A statistical analysis of the intercuspal angle of the phragmodontiform element of Phragmodus undatus
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Date
1984
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
The intercuspal angle of the phragmodontiform element of the conodont Phragmodus undatus Branson and Mehl, 1933 was measured on specimens from samples from two cores drilled in the Cincinnati Region. In the section studied from the core from Minerva, Kentucky, a general trend can be observed that suggests a decrease in the mean intercuspal angle of the population with time. That trend correlates to a similar decrease in the relative abundance of P. undatus, which suggests a general shallowing of the water column. The section studied from the core from New Point, Indiana correlates to the upper part of the section studied from the core from Minerva, Kentucky, and extends stratigraphically higher. That section represents relatively deeper water, in which the mean intercuspal angle of the P. undatus population does not significantly differ with time. This suggests that a period of stasis developed during which P. undatus was in general equilibrium with paleoenvironmental factors as controlled by relative water depth.