GEY 406 — Micropalaeontology and Palynology: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS GEY 406: Micropalaeontology and Palynology (3 Units C: LH 30; PH 45) Course Code: GEY 406 Course Title: Micropalaeontology and Palynology Course Unit: 3 Units C Series 1: Morphology And Classification Of Major Microfossils Series 2: Palynology—Morphology And Classification Of Pollen, Spores, And Related Microfossils Series 3: Stratigraphic Distribution And Applications Of Microfossils Series 4: Paleoecological Significance And Biofacies Analysis Of Microfossils Series 5: Laboratory Techniques In Micropalaeontology And Palynology Series 1 Morphology And Classification Of Major Microfossils • Part 1.1 Morphology and classification of foraminifera • 1.1.1 General morphology of foraminifera • 1.1.2 Taxonomic classification of foraminifera • 1.1.3 Stratigraphic and ecological importance of foraminifera • Part 1.2 Morphology and classification of coccoliths • 1.2.1 Structural features of coccoliths • 1.2.2 Taxonomic classification of coccolithophores • 1.2.3 Applications of coccoliths in biostratigraphy • Part 1.3 Morphology and classification of diatoms • 1.3.1 Morphological features of diatom frustules • 1.3.2 Taxonomic classification of diatoms • 1.3.3 Ecological and stratigraphic significance of diatoms • Part 1.4 Comparative overview of major microfossil groups • 1.4.1 Similarities among foraminifera, coccoliths, and diatoms • 1.4.2 Differences in morphology and classification • 1.4.3 Integrated applications in micropalaeontology

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Introduction Microfossils are tiny but powerful tools in geology, offering insights into Earth’s past environments and resources. Their morphology and classification form the foundation for understanding their wider applications in stratigraphy and palaeoecology. This Series introduces you to the major groups of microfossils, namely foraminifera, coccoliths, and diatoms, and provides a comparative overview of their features and uses. The aim of this Series is to enable you to describe the morphology of these microfossils, classify them into recognised taxonomic groups, and compare their characteristics for geological applications. We shall commence this Series by studying the morphology and classification of foraminifera, focusing on their shells and taxonomic categories. Next, we will move on to coccoliths, examining their calcareous plates and classification. Following that, we will explore diatoms, with their siliceous frustules and ecological roles. Finally, we will round off the Series with a comparative overview of these groups, highlighting their similarities, differences, and integrated applications in micropalaeontology. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 describe the morphology of foraminifera and explain their classification, • SLO 1.2 define the structural features of coccoliths and classify coccolithophores, • SLO 1.3 explain the morphology and classification of diatoms, • SLO 1.4 analyse and compare the morphology and classification of foraminifera, coccoliths, and diatoms, and • SLO 1.5 evaluate the stratigraphic and ecological significance of these major microfossil groups. 1.1 Morphology And Classification Of Foraminifera 1.1.1 General morphology of foraminifera Foraminifera are single-celled marine organisms that produce shells, known as tests, which are usually composed of calcium carbonate. These tests vary greatly in shape, ranging from simple tubes to complex multi-chambered structures. The chambers are added sequentially as the organism grows, and their arrangement is a key feature used in classification. The surface of the test may be smooth, ornamented with spines, or perforated with pores. These features provide important clues about the organism’s environment and evolutionary history.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Short description: Diagram showing different test shapes of foraminifera (tubular, spiral, multi-chambered). Caption: Figure 1.1 Morphological diversity of foraminiferal tests

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: The shell of a foraminifer is called a ______. 1.1.2 Taxonomic classification of foraminifera The classification of foraminifera is based on the composition and structure of their tests, as well as chamber arrangement and aperture type. Major groups include calcareous foraminifera, which have calcium carbonate tests, and agglutinated foraminifera, which build their tests by cementing together sediment grains. Within these groups, further classification is made according to chamber arrangement, such as uniserial (in a single line), biserial (in two lines), or planispiral (coiled in a plane). Aperture types, which are the openings through which the organism extends its pseudopodia, also play a role in taxonomy. Table 1.2 Taxonomic classification of foraminifera Feature Calcareous Foraminifera Agglutinated Foraminifera Test Composition Secreted calcium carbonate ($CaCO_3$), either porcellanous (opaque) or hyaline (transparent/glassy). Foreign particles (sand grains, sponge spicules, mica) cemented together by an organic or mineral glue. Environmental Significance Dominant in well-oxygenated, shallow to deep marine environments above the Carbonate Compensation Depth (CCD). Often found in "harsh" environments, such as brackish marshes, high latitudes, or ultra-deep water below the CCD. Chamber Arrangement High variety: uniserial (one row), biserial (two rows), triserial, or planispiral/trochospiral coils. Ranges from simple globular or tubular forms to complex, multichambered coiled or branching structures. Aperture Types Often distinct and geometric: circular, radiate (star-shaped), slit-like, or cribrate (multiple pores). Usually simpler: a single terminal opening, a slit at the base of the last chamber, or interstitial spaces between particles.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Feature Calcareous Foraminifera Agglutinated Foraminifera Preservation Potential Excellent in limestone and chalk; prone to dissolution in acidic or very deep waters. High; the organic/mineral cement is often more resistant to chemical dissolution than calcium carbonate. Fill in the blank: Foraminifera that build their tests by cementing sediment grains are called ______ foraminifera. 1.1.3 Stratigraphic and ecological importance of foraminifera Foraminifera are widely used in biostratigraphy, which is the study of fossil distribution through geological strata to establish relative ages. Their rapid evolutionary rates and widespread distribution make them excellent index fossils. Ecologically, foraminifera are sensitive to environmental changes such as temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. This makes them valuable indicators of past and present marine conditions. For example, benthic foraminifera reflect bottom water conditions, while planktonic foraminifera provide information about surface waters. Box 1.3 Applications of foraminifera in geology Application Primary Method Geological Significance Biostratigraphy Identifying specific species with known "First Appearance Datums" (FAD) and "Last Appearance Datums" (LAD). Allows for the correlation of rock layers across vast distances and the establishment of precise biozones within a geological time scale. Palaeoenvironmental Reconstruction Analyzing "Benthic-to-Planktic" ratios and the presence of "indicator species." Reconstructs ancient water depths, salinity, temperature, and oxygen levels (e.g., using oxygen isotopes in $CaCO_3$ tests to track ice ages).

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Application Primary Method Geological Significance Petroleum Exploration Examining microfossil assemblages in drill cuttings (well logging). Identifies potential "source rocks" and "reservoir rocks" and determines the age of strata during active drilling to guide the drill bit. Palaeobiogeography Mapping the global distribution of specific foraminiferal assemblages. Provides evidence for plate tectonics and the shifting of ancient ocean currents and seaways throughout the Phanerozoic Eon. Fill in the blank: Planktonic foraminifera provide information about ______ waters. Pilot questions 1.1 1. What is the shell of a foraminifer called? 2. Name two major groups of foraminifera based on test composition. 3. What is the difference between uniserial and planispiral chamber arrangements? 4. Why are foraminifera useful in biostratigraphy? 5. What environmental factors can foraminifera be used to indicate? 1.2 Morphology And Classification Of Coccoliths 1.2.1 Structural features of coccoliths Coccoliths are minute calcareous plates produced by single-celled algae known as coccolithophores. These plates are composed of calcium carbonate and form intricate patterns that cover the cell surface. Coccoliths can be disc-shaped, ring-shaped, or elaborately ornamented, and their morphology is a key feature in identifying different species. The arrangement of coccoliths around the cell provides protection and may assist in regulating buoyancy. Their fine structures are best studied under scanning electron microscopes, which reveal the delicate details of their design. Short description: Image showing different shapes of coccoliths (disc, ring, ornate).

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Caption: Plate 1.4 Structural diversity of coccoliths Fill in the blank: Coccoliths are calcareous plates produced by ______. 1.2.2 Taxonomic classification of coccolithophores The classification of coccolithophores is based on the morphology of their coccoliths and the arrangement of plates on the cell surface. Families and genera are distinguished by the size, shape, and complexity of coccolith structures. For example, the family Coccolithaceae includes genera with simple disc-shaped coccoliths, while the family Calcidiscaceae contains species with more complex and heavily ornamented plates. Taxonomic studies rely heavily on microscopic imaging to distinguish these subtle differences. Table 1.5 Taxonomic classification of coccolithophores

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