Comparative study on foraminifera of east and west coast of India.

ABSTRACT

The oceanographic conditions of west and east coasts of India provide variations in ecological conditions. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the geographic distribution and diversity of foraminifera (Protista) of west and east Coasts of India to gain insights in to ecological conditions that effect their distribution. The intertidal sediment samples, collected for a period of two years from October 2004 to September 2006 were analysed for foraminiferal diversity and sediment characteristics by standard methods. Relatively high densities (west coast -156 to 19,400 g-1, east coast – 37-214 g-1) and diversities were observed at all the sites of the West (74 species) compared to the east coast (57 species). Thirty three species were common to both the coasts. Forty one and 24 species were found to be unique to west and east coast, respectively. Foraminifera of west and east coasts form distinct clusters as revealed by Bray-Curtis cluster analysis, indicating distinctly different foraminiferal assemblages. The geographical and oceanographic conditions thus seem to influence a differential diversity of forams.