Arcellaceans in Nova Scotia: Selected Biostratigraphic Studies

Abstract

Surficial sediment samples and cores from both Albro and Penhorn Lakes were examined to determine the biostratigraphy of the lakes, based on arcellaceans. Considerable morphological variation of species is noted and illustrates the taxonomic problems of previous authors. Microfaunal assemblages change over time in both total numbers and species diversity. An inverse relationship through time seems to exist between Centropyxis spp. and species of the genus Difflugia. Results of the arcellacean analysis compared with carbon-14 and pollen data indicate an almost complete post-glacial record in these lakes. The results indicate that arcellaceans are a valuable tool in paleolimnological studies.

Keywords: Pages: Supervisor: Franco Medioli / David Scott