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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 47 (1963)

Issue: 9. (September)

First Page: 1773

Last Page: 1773

Title: Foraminiferal Facts, Fallacies and Frontiers: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Alfred R. Loeblich, Jr., Helen Tappan

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Erroneous statistics applied to foraminiferal studies have resulted in misleading statements. The notorious volume of publications is a figment of thorough bibliographic documentation. The degree of classification and number of foraminiferal taxa are relatively conservative as compared to other invertebrate groups.

Unjustified interpretations have resulted from misapplication of concepts originally developed for metazoan invertebrates or vertebrates. Geographic "subspecies" can not be differentiated on size variation, as this results from environmentally controlled delay or acceleration of the reproductive cycle. Prolonged vegetative growth, with delayed cycle, results in robust specimens, thus to be expected with depauperate invertebrate faunas. Abundant material lessens the necessity of statistical methods of determining population characteristics from a few specimens. Evidence of floating bottles used in ocean current studies, even with the present relatively emergent continents, shows the migration time for planktonic species to be negligible. Effective rate of evolutionary changes in forami ifera is relatively rapid, due to short life span, abundant progeny, and rapid production of new generations.

Many detailed faunal and biostratigraphic studies are needed, as are studies of interrelationships of benthonic faunal facies and planktonic faunal zones. For many genera and families, little is known of gross external and internal test morphology and wall microstructure or morphology, physiology, genetics, life cycle, and ecology of the living animal.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists