"The test of Gg. (Gg.) bulloides shows considerable variation in the number and shape of chambers in the final whorl and size of the aperture. This has resulted in the erection of a number of species, ...They are all regarded here as phenotypic variants of Gg. (Gg.) bulloides." [Kennett & Srinivasan 1983]
Globigerina riveroae Bolli and Bermudez, 1965 was also included in this list however, new SEM images of the holotype indicate it has a cancellate wall, and therefore this form has been moved out of synonymy of G. bulloides [Bridget Wade, November 2017].
Globigerina foliata Bolli 1957, was not discussed by Kennett & Srinivasan 1983. Lam & Leckie (2020) use it and state "We differentiate Globigerina foliata from G. bulloides by having a smaller, much lower arched aperture that is interiomarginal with a low and indistinct lip or rim." They give it a range of Serravalian to Recent.
Catalog entries: Globigerina bulloides, Globigerina quadrilatera, Globigerina bermudezi, Globigerina megastoma cariacoensis, Globigerina foliata, Globigerina diplostoma
Type images:Distinguishing features:
Parent taxon (Globigerina): Low trochospirally enrolled, globose test; 3-5, globular chambers in final whorl. Aperture interiomarginal, umbilical, a high arch bordered by a thin rim-like lip or thick imperforate lip. Wall spinose; spines supported by spine collars which coalesce to form ridges.
This taxon: Usually 4 chambers in final whorl; Aperture a high symmetrical arch.
Character matrix
| test outline: | Lobate | chamber arrangement: | Trochospiral | edge view: | Concavo-convex | aperture: | Umbilical |
| sp chamber shape: | Globular | coiling axis: | Low-moderate | periphery: | N/A | aperture border: | Thin lip |
| umb chbr shape: | Globular | umbilicus: | Wide | periph margin shape: | Broadly rounded | accessory apertures: | None |
| spiral sutures: | Moderately depressed | umb depth: | Deep | wall texture: | Spinose | shell porosity: | Macroperforate: >2.5µm |
| umbilical or test sutures: | Strongly depressed | final-whorl chambers: | 4-4 | N.B. These characters are used for advanced search. N/A - not applicable | |||
The species is abundant in productive waters along the Equator, in temperate regions and in all upwelling regions, often showing strong seasonality [Brummer & Kucera 2022]
Map of distribution from ForCenS databaseThis species evolved from G. archaeobulloides n. sp. probably in Zone O5. See G. archaeobulloides and G. officinalis entries for previous views on G. bulloides ancestry. [Spezzaferri et al. 2018]
Molecular Genotypes recognised (data from PFR2 database, June 2017). References: Darling et al. 2000; Darling et al. 2003; Darling & Wade 2008; Morard et al. 2013; Ujiié & Lipps 2009; Seears et al. 2012; Stewart et al. 2001.
Most likely ancestor:
Globigerina archaeobulloides - at confidence level 4 (out of 5). Data source: Spezzaferri et al. 2018.
Likely descendants: Globigerina falconensis; Globigerina umbilicata;
plot with descendants
Geological Range:
Notes: Upper Oligocene (Zone O5) to Recent. In the Lakes Entrance Oil Shaft, southeastern Australia, Li and McGowran (2000) record G. bulloides as common to abundant throughout Zones P22 (O6-O7) to N17/N18 (M13b-PL1a). It is common in Zone O7 in the Atlantic Slope Project corehole, western Atlantic Ocean (this study). [Spezzaferri et al. 2018]
Last occurrence (top): Extant. Data source: present in the plankton (SCOR WG138)
First occurrence (base): within O5 zone (26.93-28.09Ma, base in Chattian stage). Data source: Spezzaferri et al. 2018
Plot of occurrence data:
Primary source for this page: Spezzaferri et al. 2018 - Olig Atlas chap.6 p.183; Kennett & Srinivasan 1983, p.36
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Globigerina bulloides compiled by the pforams@mikrotax project team viewed: 12-6-2026
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