DEPTH ESTIMATION BY PROPORTIONS OF LIVING LARGER FORAMINIFERA

Estimation of environmental gradients by proportions of species using transfer functions is a viable and proven method. Two new methods enab ling exact point estimation of the gradients are developed. The ''mini mum distance function'', like simple transfer equations, results in a single value, whereas the ''transformed proportions method'' based on legit-transformed density functions allows additional diagnosis of the coenoclines under investigation. Depth estimations in sublittoral cor al reefs using larger foraminifers demonstrate the high precision of b oth methods.