Micropaleontology, Prof. Dr. Martin Langer

Welcome to the pages of the Micropalaeontology Working Group. Here you will find all information about us.

Our primary research areas focus on the evolutionary history and organismic paleobiology of microscopic organisms and protists (foraminifera) in particular. This interest involves the study of the ecology, biogeography, molecular phylogeny and biology of fossil and living species.

Micropaleontology is the study of microscopic organisms, including their structure, environment, evolution, and distribution as revealed by their fossil remains and their genetic code. Some of the most important groups of microfossils include: Foraminifera, Coccolithophores, Dinoflagellates, Radiolarians, Diatoms, Ostracodes, Pollen and Conodonts. Because of their high numerical abundance in rocks and sediments, microfossils are the most commonly used organisms for applied geologic and paleobiologic research.

Micropaleontological work also makes significant contributions to geology in revealing stratigraphic relationships between rock strata and determining the physical appearance and climate of the earth during past geological ages. Micropaleontologists are employed in all exploration and research departmens of the oil industry, as independant consultants, or in government agencies where they may work studying the effects and consequences of potential climate changes or anthropogenic pollution. Academic micropaleontologists hold positions at many universities and museums, where they study fundamental research problems in such diverse fields as evolution, molecular phylogenetics, paleobiology and geology.

Research Focus:

Process oriented research on recent and fossil foraminifera and ostracods
Biogeography und Biodiversity in Time and Space
Taxonomy, Morphology, Biodiversity-Hotspots
Invasive Species, Modelling of species expansion rates under conditions of global climate change
Biomonitoring, Biosteering, High-resolution Stratigraphy
Industriel Micropaleontology, Reservoir exploration
Global carbonate production

For a complete List of Publications see:

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.de/citations?user=xwWsX24AAAAJ&hl=de
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martin-Langer-3