In recent years there has been a great increase in interest in ecology and paleoecology and in the use of paleoecological data to define ancient environments. This is true especially in the petroleum industry where success in exploration is dependent upon the accurate correlation of strata. During the last 2-3 decades, several hundred papers dealing with this subject have been published, creating a formidable mass of paleoecological literature.

The historical background of paleoecological study is reviewed. The basic principles, the limitations of paleoecology, and some of the common problems are discussed. Because benthonic and planktonic faunas are distinct and separate in nature, a review of modern literature studies involving benthonic faunas is considered first, followed by studies of planktonic faunas. Planktonic/benthonic ratios, paleotemperature indicators, and the relation of live/total ratios to sedimentation rates are discussed and evaluated.

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