Wilkinson, I. P. (1979). The taxonomy, morphology and distribution of the Quaternary and recent foraminifer Elphidium clavatum Cushman. Journal of Paleontology. 53: 628-641.

189968

Wilkinson, I. P.

1979

53: 628-641

Publication

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The morphologically variable species Elphidium clavatum Cushman has been confused by numerous authors during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Early authors often identified it as Elphidium striatopunctata (Terquem), whereas more recently it has been placed in Elphidium excavatum (Terquem). Although the holotype of the latter has been lost, comparison of the figure of the holotype and neotype with Elphidium clavatum and its variants shows distinct differences which are sufficient to separate the two forms. The morphological variations of late- and post-glacial (late Quaternary) specimens from Scotland are seen to form along several lines of divergence from Elphidium clavatum s.s. and are regarded as significant at a subspecific level. Eight subspecies are recognised within the group, of which three are new: Elphidium clavatum terminatum, Elphidium clavatum lobatulum and Elphidium clavatum nudum. Recent assemblages from Buzzards Bay (off Massachusetts), Davis Straits (West Greenland), Spitzbergen and Norway were examined for comparison with the Scottish populations, and, supplemented by published records, are used to suggest geographical distributions of the subspecies related to the prevailing climatic regime.

Foraminifera

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