Globorotalia menardii neoflexuosa new subspecies from the Northern Indian Ocean

Abstract

Globorotalia menardii neoflexuosa new subspecies is proposed for Globorotalia menardii flexuosa figured by Bé and McIntyre (1970), (non Pulvinulina tumida var. flexuosa Koch, 1923) from the northern Indian Ocean. It is suggested that the name G. tumida flexuosa (Koch) be restricted to the flexuose forms of G. tumida and that the name G. menardii neoflexuosa be limited to the flexuose forms of G. menardii (s.s.). G. tumida flexuosa (Koch) is an extinct species, making its last appearance during the last interglacial (Zone X), while G. menardii neoflexuosa new subspecies, which became extinct in the Atlantic near the end of the X climatic episode (approximately 80,000 years ago), is still a member of the living planktonic fauna in the northern Indian Ocean.