Lacustrine thecamoebians (mainly arcellaceans) as potential tools for palaeolimnological interpretations

• Published in: Palaeogeography, palaeoclimatology, palaeoecology Vol. 62; no. 1; pp. 361 - 386
• Main Authors: Medioli, F.S., Scott, D.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 1988; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Arcellacea; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Freshwater; Invertebrate paleontology; Marine and continental quaternary; Paleontology; Surficial geology; New Brunswick; Lake Erie; Biology; Ecology; Lake sediments; Thecamoeba; North America; Great Lakes; Canada; Nova Scotia; America; Protista; Ontario; Eastern Canada; Paleolimnology
• ISSN: 0031-0182; 1872-616X
• DOI: 10.1016/0031-0182(88)90062-4

A number of thecamoebian genera of potential or demonstrated importance for palaeolimnological research (mainly Arcellacea) are discussed. What is known about their biology, ecology, spatial distribution, mechanisms of dispersal and characteristic associations is briefly reviewed in the introductory part. After a short discussion on the concept of species and the somewhat peculiar way in which it applies to this group of organisms, a chapter on systematic taxonomy, including an illustrated guide to the identification of the genera, is presented. The scarce fossil record of the group is then briefly discussed. Practical instructions on collection, preparation and observation of thecamoebians for palaeolimnological research are supplied. The paper closes with the presentation of a few studies performed by the authors as examples of how Arcellacea can become tools for the solution of palaeolimnological problems.