Ammonites from the Late Jurassic (Oxfordian- early Kimmeridgian) of central-eastern Mexico and their paleobiogeographic relationship with Cuba, Chile, and Argentina

Abstract Three bearing mid-late Oxfordian and early Kimmeridgian ammonite stratigraphic sections, corresponding to the Santiago Formation, located in the surroundings of Tamán (San Luis Potosí), Tenango, and La Mesa-El Pescado (both in Hidalgo) towns were studied. The presence of the genera Passendorferia , Neumannia , Sequeirosia ( Gemmellarites ), Perisphinctes ( Otosphinctes ), and Gregoryceras support the existence of an extensive communication via with the Tethys during the Plicatilis-Transverarium Chrons. On the other hand, for the Bifurcatus Chron, fauna with Tethys affinity is still recognized, including the genera Neoprionoceras , Subdiscosphinctes , Ochetoceras , and Euaspidoceras . In addition, is possible to establish a paleobiogeographic affinity with Cuba, Chile, and Argentina based on the occurrence of Vinalesphinctes , Perisphinctes ( Cubasphinctes ), and Caracoliceras , which is also supported by the presence of Physodoceras and Subnebrodites in the Hypselum/Bimammatum Chrons. Finally, the record of Passendorferia , Ochetoceras , and Euaspidoceras throughout the entire stratigraphic succession confirms that the connection with the Tethys was present throughout the Oxfordian and early Kimmeridgian. Based on these paleogeographic interpretations, the Tethys influence on the Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian Mexican ammonite faunas is confirmed. For areas currently integrated into Cuba, the record in Mexico of forms with Cuban affinity reveals the existence of a paleobiogeographic entity in the northern margin of the western portion of the Hispanic Corridor; while the faunal affinity with Chile and Argentina is interpreted as evidence of a connection with these epicontinental areas, which favors dispersal by marine currents.