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Geological Society, London, Memoirs; 1990; v. 12; p. 139-145;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.MEM.1990.012.01.12
© 1990 Geological Society of London

Early Palaeozoic Biogeography

Graptolite biogeography: recent, future hopes

Barrie B. Rickards1, Susan Rigby1 & Jonathan H. Harris2

1 Department of Earth Sciences, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EQ, UK
1 6 The Roystons, East Preston, W. Sussex, BN16 2TR, UK

Recent progress in the plotting of biogeographical distributions is shown to be partly due to improved base maps, some of the notable anomalies detected by earlier workers being explained and easily accommodated in the latest maps. Progress is also in part due to increasingly precise systematics, which results in more accurate biostratigraphical correlation: examples include the 'Didymograptus' bifidus controversy and its role in the definition of the Pacific and Atlantic provinces of the Arenig-Llanvirn. Analogy with modern planktonic regimes enables recognition of marker species in specific water masses; and in the distinction of neritic from open ocean plankton. Analysis at species level and lower of Wenlock graptolite assemblages has resulted in the recognition of the Rheic and Mediterranean subprovinces within a Pacific province or realm. Hydrodynamic modelling suggests directions for future research which may provide independent support for biogeographical studies.