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Recent Benthonic Foraminifera: Environmental Factors controlling their Distribution

Abstract

FORAMINIFEBA have great potential as indicators of ancient climate and environments. Most ecological studies of recent Foraminifera1 have dealt with the distribution of species or genera and their correlation with environmental parameters. This information cannot readily be applied to extinct species or genera. To achieve such an extension, we must understand how the environment influences morphological characteristics that transcend specific or generic classifications. Wall type was the character I chose for investigation2, as this is used3 to separate the major groups of Foraminifera (agglutinated, porcellaneous and hyaline calcareous). These groups have systematic local and worldwide distribution patterns.

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GREINER, G. Recent Benthonic Foraminifera: Environmental Factors controlling their Distribution. Nature 223, 168–170 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/223168a0

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