Living benthic foraminifera in the Lagoon of Venice (Italy): Population dynamics and its significance

An analysis of the distribution and dynamics of living benthic foraminifera was carried out in the central portion of the Lagoon of Venice between November 1992 and September 1994 through monthly sampling at 12 selected sites. The comparison between population dynamics and biotic and abiotic factors allows for an understanding of the foraminifera response to changes in physical and chemical aspects. The distribution of living assemblages allows distinction between lagoon areas with high productivity, characterized by prevailing indigenous species, and areas with low productivity as those with allochthonous species prevailing. Living assemblages appear to be controlled by phytoplankton and interspecific competition. The comparison between living and total assemblages seems to confirm, in the study area, a present evolution to more marine conditions.