Changes

Morphometric analysis of microfossils from stratigraphic sections can augment the resolution of existing biostratigraphic zonations.<ref name=ch17r72>Reyment, R. A., 1980, Morphometric methods in biostratigraphy: London, Academic Press, 168 p.</ref> [[:file:applied-paleontology_fig17-33.png|Figure 1]] shows changes vs. age in the average morphometrically defined shape of tests in populations of the planktonic foraminifera ''Globoquadrina altispira''.

Morphometric analysis of microfossils from stratigraphic sections can augment the resolution of existing biostratigraphic zonations.<ref name=ch17r72>Reyment, R. A., 1980, Morphometric methods in biostratigraphy: London, Academic Press, 168 p.</ref> [[:file:applied-paleontology_fig17-33.png|Figure 1]] shows changes vs. age in the average morphometrically defined shape of tests in populations of the planktonic foraminifera ''Globoquadrina altispira''.

Data for the illustration were compiled from cores taken in the DeSoto Canyon area, eastern Gulf of Mexico. Significant shifts in shape (such as at {{Ma|7.5}}) can augment the resolution of existing biostratigraphic zonations. In addition to analysis from stratigraphic sections, refined paleoenvironmental interpretations can be obtained by comparing morphometric results from fossil populations (e.g., benthic foraminifera) with results obtained from analysis of existing species from known environments.

Data for the illustration were compiled from cores taken in the DeSoto Canyon area, eastern [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Significant shifts in shape (such as at {{Ma|7.5}}) can augment the resolution of existing biostratigraphic zonations. In addition to analysis from stratigraphic sections, refined paleoenvironmental interpretations can be obtained by comparing morphometric results from fossil populations (e.g., benthic foraminifera) with results obtained from analysis of existing species from known environments.

[[file:applied-paleontology_fig17-34.png|300px|thumb|{{figure number|2}}After <ref name=ch17r41>Gary, A. C., N. Healy-Williams, and R. Ehrlich, 1989, Water–mass relationships and morphologic variability in the benthic foraminifer Bolivina albatrossi Cushman, northern Gulf of Mexico: Journal of Foraminiferal Research, vol. 19, no. 3, p. 210–221, DOI: [http://jfr.geoscienceworld.org/content/19/3/210.extract 10.2113/gsjfr.19.3.210].</ref>; courtesy Journal of Foraminiferal Research.]]

[[file:applied-paleontology_fig17-34.png|300px|thumb|{{figure number|2}}After <ref name=ch17r41>Gary, A. C., N. Healy-Williams, and R. Ehrlich, 1989, Water–mass relationships and morphologic variability in the benthic foraminifer Bolivina albatrossi Cushman, northern Gulf of Mexico: Journal of Foraminiferal Research, vol. 19, no. 3, p. 210–221, DOI: [http://jfr.geoscienceworld.org/content/19/3/210.extract 10.2113/gsjfr.19.3.210].</ref>; courtesy Journal of Foraminiferal Research.]]

==Systematic changes vs. water depth==

==Systematic changes vs. water depth==

[[:file:applied-paleontology_fig17-34.png|Figure 2]] shows systematic changes vs. water depth in the outline shape (lobateness) of the benthic foraminifera ''Bolivina alhatrossi'' as defined by morphometric analysis. Data for this illustration were collected from a transect of bottom samples from the present-day Gulf of Mexico. Similar analyses of ''B. alhatrossi'' specimens from Neogene sections can be compared with the modern relationship to obtain paleobathymetric estimates.

[[:file:applied-paleontology_fig17-34.png|Figure 2]] shows systematic changes vs. water depth in the outline shape (lobateness) of the benthic foraminifera ''Bolivina alhatrossi'' as defined by morphometric analysis. Data for this illustration were collected from a transect of bottom samples from the present-day [[Gulf of Mexico]]. Similar analyses of ''B. alhatrossi'' specimens from Neogene sections can be compared with the modern relationship to obtain paleobathymetric estimates.

==Particle analysis==

==Particle analysis==