O gênero Mecaster (Echinodermata: Spatangoida) no Cretáceo Superior da Formação Jandaíra, bacia Potiguar, Nordeste do Brasil

This paper presents a systematic review of the spatangoid echinoids belonging to the genus Mecaster from the Jandaira Formation, Potiguar Basin. The specimens of echinoids were collected in four fossiliferous localities of this unit. Two species were identified: Mecaster fourneli and Mecaster texanum . The species were compared with each other, as well as with other specimens registered in different basins. The specimens here analyzed exhibited morphological variations related to different ontogenetic stages. We also observed a larger stratigraphic distribution of M. fourneli occurring from the upper Turonian to Campanian, and M. texanum it was registered only from the Turonian to Coniacian.