Preliminary Laboratory Experiments on Ecology of Foraminiferal Populations

Abstract

experiments concerning the effects of food, temperature and salinity upon the population growth are discussed. Populations of Rotaliella heterocaryotica Grell have been found to eat dead flagellate cells (Chlamydomonas) and living diatoms (Nitzchia). Populations of Rotaliella sp. do not appear to utilize dead Chlamydomonas and will die unless living Nitzchia or its equivalent is provided. Temperatures of 14.5? C. result in a lower rate of growth for Rotaliella heterocaryotica and Rotaliella sp. than do room temperatures of 22.2? C. and 24.5? C. Data from salinity experiments on Rotaliella heterocaryotica suggest the following: There is no significant population growth at salinities less than approximately 250/oo; population growth occurs at salinities above 250/oo with the optimal salinity apparently between 26 and 300/oo; no consistent population growth occurs at salinities above approximately 370/oo.