Taxonomy and Palaeoecology of Benthic Foraminiferal Genus Favocassidulina from the Neogene of Indian Ocean

In the present study four distinctive species of the genus Favocassidulina are recorded from the Neogene deep sea sequences of seven DSDP Sites (Legs 22,23 and 24) in the Indian Ocean. Detailed systematic descriptions and stratigraphic ranges of these species in the Indian Ocean have been provided. In addition, on the basis of quantitative faunal analysis, an attempt has been made to assess the ecological significance of the genus Favocassidulina. Species of this genus are largely confined to lower bathyal and abyssal depths and exhibit restricted occurrences in Indian and, Pacific Oceans only. The intervals of higher relative abundances of genus Favocassidulina during Neogene possibly reflect low organic carbon input in the bottom waters.