--> ABSTRACT: Coiling Patterns and Their Relationships to Shell Architecture in Foraminiferida, by Hubert C. Skinner; #91042 (2010)

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Coiling Patterns and Their Relationships to Shell Architecture in Foraminiferida

Hubert C. Skinner

Through several decades of research on Foraminiferida, and revision of generic and suprageneric classification, the nature of coiling patterns and other modes of growth and their proper role in interpreting shell architecture generally have been misunderstood. Much of this confusion is due to the poorly chosen or unfortunate descriptive language used in earlier classifications.

Biseriality and triseriality are, in fact, spiral growth patterns. The radius and the amplitude of the spiral in conjunction with chamber diameter and the rate of increase in chamber size are among the most important factors affecting shell architecture, especially in forms with helical growth patterns. The nature of the abrupt change in chamber addition that occurs between the final chamber in the juvenarium and the first added in the adult series of chambers should be recognized as another primary factor in generic discrimination and classification.

More accurate and meaningful description of shell architecture and growth modes will greatly enhance the understanding of generic and suprageneric differences among professional micropaleontologists, as well as assist the beginning student.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91042©1987 GCAGS and GC-SEPM Section Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, October 28-31, 1987.