“…In sub-assemblage IIB, the simultaneous presence of oligotrophic (G. ruber alba, G. ruber rosea, G. rubescens, G. trilobus/sacculifer group, O. universa and G. siphonifera) and eutrophic (G. bulloides, N. pachyderma, T. quinqueloba and G. glutinata) species certifies the seasonal contrast according to the available food supply, which characterizes this sub-assemblage. The factor of seasonality is also reinforced by the continuous presence (even in small amounts; 0.20-3.90%, average 2.05%) of G. glutinata, since this species can survive both in oligotrophic surface, and in more eutrophic waters by changing its diet from diatoms to crysophytes (Hemleben et al, 1989). Finally, in sub-assemblage IIC the significantly high percentages of the species belonging to the SPRUDTS group, and the presence of the species G. inflata and N. pachyderma (Hemleben et al, 1989; allow us to assess the role of water column stratification.…”