ABSTRACT

In recent years there has been a great increase in interest in ecology and paleoecology and in the use of paleoecological data to define the nature of 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 two or three 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 encountered are discussed. As benthonic and planktonic faunas are distinct and separate in nature, in reviewing the modern literature studies involving benthonic faunas are considered first, followed by studies of planktonic faunas. Planktonic/benthonic ratios, paleotemperature indicators, and the relationship of live/total ratios to sedimentation rates are discussed and evaluated.