EXTINCTION OF THE FORAMINIFERAL GENUS LEPIDOCYCLINA AND THE MIOCENE-PLIOCENE BOUNDARY PROBLEM IN FIJI

Recently reported occurrences of Lepidocyclina in Upper Miocene strata of Indonesia and the southwest Pacific are evaluated, and the Late Miocene to Pliocene sedimentary succession in southern Viti Levu is described. Supposedly anomalous associations of larger foraminifera and plankton in Middle and Upper Miocene strata of Fiji are considered and discounted. We conclude that Lepidocyclina radiata (Martin) ranges up into the lower part of Zone N19 in this area, and that it was one of the last species of the genus to become extinct; the Tertiary f g and Miocene/Pliocene boundaries are therefore regarded as virtually coincident. The Lami Limestone is accorded formation status, and a type section designated. © 1979.