Importance and use particularly of planktonic and benthonic Foraminifera, most important stratigraphic and environmental biomarkers: biology, ecology, functional morphology, classification and evolution. Notes on other microfosils: radiolarians, ostracods, conodonts.Techniques of collection, preparation and analysis of samples. Applications in biostratigraphy, paleoecology, paleoclimatology and paleobiogeography.
Haq B.U. & Boersma A. (1980): Introduction to Marine Micropaleontology. Elsevier, Amsterdam;
Murray J. (2006): Eology and Applications of Benthic Foraminifera. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge;
Hemleben Ch., Spindler M., Anderson O. R. (1989) Modern Planktonic Foraminifera. Springer-Verlag, New York;
Bolli H.M., Saunders J.B. & Perch-Nielsen K. (1985): Plankton Stratigraphy. Cambrige University press.
Learning Objectives
Learning how to use the studied calcareous and siliceous microfossils to analyze sedimentary successions. Preparation and laboratory techniques. Learning the classification of main taxa, and how to use them to obtain biostratigraphic schemes and to reconstruct past environmental conditions and changes.
Prerequisites
Paleontology and Geology courses
Teaching Methods
Lectures and laboratory preparation techniques. Determination and identification at the microscope (reflected transmitted light) of the studied microfissils. Field-work.
Type of Assessment
Practical and oral test
Course program
Importance and use of planktonic and benthonic foraminifera, main stratigraphic and environmental biomarkers: biology, ecology, , classification, functional morphology and evolution. Notes on other microfossil groups: radiolarians, ostracods, calpionellids, conodonts.
Techniques of collection, preparation and analysis of samples for studying particularly foraminifera paleoassemblages. Basic microscopical methods for the study of the individual systematic groups, both thin sections and residues washed. Systematic. Quantitative e statistic analyses. Applications in biostratigraphy, paleoecology and paleobiogeography.
Foraminifera tests and stables isotopes of O2, and C for biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
Integrated stratigraphy