Research Training Program

Valerie Cheshire
East Texas State University
Commerce, Texas

Brian Huber, Ph.D.
Project Advisor
Department of Paleobiology

"The RTP is the single most rewarding and beneficial experience a student of natural science could even have. It provides research techniques and experiences, a huge collection reservoir, and the guidance and comradeship of the top scientists in their respective fields."

The Paleohabitat and Morphology of Several Extinct Paleocene, Eocene, and Miocene Foraminifera

This study was conducted on three separate species of foraminifera to determine whether the paleohabitat of each was benthic or planktonic. The Clayton Formation at Miller's Ferry in south central Alabama is of Paleocene age, and represents a mid- to outer-shelf environment. From this site three separate samples were studied from 30, 40, and 48 feet above the K/T boundary. Pararotalia (Praepararotalia) perclara was the foraminifer in question, and species for isotopic comparison were Cibicides spp. and Globoconusa daubjergensis. The Shark River Formation on the Atlantic coast of southern New Jersey is of Eocene age. This site is being correlated by the Ocean Drilling Project with a series of offshore drilling sites in the New Jersey coastal waters. The Shark River Formation also represents a mid- to outer-shelf environment. Pararotalia (Testacarinata) inconspicua was the foraminifer being studied, and was isotopically compared with Cibicides sp. and Uvigerina sp. The Ontong Java Plateau, located in the western equatorial Pacific, was the only deep-sea site in this study. From this site Candeina nitrida was compared with Globorotalia menardii and Dentoglobigerina altispira.

Isotopic analysis revealed somewhat disappointing data, due to the lack of adequate sample size containing the less abundant species, several highly recrystallized samples, and the loss of valuable specimens during isotopic analysis procedures. However, preliminary theories have been expressed using morphological comparisons and the limited isotopic data available. At this time, Pararotalia (Prae.) perclara seems to display obvious benthic characteristics and isotopic data, as does Pararotalia (Testacarinata) inconspiua, while Candeina nitrida appears to be planktonic.

This research was supported by a grant from the Smithsonian Women's Committee.