World atlas of distribution of Recent Polycystina (Radiolaria)

Abstract

This work is based on the compilation of currently accessible (published and unpublished) data on Radiolaria (Polycystina) distributions from plankton and sediment trap samples, and from surface sediment materials. The database assembled covers a total of 307 polycystine taxa in 6719 samples. Data sources are 91 publications and databases produced between 1958 and 2008, yielding a total of 338,127 datapoints (including absolute abundances, percentage data, and binary records). Taxa included in the various publications were critically evaluated in order to identify the same forms based on descriptions, illustrations, and synonymy lists. This information is used to produce (1) Maps showing species abundances above 150 m (plankton samples), below 150 m (plankton and sediment trap samples), and in the surface sediments (based on data pooled for 5x5 degree Marsden squares); (2) Maps of absolute radiolarian abundances in the plankton, in sediment trap materials, and in the surface sediments; (3) Summary diagrams of vertical distributions (plankton samples); (4) Patterns of species richness; and (5) Maps and graphs of geographic distribution of higher-level taxa (families and orders). In addition, some interoceanic and water-column vs. sediment comparisons emerging from this information are summarized in graphs and tables.