Benthic foraminiferal response to the Cenomanian-Turonian and Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary events

The present paper summarizes previously published results of my studies on the Cenomanian-Turonian and Cretaceous-Paleogene changes in benthic foraminiferal assemblages. The recorded changes indicate that the rate and intensity of restructuring of benthic foraminiferal populations during the Cenomanian-Turonian Boundary Event (CTBE) and Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary Event (KTBE) strongly depended on the duration and severity of environmental stress. A stepwise extinction within benthic foraminiferal assemblages, a bloom of infaunal and semi-infaunal morphotypes during the CTBE and a relatively long-lasting survival interval (the Whiteinella archaeocretacea chron) most likely reflect the decline in oxygenation level of the bottom waters at the end of the Rotalipora cushmani chron and persistence of these unfavourable conditions during the Whiteinella archaeocretacea chron. A catastrophic type of mass extinction within benthic foraminiferal assemblages, extinction or temporary emigration of most of infaunal morphogroups during the KPBE and a relatively short survival interval are interpreted to be the result of a sudden breakdown in food supply as the consequence of a sudden collapse in primary productivity, probably resulting from the impact of the K-P asteroid.