ZOOGEOGRAPHY OF KONKIAN (MIDDLE MIOCENE) BIVALVES AND GASTROPODS

Abstract

In the mid-Middle Miocene (Konkian Phase), the Eastern Paratethys reestablished a wide connection with the World Ocean. This resulted in the migration of the marine polyhaline molluskan fauna from the Mediterranean. The expression of marine conditions controlled the distribution and abundance of the Konkian molluskan assemblages. The salinity regime was the main factor that influenced the formation and succession of Zoogeographic units throughout the history of the Eastern Paralethys.