Annual Report 2004:

The Paleogene Planktonic Foraminifer Working Group has nearly completed their work on the Eocene Atlas of Planktonic Foraminifera and will submit it to the Cushman Foundation Special Publication editor during Fall 2004.The biostratigraphy, taxonomy, and phylogenetic systematics of Eocene planktonic foraminifera are treated in an illustrated atlas format including 134 plates, with 11 families, 24 genera (two of which are new), and 162 species of Eocene planktonic foraminifera described and illustrated. Scanning electron micrographs of the type specimens of 127 species are illustrated for the first time, providing new insight to the shell architecture and wall texture, particularly for species that had been poorly illustrated.The phylogenetic relationships of all species of Eocene planktonic foraminifera are reviewed and presented in phylogenetic range charts. Analysis of wall textures, based on well-preserved material, provides the basis for the higher taxonomy.The biostratigraphic occurrences of all species of Eocene planktonic foraminifera are reviewed. New modifications to the standard (sub) tropical and Antarctic zonations, and a new nomenclature for these zones are also proposed.
Report by Paul Pearson, Chairman and Brian Huber, Secretary.