foraminiferal genera. The base of this interval is defined by the inception of Palorbitolinoides cf. orbiculata, whereas the top is marked by the disappearance of the genus Praeorbitolina. The Praeorbitolina/Palorbitolinoides Association is evident in the uppermost part of the Lower Aptian of the Apulian and Adriatic Carbonate Platforms, as well as of the eastern Arabian Plate, all located at the southern margin of the Neo-Tethys.