THE RESTING CYSTS OF MODERN MARINE DINOFLAGELLATES AND THEIR PALAEONTOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

摘要

Study of resting cysts produced by 25species of thecate marine dinoflagellates belonging to five genera (Gonyaulax, Protoceratium, Diplopsalis,and Diplopsalopsis) stresses the fact that these cysts are often identical with or phylogenetically closely related to certain Tertiary and Quaternary hystrichospheres and fossil dinoflagellates. Knowledge of these resting spores and their parental phases immediately creates a better understanding of the fossil record by facilitating comparisons with modern plankton. It also emphasizes outstanding problems such as the development or absence of the inner capsule,the genotypic nature of the dinoflagellate 'species'and their cysts and how they are to be classified. Some of these problems are discussed briefly. (Author)