Systematic-ecological aspects of Radiolaria with special reference to Acantharia

Abstract

The systematic position of Radiolaria and Acantharia and the theses for and against the separation into two distinct groups have been taken into consideration.

Information is provided on their distribution and ecology considering both the data in early literature and the more recent research on the subject.

In particular a synthesis of the results has been made relative to the distribution of the Acantharia in the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Data are also given on the distribution of Acantharia in the Atlantic Ocean and the first conclusions of a statistical ecological analysis relating to different areas of the Atlantic Ocean.