The potential of minute Bryozoan colonies in the analysis of deep sea sediments
Cook, P.L.M. (1981). The potential of minute Bryozoan colonies in the analysis of deep sea sediments. Cah. Biol. Mar. 22(1): 89-106
In: Cahiers de Biologie Marine. Station Biologique de Roscoff: Paris. ISSN 0007-9723; e-ISSN 2262-3094, more
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| Abstract |
Correlations between colony form (morphotype) and environment are well established for shallow shelf Bryozoa, particularly for colonies specially adapted to sandy or muddy conditions. Palaeoecological inferences may be made from study of fossil assemblages of skeletal remains in sediments. Morphotypes from deep-water, muddy sea bottoms are also specialized, and fall into sex groups, four of which have anchoring rooting systems. One group has minute, highly calcified colonies, which are the most widely likely to be preserved, entire, in Eocene to Recent deposits. Although colonies with this morphotype are often abundant, and tend to occur in monomorphic or even monospecific assemblages at great depths, problems exist in assessing both transport and absolute bathymetrical range. Discovery of colonies requires detailed examination of sediments, and recognition is complicated by their small size and by their striking resemblance to some accompanying Foraminifera. Once more is known of the distribution and systematics of these colonies, they have potential to make a useful contribution to analysis of deep sediments. |
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