Early Pliocene Montfortella (Foraminiferida) From Ecuador

Abstract

The genus Montfortella Loeblich and Tappan, 1963, is documented from Quebrada Camarones, Ecuador, in sediments of Early Pliocene age. This record represents the oldest known occurrence of this genus to date and also the first known occurrence in Ecuador. Observations are made on morphologic modifications of the intercameral openings, and the suggestion is made that these modifications permit improved seawater circulation from one surface of the test to the other, plus possibly enhance osmotic interaction between the foraminiferan and the seawater.