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Uniform TitleMorphometric variability in the extant coccolithophores: implications for the fossil record
NameKahn, Alicia C.M. (author), Aubry, Marie-Pierre (chair), Miller, Kenneth (internal member), Wright, James (internal member), Triantaphyllou, Maria (outside member), Rutgers University, Graduate School - New Brunswick,
Degree Date2007
Date Created2007
SubjectGeological Sciences,
Coccolithophores
DescriptionThis detailed quantitative study shows significant intraspecific morphologic variability in species within modern calcareous nannoplankton communities. The link between depth of habitat and particular morphological components may indicate morphological adaptation and functionality. I use fine scale morphological characteristics to differentiate species variants or conversely, to identify polymorphism within species.
Rhabdospheres and rhabdoliths of species within the family Rhabdosphaeraceae are analyzed as shallow photic zone proxies and reveal significant intra- and interspecific variability, whereas coccospheres and coccoliths of species in the deep photic zone show notably less variability in size and structure. The intra- and interspecific morphological variability that is noted with depth stratification is applicable to the fossil record in paleoceanographic reconstruction. I compare the extant species of the deep photic zone to the Miocene Minylitha convallis and find parallels that imply similar habitats (depth and stratification).
Rhabdospheres and rhabdoliths of species within the family Rhabdosphaeraceae are analyzed as shallow photic zone proxies and reveal significant intra- and interspecific variability, whereas coccospheres and coccoliths of species in the deep photic zone show notably less variability in size and structure. The intra- and interspecific morphological variability that is noted with depth stratification is applicable to the fossil record in paleoceanographic reconstruction. I compare the extant species of the deep photic zone to the Miocene Minylitha convallis and find parallels that imply similar habitats (depth and stratification).
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references.
Genretheses
Persistent URLhttp://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.2/rucore10001600001.ETD.16404
LanguageEnglish
CollectionGraduate School - New Brunswick Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.