This thesis is primarily concerned with the application of
numerical methods of taxonomic analysis to some Silesian goniatite
assemblages. The taxa investigated here have been regarded in the
past as belonging to the families Homoceratidae, Reticuloceratidae
and Gastrioceratidae, plus the genus Homoceratoides. These are
studied throughout their range, which is from the base of the Chokierian
stage, Namurian, to the base of Westphalian C. British
faunas are concentrated upon, but it is also of interest to investigate
relationships with overseas faunas.
The history of research into Silesian goniatites is discussed,
and a brief account is given of the geological background to the
subject, from which the precise difficulties and points of interest
become apparent. The various taxonomic techniques which have been
and are used in palaeontology are critically examined, and it is
concluded that orthodox methodologies are inadequate for the present
task. The statistical technique of cluster analysiS is, however,
found to be suitable, and a new system of taxonomic analysis of
goniatites is developed, based on phenetics. Methods of arriving
at objective morphospecific divisions, higher taxonomic divisions,
specimen determinations and phylogenies are devised and described.
These techniques are then applied to data collected from the
various goniatite faunas, and a complete and new systematic scheme
is derived. British morphospecies are redescribed and all relevant
genera have required redefinition. A new genus is described (Otleyoceras),
and new species are described of Homoceras, Vallites,
Homoceratoides, Otleyoceras, Bilinguites, Cancelloceras, Agastrioceras
and Gastrioceras.
The variation within faunas is described graphically and is
found to have parallels with diverse other ammonoid groups. The
mode of evolution is discussed, although the evidence is found to
be ambiguous. and speculative phylogenies are proposed.
Finally. some examples are given of how numerical analYSis
can be useful in biostratigraphy.