ABSTRACT
Arcellaceans (thecamoebians), predominantly freshwater protozoans, have been studied for over a century. However, in the last ten years their usefulness as paleoenvironmental indicators has become better understood because researchers have recognized that certain morphotypes (strains) prefer distinct microenvironments. Unfortunately, the monoclonal nature and simple morphorphology of the group has led to considerable taxonomic confusion, threatening their utility in paleolimnological research. This key was created to help new researchers studying the group, and to standardize the taxonomy.
Arun Kumar and Andrew P. Dalby, Ottawa-Carleton Geoscience Centre, Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA K1S 5B6
KEY WORDS: thecamoebian(s), arcellacean(s) Holocene, indentification key
Submission: 10 November,
1997
Acceptance: 7 January, 1998
Copyright:
Palaeontological Assocation, 28 January 1998
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/paleonet/PalAss/PalAss.html