Micro and macro evolution of Cenozoic planktonic foraminfera

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This research project aims to understand whether variation in environmental conditions results in a change in morphological traits in planktonic foraminifera. This will be completed by taking a three-fold approach.Initially, candidate will review the alpha taxonomy of planktonic foraminifera over the Cenozoic era by analysing current literature and incorporating any name changes and new species into the Cenozoic macroperforate planktonic foraminifera phylogeny (Aze et al., 2011). Secondly, they will identify the function of each planktonic foraminifera trait and rank them in order of importance to the organisms' need in its environment. Finally, they intend to use the changes in the morphological traits observed within Globigerinella, Beella and Protentella lineages to identify whether variation in the organisms characteristics allowed species to migrate into new environments or whether alteration of environmental conditions led to modification in the traits possessed by these planktonic foraminifera. In order to complete this project, candidate will analyse current and past literature, take morphometric measurements using Image Pro Premier software and undertake multiple geochemical analyses.