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> The illustration to the right 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> The illustration to the right 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 7.5 Ma) 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_fig17-33.png|thumb|{{figure number|17-33}}Printed with permission of N. Healy-Williams, University of South Carolina.]]

[[file:applied-paleontology_fig17-33.png|thumb|{{figure number|17-33}}Printed with permission of N. Healy-Williams, University of South Carolina.]]