Holocene changes on a peatland in northwestern Ontario interpreted from testate amoebae (Protozoa) analysis

Radiocarbon-dating and analyses of fossil testate amoebae (Protozoa) have established changes in soil moisture conditions on the developing surface of a Sphagnum -dominated peatland near Emo in northwestern Ontario.
The distribution and composition of modern testate amoebae communities were studied from peatlands in the region of Ontario and Minnesota as a guide to interpreting fossil assemblages. Although the core spans all of the Holocene, fossil testate amoebae were recovered only from the part post-dating 6500 BP. Earliest testate amoebae assemblages associated with bryophytic and cyperaceous-rich fen peat are dominated by species in the genera Cyclopyxis and Centropyxis . By 5000 BP, Amphitrema Jraaum, Assulina muscorum, Heleopera sphugni and Hyalosphenia subjaoa become important species as Sphagnum-rich peat accumulated at the site. Present-day microtopographic differentiation probably developed during historic time when the site became progressively drier, as indicated by a change of Nebela griseola, N. militaris and Trigonopyxis arcula . Although it is possible to derive quantitative estimates of changing soil moisture conditions from testate amoebae, care should be taken in interpreting results, particularly from non-Sphagnum-rich peats, until more is learned about the distribution and ecology of modern faunas.