DISTRIBUTION OF CALCAREOUS MICROFAUNA (FORAMINIFERA AND OSTRACODA) FROM THE BEACH SANDS OF KOVALAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, SOUTHWEST COAST OF INDIA

This study involves the distribution of Recent calcareous microfauna (Foraminifera and Ostracoda) from the Kovalam beach, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. A total of eleven beach sand samples were collected from three beaches of Kovalam each separated by rocky terrains. The Foraminifera and Ostracod taxa were separated from the sediments by applying standard micropaleontological techniques. Distribution pattern of individual taxon was examined and their sediment relationship was determined for environmental interpretation. The classification proposed by Loeblich and Tappan (1987) has been followed in the present study for Foraminiferal taxonomy. A total of 24 foraminifera species belonging to 14 genera, 10 families, 8 superfamilies and 3 suborders has been recorded. The classification proposed by Hartmann and Puri (1974) has been followed for ostracods, and 16 ostracod taxa belonging to 14 genera, 10 families, 3 superfamilies and 2 suborders have been identified. The sedimentological parameters such as CaCO3, organic matter and sand-silit-clay ratio estimation were calculated using the standard procedures. The carapaces and open valves ratio are studied, predation on foraminiferal tests and ostracod carapaces is noticed, and their ecological implications are discussed.