Principes et methodes d'une paleoichthyologie bathymetrique
Abstract Although devoted to the study of mobile animals, palaeoichthyology is considered a relatively precise tool for determining the depth of deposition of ancient sediments. According to the composition and the geological age of the faunas to be analyzed, two palaeoautoecological methods may be used. The comparative bathymetrical method uses the bathymetrical distribution of Recent Fishes most closely related to the fossils studied. When the latter differ too greatly from Recent fishes, the use of morpho-functional analysis permits interpretation of their palaeoenvironment. Some examples are discussed.